[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 120 (Monday, October 2, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H8596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNITION OF THE URBAN LEAGUE ON ITS 89TH BIRTHDAY
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to give
special recognition to a premier social service and civil rights
organization that has fought the relentless fight for African Americans
in the achievement of social and economic equality.
Historically, this organization has built bridges over the
obstructions that impede the social freedom of citizens. Time and time
again, this organization has been in the vanguard, providing guidance
and instruction to millions.
As a principal shepherd, this organization has been a conduit that
has negotiated on behalf of the voiceless and neglected. But most of
all, this organization has contributed enormously towards inoculating
the disease of institutionalized racism which continues to negatively
impact many in America.
The organization of which I speak is the National Urban League as it
prepares to celebrate its 89th birthday.
From the moment of its inception in 1911, the National Urban League
has been in the forefront of promoting social change, promoting black
conscientiousness and racial pride.
Furthermore, the National Urban League has been contributing to the
transformation of American social, cultural, and political life.
{time} 1930
The National Urban League consistently has been on the front line to
gauge pressure, temper ills and provide solutions over adverse forces
that permeate all sectors in our society.
During the Great Migration, the National Urban League created
successful social action programs aimed towards improving employment
opportunities for African Americans who migrated northward to escape
the endless cycle of poverty that held their lives hostage. The
National Urban League successfully helped these citizens by working
through local affiliates to help them adjust to urban life. These
affiliates taught citizens the basic skills necessary to secure
employment. In addition, the National Urban League sponsored community
centers, clinics, kindergartens, day care, summer camps, as well as a
host of other programs tailored to meet the specific needs of black
newcomers. In essence, these social programs provided a comprehensive
social support system that enabled African Americans to thrive and
compete in mainstream society. Thus, the National Urban League firmly
established itself as a lead organization for reform in America.
Under Lester B. Granger's mentorship, the National Urban League
reached unprecedented new levels during the Great Depression. By
focusing its reform efforts on coercing the Federal Government to
develop equitable policies dedicated towards inclusion for blacks, the
National Urban League lobbied government to end discrimination and open
its doors of opportunity. As a result of direct pressure, President
Franklin Roosevelt issued an executive order ending discrimination in
defense industries and Federal agencies.
While the face of America was transforming in the turbulent 1960s,
the National Urban League stood strong and helped organize extensively
to help African Americans take an active role in the political process.
Under the direction of Whitney Young, Jr., the National Urban League
launched vigorous voter registration drives. Mr. Young's vision of
political empowerment for blacks did not end there. To complement
efforts to increase blacks' access to the polling booth, the National
Urban League sponsored leadership development and voter registration
projects. As a result of these and other initiatives, African Americans
as a unit began to wield their newly developed, fine-tuned political
prowess far more effectively in the political process.
Today, the National Urban League continues to promote social,
economic, and political empowerment. By using tools of advocacy,
research, and program service as its main approach, the National Urban
League has expanded its programs to help African Americans meet
anticipated challenges in the new century.
Under the direction of Hugh Price, the National Urban League has
worked to provide information and technical assistance to thousands of
small businesses as they compete in the technological and global
economy. In addition, the National Urban League is helping to tackle
the sprouting problems that seize our Nation's failed schools. Mr.
Price is committed to closing the digital divide that has a crippling
effect on our Nation's youth.
Furthermore, the National Urban League continues to lead African
Americans to new opportunities that will help them attain economic
self-sufficiency and is helping to fight racial profiling and police
brutality. Through its various programs, the National Urban League is
helping to move America into a new era with vigor and vitality.
I could not mention the work of the Urban League without mentioning
the tremendous work done by the Chicago Urban League under the
leadership of its president and chief executive officer, James Compton,
who is noted as one of Chicago's most outstanding leaders. Prior to the
advent of Jim Compton, the Chicago League was led by William ``Bill''
Berry who was voted as one of the most effective leaders of his day.
His wit, charm, and personality helped to move many situations.
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