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The Urban League Of Long Island. Has a rich History that we should never forget. We always have to remember and give our thanks and gratitude to those who came before us.
If we want to build a better society, we must never forget where we come from our morals and values.
We would like to take the opportunity to Thank our founding members and all the wonderful people that have served this great organization over the years.
A few beautiful quotes about History..
Robert Heinlein
“A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.”
Marshall McLuhan
“Only the vanquished remember history.”
Mohandas Gandhi
“A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.”
Stephen Covey
“Live out of your imagination, not your history.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
“We are not makers of history. We are made by history.”
To be success you have to look at the past It is only by reflecting on the past that one can create a better future. Success to us is not just a girl overseas going to school – but also leading her village to a better future.
Remember the past, plan for the future, but live for today, because yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come. The future depends on what we do in the present. The past exists only in our memories, the future only in our plans. The present is our only reality.
We Are The Urban League Of Long Island. Enjoy exploring our rich History, Mission and what we plan on doing with the future of this organization. May God continue to Bless you and your families.
The Urban League of Long Island, Inc. is one of 93 affiliates of the National Urban League, the nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement empowering African Americans and other underserved individuals to achieve economic self-reliance, parity, power, and civil rights.
Founding of the National Urban League: A Vision of Unity and Equality
In the early 1900s, a period marked by rapid urbanization and significant racial challenges, two visionary leaders—Dr. George Edmund Haynes and Ruth Standish Baldwin—recognized the pressing need for an organization dedicated to improving the social and economic conditions of African Americans migrating to urban centers.
• Dr. George Edmund Haynes (1880–1960), an African American scholar and social worker, was deeply committed to addressing the challenges faced by Black communities. He was the first African American to earn a doctorate from Columbia University and served as the organization’s first Executive Director.
• Ruth Standish Baldwin (1865–1934), a Jewish White American philanthropist and social activist, was equally dedicated to social justice. She hailed from a family with a strong tradition of activism and used her resources and influence to champion the rights of African Americans.
Their collaboration led to the founding of the Committee on Urban Conditions Among Negroes on September 29, 1910, in New York City. This organization later merged with other groups to form the National Urban League in 1918, embodying the principle that progress is achieved when individuals from diverse backgrounds unite for the common good.
The Birth of the Urban League of Long Island: A Legacy of Advocacy
In 1974, inspired by the National Urban League’s mission, a group of Tuskegee Airmen employed at the Grumman Corporation became concerned about the limited job and career advancement opportunities for minorities on Long Island. Determined to eliminate workplace barriers and promote equality, they convened at the home of founding president Jean R. Esquerre. This meeting marked the inception of the Urban League of Long Island, Inc., dedicated to empowering underserved communities through education, employment assistance, and advocacy.
A Commitment to Collective Progress
From its inception, the Urban League has been grounded in the belief that collaborative efforts, transcending race and gender, are essential for societal advancement. This philosophy, championed by Haynes and Baldwin in the early 20th century, underscores the enduring truth that our nation’s greatness is fortified when we work together to uplift every individual.
Today, as we reflect on over a century of progress and challenges, the Urban League of Long Island remains steadfast in its mission to foster unity, promote equality, and open doors of opportunity for all.
Our Mission: Empowering Communities, Changing Lives
The Urban League of Long Island is a nonprofit organizationdedicated to empowering African Americans and other underserved communities by providing pathways to economic self-reliance, social parity, and civil rights.
A Commitment to All Communities on Long Island
Long Island is one of the most expensive places to live in the United States, with the cost of housing, transportation, and everyday expenses rising steadily. Many families struggle to make ends meet, often requiring two or three incomes just to cover basic living costs. At the Urban League of Long Island, we recognize these challenges and are committed to providing resources, programs, and advocacy to ensure that all communities—regardless of race, background, or socioeconomic status—have access to opportunities for financial stability and growth.
How We Empower Long Island Residents
Workforce Development & Job Training – Helping individuals gain high-paying skills in IT, healthcare, construction, and other high-demand fields.
Entrepreneurship & Small Business Support – Providing resources for MWBE certification, business funding, and mentorship to help local businesses thrive.
Housing Assistance & Homeownership Programs – Offering first-time homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, and financial literacy workshops to create stable communities.
Youth & Education Programs – Preparing the next generation for success through mentorship, college readiness, and leadership development.
Advocacy & Civic Engagement – Fighting for equal rights, fair wages, affordable housing, and policies that support working families.
Building a Stronger, More Inclusive Long Island
At the Urban League of Long Island, we believe that when one community thrives, we all benefit. Our programs are designed to uplift families, individuals, and businesses, ensuring that everyone—regardless of race, gender, or background—has a chance to succeed.
Join Us in Creating Change
We invite you to get involved, support our mission, and be part of the movement that is shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Long Island.
Together, we can empower communities and change lives.
About the Urban League of Long Island, Inc.
The Urban League of Long Island, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and an affiliate of the National Urban League (NUL),the nation’s largest civil rights and urban advocacy group. For over 50 years, we have been dedicated to uplifting communities by providing education, workforce development, housing assistance, business support, and civic engagement programs to create a stronger, more equitable Long Island.
Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives
Our programs are designed to provide real opportunities for individuals and families to achieve economic independence, stability, and success. Whether through career training, homeownership assistance, small business support, or youth mentorship, our impact is felt across all aspects of life.
We proudly serve thousands of individuals and families each year through:
Employment & Workforce Training – Preparing job seekers with the skills, certifications, and connections they need for high-paying careers in IT, healthcare, construction, and entrepreneurship.
Youth Development & Education – Providing mentorship, college readiness programs, GED classes, and leadership training to empower the next generation.
Housing & Homeownership Assistance – Offering first-time homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, and financial literacy to ensure stable and affordable housing for families.
Small Business & Entrepreneurial Support – Assisting local Black-owned and minority businesses with MWBE certification, funding resources, and business development training.
Mental Health & Wellness – Connecting individuals to counseling, community support, and wellness programs to improve overall health and quality of life.
Civic Engagement & Advocacy – Encouraging voter education, political participation, and social justice initiatives to ensure our voices are heard in shaping policies that affect our communities.
A Vision for a Better Long Island
At the Urban League of Long Island, we believe that when we invest in people, we build stronger families, businesses, and communities. By fostering education, job training, housing stability, and economic growth, we create a future where everyone, regardless of background, has an opportunity to succeed.
Our impact is transformative, and with the support of partners, donors, and community members, we continue to expand our reach, develop innovative programs, and uplift more lives across Long Island.
Together, we are building a stronger Long Island—one opportunity at a time.
Help us to continue to fund community empowerment. For over 50 years the Urban League of Long Island has served underserved populations and people of color. We do this through our programs, projects, membership groups and volunteers.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has ever servered The Urban League of Long Island.
From our Sponsors, Partners, Vendors, Volunteers and the Board Chairs, Board oi Directors and our Members.
Everyone! We are looking for people who want to serve and support our mission. We are always looking for people to help our community.
Membership: All memberships come with a Urban League of Long Island Membership Card, Official Urban League of Long Island Membership Lapel Pin, Monthly Newsletters, One (1) Year Membership and Admission to the Annual Member Meeting & Holiday Party. Cost: $250.00 for Adults Membership $100.00 Seniors 60+ $50.00 Students 16-20 Students under 15 Free All dues are tax deductible, and you will be given a receipt automatically once you pay online.
Look for the links or visit us on social media to join the Urban League of Long Island.
