[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 123 (Friday, July 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE URBAN LEAGUE'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY IN MADISON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2008

  Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Urban League 
for a commitment to social and economic justice in the Madison area 
that now spans four decades. When the National Urban League's affiliate 
arrived on the Southside in 1968, Madison and other larger cities had 
few support services for economically disadvantaged people. Most civil 
rights groups at the time had focused on legal barriers to equality. 
After the eventual toppling of de jure segregation and discrimination 
``on the books,'' our communities were left void of organizations and 
advocacy networks focused on the unequal economic conditions African 
Americans and other people of color still faced. Despite the shift in 
terrain, the Madison Urban League committed to fulfilling the need for 
economic programs.
  Forty years later, the Urban League of Greater Madison has retained 
and restored the commitment the Madison Urban League made at such a 
crucial point in the history of our country and our city. Today, the 
diverse staff at the Urban League of Greater Madison serves thousands 
of youth, adults, and whole families all over Dane County through a 
wide range of programs and services. Last year, 2,000 people were 
reached through various initiatives throughout the county.
  To bring to the forefront its renewed commitment to economic 
empowerment for those overlooked and underserved, the Urban League of 
Greater Madison is on the verge of breaking ground for a new Center for 
Economic Development along Park Street in front of the Villager. The 
center will be more than just another building on the Southside of 
Madison. It will be an investment in the people there. With the 
capacity to offer a more comprehensive set of programs and services 
than it can now, the Urban League of Greater Madison will be able to 
empower more citizens by relocating to and reclaiming an area that is 
ripe for revitalization.
  An anniversary celebration will be held this evening to recognize the 
achievements and legacy of the Urban League in Madison and to commence 
a new chapter in the history of the organization.
  For their commitment and service to the people of Dane County, I 
congratulate both the National Urban League and the Urban League of 
Greater Madison on this momentous milestone. Thanks to the work they 
have already done and will continue to do, we can and will achieve 
better.

                          ____________________