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Urban League Celebrates Another Successful Year

Urban League volunteers Harvey Rice (at podium) and Lillian Whitlow (right)
were honored as volunteers of the year at the annual meeting
of the Urban League of Portland.

Staff and volunteers at the Urban League of Portland gathered at its annual meeting to celebrate another successful year of serving the community.

Highlighting accomplishments in programs that focus on housing, supporting seniors, job training, and mentoring for students, Isaac Dixon, chairman of the board, says the Urban League is planning to strengthen outreach and advocacy activities in the community. The Urban League offers a wide range of programs for seniors, students, families and individuals in the African-American community.

Urban League directors and volunteers were on hand to talk about how programs are growing and changing to respond to the needs of the community. “As our population gets older, we have increased the number of seniors served by 35%,” said D’Norgia Price, Senior Services Director. She invited volunteers to share their talents and time with seniors at the Urban League.

Howard Moriah, Director of Education, reported on the success of the Urban League’s spring break program and plans for a summer academy. At George Middle School, the Urban League worked with 30 students who demonstrated improved academic performance.

Advocacy

The Urban League of Portland is the area’s oldest and most established community-based movement for social and economic empowerment, said Midge Purcell, Coordinator of Public Affairs, who reported on civic engagement activities of the organization. “Our advocacy strategy: empowering people to take an active role in determining the direction of their community by full participation as voters, activists and leaders,” she says.

In the past year, the Urban League has been actively involved in diversity and civic engagement through voter registration and education, candidates’ forums, and town hall meetings with elected officials. Beginning July 26, the Urban League will host leadership training sessions designed to provide skills for up-and-coming leaders and advocates for the African-American community.

“Our goal is to have African-Americans and other people of color more visibly represented in the halls of power in City Hall, county government and state legislature,” she says.

For the first time in 17 years, the Urban League will launch a report on the “State of Black Oregon.” The report, to be released in the fall, will illustrate trends and statistics about African-Americans in areas such as education, access to health care, economic opportunities, employment, the criminal justice system, wealth creation, and more.

“We hope to use the report as an effective information tool for Portlanders and Oregonians.” said Marcus Mundy, President and CEO. “We will put forward recommendations and an action agenda for change.”

Honoring Volunteers

Volunteers Harvey Rice and Lillian Whitlow were honored for their contributions to the Urban League of Portland. Rice, who is now retired, serves as a backup volunteer driver for the senior transportation program. He also teaches computer classes for seniors who participate in classes at the Multicultural Senior Center.

As part of the Portland Federation of Women’s Organizations, Lillian Whitlow has advocated for the Urban League’s Ride Connections program since its inception. The PFWO provides annual support for Ride Connection.

“This is the best of times, these are the worst of times,” said Urban League CEO and President Marcus Mundy, referring to the accomplishments of the Urban League in the past year, and challenges that lie ahead.

“Over the last decade, the Urban League of Portland has gone through a lot, and we’re stronger than we’ve ever been. It’s the worst of times because we live in the real world. With the economic downturn, our communities are being affected in real and dramatic ways. It’s going to be a tough next few years, and we can only get through it by helping each other.”
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