Profile: Urban League Palm Beach County

The mission of the Urban League movement is to help African Americans and other minorities attain social and economic equality. The fundamental objective of the Urban League is to enable those who are striving toward the mainstream to achieve economic self-reliance and to enjoy their rights as equal citizens under the law. Our three-pronged strategy for doing so is:

• Ensuring the academic preparation and social development of the children so that they are equipped for self-reliance and citizenship in the 21st century
• Fostering economic self-sufficiency for their parents through gainful employment, entrepreneurship and home ownership
• Promoting racial harmony and inclusion so that the opportunities inherent in the structure of American society are open to those we serve

The Urban League carries out this mission at the local, state and national levels by:

• Providing direct services that help individuals and communities help themselves
• Collaborating with compatible organizations and building bridges between all segments of society
• Conducting research and policy analysis
• Engaging in principled advocacy, community mobilization, social marketing and communications on behalf of those we serve

With the generous support of individuals, United Way, foundations, corporations and public agencies over the years, the League is able to pursue this vital work and fulfill its mission.

In August of 1971, a group of interested citizens congregated to discuss the possibility of organizing an Urban League of Palm Beach County.  From the initial meetings came the following:

1. A Formal steering committee
2. A letter to the National Urban League Headquarters, requesting assistance
3. A visit from the Executive Director of the Miami Urban League, Mr. T. Willard Fair
4. The assigning of Mr. Kerns, National Urban League’s Southern Regional Office, to assist the West Palm Beach group in its initial organizational activities

The Steering Committee met numerous times during 1972 to discuss fundraising, membership, by-laws, publicity and incorporation.  During the latter part of 1972, the American Red Cross provided the office space at 825 Fern Street and furniture was provided by RCA.

In November 1972, a Palm Beach County delegation met with Vernon Jordan in Miami, Florida to formulate affiliation plans.  Nearing the close of 1972 and in the first quarter of 1973, meetings were held on a monthly basis to discuss incorporation plans, fund-raising and membership.

The Urban League of Palm Beach County received it Articles of Incorporation May 1, 1973.

In January 1974, a request was received for the affiliate committee to appear in New York City on February 25, 1974 for the National Urban League Conference.  The committee was advised that the Urban League of Palm Beach County, Inc. was officially the 102nd affiliate and the fifth Urban League in the State of Florida.

On August 1, 1974, Percy H. Lee became the first Executive Director of the Urban League of Palm Beach County, Inc.  During the months to follow, work was begun for the grand opening and establishing visibility in the community.

The Urban League of Palm Beach County, Inc. later expanded its programs within the community and had its first grand opening, hosted by Vernon Jordan in February 1975.

The new millennium brings about change and community involvement with the Urban League of Palm Beach County, Inc.  Today, we are proud to service the Palm Beach County communities through:  Youth Development & Education, Developmental Services, Community Empowerment, and Housing Programs.