04.17.24
Fostering Self-Reliance and Building Community: Q&A With the Urban League of Broward County
by: BISA Staff
This year, the BISA DE&I Committee announced a corporate partnership with the Urban League of Broward County to support their mission of sustaining thriving communities. As part of this partnership, BISA, alongside its members and leadership, donated more than $13,000 at the 2024 BISA Annual Convention.
BISA staff spoke with a representative of Urban League to understand the full impact of their mission and the significance of this partnership.
Can you provide an overview of the Urban League's role within the community?
The Urban League of Broward County is a not-for-profit organization based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Its mission is to enable African Americans and others in historically underserved communities to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights. The Urban League’s programs uplift nearly 14,000 people every year through affordable housing initiatives, youth development and diversion, employment and training, entrepreneurship, health and civic engagement.
What are some key achievements or milestones of the Urban League?
- The Urban League of Broward County is ranked among the best affiliates in the National Urban League Network and has recognized nationally as a 5-Star Affiliate for its efficacy, leadership and fiscal soundness.
- Constructed 28,000 sq. ft. Community Empowerment Center in 2012.
- Currently planning the development of 20.5 acres of affordable housing in the city of Oakland Park, FL – the largest residential community in Broward County.
What motivated the founding of your organization, and when was it founded?
In the backdrop of Fort Lauderdale's segregated landscape, the 6th Street corridor thrived as a hub of African American community life until the early 1970s when shifts in urban dynamics, including the migration of department stores westward, began to unravel its prosperity.
Against this backdrop, the Urban League of Broward County emerged in 1975, spurred by the need to address systemic discrimination, limited opportunities and simmering racial tensions. Spearheaded by community leaders like Margaret Roach and supported by organizations like Broward Community College and the United Way, the Urban League tackled issues ranging from employment disparities to housing discrimination. Over the years, under leaders like Leonard D. Gainey and Donald Bowen, the organization expanded its programs, engaged in advocacy and sought to uplift marginalized communities — particularly in the neglected 33311 zip code area. Despite persistent challenges documented in community surveys, the Urban League remains committed to its mission, adapting to changing social and economic landscapes to pursue equity and opportunity for Broward County's African American population.
How is the Urban League of Broward County unique in comparison to other chapters?
The Urban League of Broward County uniquely serves as the lead administrative agent for seven other Urban League affiliates throughout Florida including Greater Miami, Palm Beach, Tallahassee, Central Florida, Pinellas, Hillsborough County and Jacksonville. In addition, the Broward affiliate uniquely focuses on six pillars of service: education, entrepreneurship, jobs, justice, housing and health.
What are your key initiatives for the year?
In the upcoming year, our key initiatives are centered on empowering individuals and communities for sustainable success. We aim to prepare young people for post-secondary education and successful careers by providing them with essential skills and resources. This includes offering training and certification courses that lead to gainful employment, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the job market. Additionally, we recognize the importance of financial literacy and stability, which is why we will be offering money management tools to help individuals prepare and invest for their future.
In line with our commitment to holistic well-being, we will also focus on equipping families with valuable resources and guidance towards healthy living, ensuring they have access to the support they need to lead fulfilling lives. Furthermore, we understand the significance of fostering economic empowerment within marginalized communities. To this end, we will invest in the development of small minority and women-owned businesses, providing them with the necessary resources and support to thrive. Lastly, addressing housing insecurity is a crucial component of our agenda.
Through equitable community development and homeownership initiatives, we aim to create pathways to stable housing and address the systemic barriers that perpetuate housing inequality. In addition to our core initiatives, we are dedicated to promoting racial equity across all aspects of our work, recognizing the systemic injustices that have historically marginalized communities of color.
How will your partnership with BISA support these initiatives?
Our partnership with BISA will be instrumental in supporting these initiatives by leveraging their expertise and resources to amplify our impact and reach more individuals and communities in need. It is through such programs and partnerships that we will actively address disparities and strive to create a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone.
In addition to our commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, we are excited about the fruitful outcomes anticipated through our partnership with BISA. By joining forces, we foresee greater synergy and collaboration, leading to enhanced effectiveness and reach in addressing pressing social and economic challenges. Together, we believe our partnership will yield tangible results, enabling us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. As an organization, our impact extends far beyond the programs we offer. We are dedicated to fostering lasting change and building a more just and equitable society for generations to come.
Learn more about the Urban League of Brower County and consider making a donation to support their mission.