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[[image]] The National Urban League's 75th Anniversary 1910-1985 Our Founders Day Message Our deepest appreciation goes out to all of those who have joined us here in New York City, and in other cities across the country at other observances, to mark the founding of the National Urban League 75 years ago. We are especially indebted to St. Mark's United Methodist Church and its pastor, the Rev. Robert Smith, and its governing officers, for opening the doors of this venerated institution for our Founders Day Observance. When we look back at the earliest days of the National Urban League, we are still moved by the foresight of our founders, their commitment to what was then a not very popular cause, and by their optimistic view that caring people could make a difference. The passing years have justified that optimism. We have gone through many trying periods when the flame of hope burned ever so low, and yet the National Urban League has prevailed and in the process has helped millions of our brothers and sisters achieve richer and more meaningful lives. We believe our founders would be pleased at what has happened to their ideas in these 75 years. Their faith has been kept. Today, as we honor our past, we are also very cognizant of the challenges that face us today and will be with us tomorrow. While we revere our yesterdays, we know that we are a long way from reaching the end of the road where equal opportunity for every single American is a reality, just as we know we can never relent in the struggle. From its modest beginning in 1910, the National Urban League has grown into a national movement with its national headquarters here in New York City, four regional offices, and Washington (D.C.) Operations which includes its Research Department, and most important, 113 affiliates in 34 states and the District of Columbia. Through these affiliates, the National Urban League serves well over a million people every year through a wide variety of direct service programs in such critical areas as employment, job training, housing, health and education–to cite several examples. It also serves as an advocate speaking forcefully and acting effectively on issues of importance to blacks, other minorities and the poor. Its research is respected across the width and breadth of the land, and it labors ceaselessly to build stronger links of interracial understanding and cooperation. Here in New York City, the New York Urban League, under the very capable leadership of its president, Harriet Michel, continues to be a powerful force dedicated to the well being of the communities it serves so well. The work of the League in this city was conducted by the national office until 1913 when a local committee was formed to supervise local programs. Three years later, a Brooklyn Urban League was established and functioned jointly with the Manhattan Urban League. And then in 1942, the Urban League of Greater New York was established to serve all the boroughs of the city, as it still does. The New York affiliate has been most helpful in the formulation of the Founders Day Observance and we extend our sincere thanks. As we look back over the years, the National Urban League can point to many accomplishments. It has pioneered in any number of areas and at the same time it has maintained its vigor, so that at 75, it is in the prime of its life. There is much to be thankful for as we open our Diamond Jubilee Year, and one of the most important things of all are the thousands and thousands of men and women, of all races, all religions and all political persuasions, who have served and supported this agency throughout the years. They are the real heroes and heroines of our story and their number is legion. This would not have been so had the National Urban League not justified this confidence. On this memorable occasion, we pause to reiterate our pledge to work tirelessly with all the strength and resources we can muster to answer the needs of those who turn to us for help. We remain, as always, totally committed to an open, integrated, pluralistic society. At this point in our history, in addition to our traditional programming activities, we have taken on the challenge of doing something positive about a handful of critical problems that are threatening the stability of all too many black families, and in turn the stability and vitality of our communities. These are the problems of teenage pregnancy, single female heads of households, crime, education, and voter education, and political participation. The solutions pose great difficulty but we are confident that the black community has the institutional and voluntary resources to be effective in this great task. We believe that we can build on the black traditions of discipline, struggle and concern for family stability. For among the strengths of black families is the strong interest we have in family stability, in acting responsibly, and in preserving the viability of the family unit. With 75 years behind us, the National Urban League faces the future strengthened by the knowledge that it will continue to be in service to the people. Thank you for joining us. John E. Jacob President and Chief Executive Officer National Urban League, Inc. January 27, 1985 413
