Baltimore Urban League

The Baltimore Urban League, now known as the Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL), is a prominent nonprofit organization established in December 1924. It was originally chartered by the National Urban League, which was founded in 1910 to support Black migrants transitioning to urban life in the North.

Founding and Mission

The founding of the Baltimore Urban League was inspired by Rev. Peter Ainslie's mission to improve living conditions and job opportunities for African Americans in Baltimore following his return from the 1919 Hague Conference. Over the past century, GBUL has grown into a leading force for economic and social empowerment of African Americans in the Greater Baltimore area.

Programs and Initiatives

The organization offers a range of programs aimed at fostering economic empowerment, educational opportunities, and social justice. These include:

• Workforce Development: Provides job readiness workshops and career training to equip individuals with skills necessary for employment.
• Raymond V. Haysbert Center for Entrepreneurship: Supports business development and entrepreneurial initiatives within the community.
• Youth-Focused Programs: Includes college preparation and leadership development to empower younger generations.
• Housing and Community Development Initiatives: Focuses on creating safe, vibrant neighborhoods through housing initiatives and community projects.

Strategic Plan

In recent years, GBUL has embarked on a comprehensive 5-year strategic plan titled "Legacy Reimagined". This plan is designed to address contemporary challenges faced by African Americans, focusing on economic empowerment and social justice. It is informed by stakeholder engagement and a thorough analysis of the organization's strengths and opportunities for growth.

Centennial Celebration

In 2024, GBUL celebrated its 100th anniversary with a series of events, including a gala themed "A Century of Impact, A Future of Promise". This milestone marked a century of dedication to advancing equity and justice in the Baltimore community. The celebration highlighted past achievements and outlined the organization's vision for its next century of service.

Leadership Transition

As part of its centennial celebrations, GBUL unveiled Tykia Warden as its new CEO. Warden brings extensive experience in nonprofit management and fundraising, positioning GBUL for continued growth and impact in supporting Baltimore's Black community.

Overall, the Greater Baltimore Urban League remains a vital force in Baltimore, committed to its mission of empowering African Americans and other minorities to achieve economic self-reliance and civil rights.

[1] https://gbul.org/hundred-year-anniversary/ [2] https://afro.com/greater-baltimore-urban-league-100th-anniversary/ [3] https://gbul.org/strategic-plan/ [4] https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/national-urban-league-nul [5] https://gbul.org