Over a century ago, the Urban League movement decried the social and economic conditions of black migrants from the South, who instead of opportunity encountered a new expression of racial discrimination in urban settings.

As the vanguard of the civil rights movement, our focus has always been on education, housing and jobs. We are the ones who advocated for educational opportunity; training black social workers. We protested and organized when blacks were victimized by poor housing, substandard education and limited job opportunities. The Movement fought for an end to segregated trade unions and military.

We carry this mantle today as the Urban League of Hudson County continues this work – through a variety of support services which empower youth, adults, and seniors – with education, employment training, business development and access to affordable housing and healthcare. I hope that you find in these pages, something which moves you to become involved, financially, as a volunteer, or in support of these efforts to build community in your own way. We are all part of the solution.

In a community of increasingly diverse ethnicity we know that the work of eradicating poverty and building a community of hope takes all of us. I invite you to call or visit and to hear first-hand from our team of engaged professionals and community leaders who are leading from the ground up. Maybe you too have something to share so that we can all benefit.

We are the face of the Movement today. The Urban League continues on its mission of providing a principled response to persistent racism and inequality. I ask you to give as generously as you can to this critical work. We want your partnership and we hope to earn your trust as together we continue to work -empowering communities and changing lives.

Elnora Watson
President & CEO
Urban League of Hudson County