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HISTORY
The Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City was founded
on Dec 19, 1946.
Urban League of Greater OKC, Inc. Historical Profile:
1946-1957…The acceptance of
Blacks as apprentices in local unions and the entrance of Black
women in local hospital-based nursing training. The first
Executive Director of the Urban League, Cenoria D. Johnson was
appointed and the Urban League was housed in the basement of the
Stiles-Street YWCA on Northeast 2nd St. and Stiles. The Urban
League efforts produced:
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The hiring of the first 12
Black Firemen
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The hiring of the first
Black Bus Drivers
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The acceptance of Blacks as
apprentices in local unions
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The entrance of Black women
in local hospital-based nursing training
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The appointment of Blacks to
major local and state boards and commissions
1958-1967…Adoption of stand alone
public housing.
1968-1977…Community Organization
Department was established to teach organizational skills to
grass roots citizens and to assist them in the “how to’s” of
political involvement and citizens’ participation. Begins
counseling and education on home ownership.
1978-1987…Programs such as the
Black Adoption Project, Equal Opportunity Day (EOD), Annual
Health Fairs, Youth Community, Media Center, and Minority Skills
Bank were established.
1988-1997…A grant from the
Department of Commerce funded the Minority Business Development
Center, which provided professional assistance to minority
people wanting to start their own business. Leonard Benton
retires as Executive Director. In 1994, launched annual Family
Fun Fest event - outdoor festival featuring health fair,
community information and old school entertainment.
1999-2005…Continuing to level
the playing field of opportunity and eliminating the
“opportunity gap” that separates the African American community
from mainstream America. Dr. Valerie Thompson is named
President/CEO. Expands housing and community development program
to include single- and multi-family home construction and
rehabilitation.
Present …Expands its operation into a
22,000 square-foot facility located at 3900 N. Martin Luther
King. Provides services to survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and
Rita. Holds first annual golf tournament event. Receives grants to provide
AIDS education and testing. Expands AT&T Digital Academy
program. Launches Gulf Coast Employment Initiative. |
