Dr. Pryor has been active in his church on a local, state, and national level, serves on many boards, and was the first chairman of the Neighborhood Legal Services in Springfield. The Urban League is the nation's oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering those who struggle to enter the economic and social mainstream. Logan He attended American International College with a football scholarship, and graduated with a B.S. The 2011 Urban League Census effectively communicates the expertise, solidity, and measurable impact of the Urban League Movement. from Howard University and attended Meharry Medical College in Tennessee. Labor Archives of Washington, University of Washington Libraries Special Collections. She also served as its executive director. 1998 Mrs. Josephine Edmonds 675 3rd Avenue, Suite 2221-30 New York, NY 10017 Cade also spearheaded all of the marketing and promotion, entertainment and stage coordination for the citywide Resurrection Sunday that took place at Symphony Hall. of Volunteers: Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS Announces New Ownership. She is responsible for administering a complex city department which provides service to youth, the elderly, consumers, community organizations, and the handicapped. In 1989, it was the beneficiary of all proceeds from the Stop the Violence Movement and their hip hop single, "Self Destruction".[13]. Degree in Civil Engineering from Syracuse Universtiy and graduated head of his class from Simmons School of Mortuary Science. The Presidents (or Executive Directors) of the National Urban League have been: Dodson, N. "New Chapter in Social Uplift." ", "The Fine Print In The 'State Of Black America' Report", "The National Urban League just released a report that shows black America has a lot to worry about under Trump", National Urban League Young Professionals Website, Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan, Labor Archives of Washington, University of Washington Libraries Special Collections. He and his wife, the former Donna Harris, have been married 39 years and are life members of Alden Baptist Church. I am committed to leading and working alongside the members of the community to remove barriers and address disparities. Contact A resident of Springfield since 1978, Zees ultimate dream was to give back to the African-American community what she had gained as a young girl. Mrs. Gouzounis was the first black student to graduate from MacDuffie School. DuPage Warren Click on the award winners name to read their biography. Helen Caulton-Harris is currently the Commissioner of the Division of Health and Human Services for the City of Springfield. He has been active in local and state politics, and serves on the boards of a number of human service agencies. Former Corporate Marketing Executive, Senior Engineer Peoria Ben Mapp was executive director of the Springfield Urban League from 1946 through 1963; and from 1965 to 1966, he was responsible for the eastern region of the country in the field of equal employment opportunity. Coles Wayne The Urban League of Springfield had its real beginning in 1913, with an idea conceived by St. Johns pastor, Reverend Dr. William N. DeBerry. Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Internal Medicine Nina Harris has been working as a President & Chief Executive Officer at Springfield Urban League for 123 years. As an artist and the creator of the long-standing Black Love Experience radio program, Swan provides community updates in educational and cultural activities and shares inspirational Black classical music. Phone: 413.739.7211. Web. It is the oldest and largest community-based organization of its kind in the nation. Photo Gallery/ With support from the community, for two years in a row she accompanied DeBerry parents, teachers and students on cultural trips to Senegal where they developed a partnership with a sister school. Mr. Gibbs has also managed a housing rehabilitation and job training agency, been an urban affairs consultant for local businesses, and was a member of the team that developed the Mason Square Revitalization Plan. Global Atlantic Financial Company, Retired He has been active in fraternal organizations and civic affairs for many years. 1993 Dr. Bryant Robinson 2009 Mr. Ronald A. Copes [15], The State of Black America is an annual report published by the league.[16][17]. No. Members/ No. Springfield College, Retired Director, Fine Arts Center Johnson served as a trusted advisor to the President & CEO inhis role as Quality Assurance Research & Reporting Officer. Executive Director: Nina M. Harris History / Macoupin They have two daughters, Denise and Darlene. He has served as Vice President of the NAACP, as a Springfield City Councilor, and as chairman of the Springfield Redevelopment Authority. Young also pushed for federal aid to cities. Her leadership supports programs that promote the physical, social and economic well-being of the community. David W. Williams. UMass Amherst, Executive Director Upon their return to Springfield in 1984, they once again immersed themselves in serving the community. At this time, with the widening of activities in the areas of job development and advocacy, an office was opened on 83 Hillman Street in the downtown business section of the city. ", Wood, L. Hollingsworth. Author: Indira Rivera Created . She was a member of the Womens Council of the City of Springfield, the Community Council of Greater Springfield, the Springfield Cultural Council, the Inner-City Council of the Boys Scouts of America, and the Board of the Urban League of Springfield. [12], The National Urban League is an organizational member of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, which advocates gun control. Retired - Vice President, Barings. He also founded the Upper State Street Development Corporation for the revitalization of Winchester Square and the 5A Program (Academic, Athletic, Arts, Achievement Association, Inc.) to provide positive alternatives for todays urban youth. After graduating as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University in Alabama, he worked hard to achieve this dream of owning his own practice, mentoring, and encouraging students to explore STEM careers. Programs / Johnson Web. From 1985 to 1986, she served as president of the U. S. Conference of Human Service Officials. During his tenure, he taught at the Homer and Washington Elementary schools. The Springfield Urban League works with the local community in order to empower them. PO Box 4634, Springfield, MA 01101-4634 . if ( number_show_ads > 0 ) { Clinton Jersey As a youth, he was taught values and the importance of community by Dr. DeBerry at the former Dunbar Boys Club. Mr. Mapp was well known in Springfield as a pioneer in the area of minority education and job opportunity, but his influence was felt on the national and international level as well. Montgomery He has served as Soutmaster for 25 years and currently is Cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 35 as well. For twenty-four years, Swan offered exemplary service as State Representative for the 11th Hampden District, the City of Springfield, Western Massachusetts Region, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, retiring this past January. Mrs. Garner also joined the local coalition of the Massachusetts Department of Educations Parent Involvement Program (PIP) and went on to link the PIMS and PIP programs in Springfield. 2022 Dr. Gerald Bruce Cutting and Carol Moore Cutting, 2021 Sylvia Humphrey-Spann; Dr. Ruth Njiiri. Stone, at 15 Elm Street on March 28, 1914. I am truly humbled, yet honored to be selected for this. She oversees the delivery of health services to over 150,000 residents. The work that I do, I do out of love for my city and especially our youth. Most recently, he was instrumental in stopping TD Bank from closing the Mason Square bank brancha closure that would have negatively impacted poor and underserved residents, particularly senior patrons. Mrs. Bettye Webb imparted her love of reading to thousands of young people during her 35-year career with the Springfield Library System. A dedicated advocate for the historical accomplishments of African-Americans, Jay is known as Scallywag Hawkins among the Living History re-enactors of the Peter Brace Brigade of the 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Springfield, IL 62703 Jo Daviess Under his direction, the League significantly expanded its multifaceted campaign to crack the barriers to black employment, spurred first by the boom years of the 1920s, and then by the desperate years of the Great Depression. Mr. Lanier is Chairman of the Board for the Urban League of Springfield, serves on the boards of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and the Community Development Corporation, and is a Trustee of the New Leadership Charter School, an advisor to Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, and past president of the Springfield Minority Business Association. Their three grown children are all college graduates. Members/ A proud Shriner, Mr. Twiggs has held many significant posts within Masonic lodges, and was recognized as Master Mason of the Year in 1999 and 2003. I was surrounded by family who believed that it was an essential part of life to actively participate in the affairs of this city.. He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts and lived in Springfield for 40 years until his death in 1979. Mr. Thomas was the first African American to chair the Springfield Fire Commission, first to lead the Springfield Police Commission, and first African American Chairman of the UMass Board of Trustees. Fax: 217-789-9838 1997 Dr. Albert C. Pryor, Jr. He is a member of St. Johns Congregational Church. 1 Federal Street Bldg. 100 North Eleventh Street GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, Inc. Attorney [9], In the wake of World War II, Black veterans who fought racial hatred overseas returned to the United States determined to fight it at home, giving new energy to the Civil Rights Movement. He was the first African American to serve as president of the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association and to serve on the Policy Board of the National Funeral Directors Association. He sponsored and had signed into law legislation that provided $5 million in aid to organizations and businesses in the minority community. He also served as cultural affairs officer for the U. S. Information Service in Lehore, Pakistan. Ben Mapp was executive director of the Springfield Urban League from 1946 through 1963; and from 1965 to 1966, he was responsible for the eastern region of the country in the field of equal employment opportunity. Springfield Urban League 100 N. 11th Street Springfield, IL 62703 Executive Director: Nina M. Harris Telephone: 217-789-0830 Fax: 217-789-9838 Website: www.springfieldul.org People Served: No. He continued as Executive Director until his resignation at the Annual Meeting on November 15, 1946. Phone: 217-789-0830 Mrs. Garner chaired the churchs Christian Education Committee, was on the board of the Springfield Council of Churches, and has been very active with the Pioneer Valley Girl Scout Council. She was then awarded a four-year scholarship from the Hampton Institute in Virginia and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Early Childhood Education. While staffing the Western Massachusetts office of U. S. Senator Edward W. Brooke, she headed the Domestic Action Program, assisted by Arthur Jones and Geraldine Bilik, to establish the Westover Air Force Base Tri-City Day Camp, which provided camp experiences for children of Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke, and summer jobs for UMass staff. Springfield, MA 01105. He was also instrumental in developing a number of projects designed to raise the level of achievement among inner-city students. Thomas, Jesse. He served as a Mayoral Aide under former Mayor of Springfield Charles V. Ryan. President & CEO - Marcus Johnson Human Resources & Finance Director - Cassondra Bacon Education & School Age Youth Programs Director - Ashley Moore Education & Pre-School Age Youth Programs Director - Harold Pursey Hardin His early career was in social work. [5], In 1920, the organization took the present name, the National Urban League. } Retired Chief of Police Katie and Bob Glasgow have lived in the Springfield area for the greater part of this half century and between the two, they volunteer for a total of 17 different local agencies. He has actively supported the Springfield community through his former employment and his many years of volunteer service. 1994 Mrs. Jeanne Bass