[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 92 (Monday, June 3, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3157-S3158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MILWAUKEE URBAN LEAGUE

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the Milwaukee 
Urban League on its 100th anniversary. It gives me great pleasure to 
honor this remarkable organization and to commemorate this historic 
milestone.
  The Milwaukee Urban League was established in 1919 as an affiliate of 
the National Urban League, which grew out of the national quest for 
freedom and opportunity. During the emergence of the Milwaukee Urban 
League, millions of African Americans were migrating from the South to 
Northern States like Wisconsin in search of greater opportunity and a 
better quality of life. The newcomers soon learned that they had not 
escaped racial discrimination in jobs, education, and housing. By 
teaching useful skills and offering an array of resources, the 
Milwaukee Urban League sought to help African Americans through this 
difficult transition to urban life and employment in a manufacturing 
economy.

[[Page S3158]]

  Throughout its early years, the Milwaukee Urban League was 
instrumental in fighting for social justice and equal opportunity for 
African Americans. The league became a strong and dedicated voice for 
the poor and underserved by helping them obtain decent housing, acquire 
workforce training and leadership skills, find health care, and ensure 
their children had access to education and opportunity.
  Over the past century, the Milwaukee Urban League has made tremendous 
gains helping African Americans achieve their greatest potential. The 
league has continued to promote self-sufficiency through a variety of 
programs that teach professional skills. The Milwaukee Urban League has 
also demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to education and youth 
engagement. By supporting initiatives to improve the lives of those who 
are often left behind, the Milwaukee Urban League has brought about 
meaningful change in Wisconsin's largest city.
  With the great challenges still facing the African-American community 
today, Milwaukee continues to need the league's leadership, strength, 
and resilience. Despite the organization's unflagging efforts, rising 
tides have not raised all boats equally, and unacceptable disparities 
continue to exist. Wages, educational outcomes, economic conditions, 
neighborhood safety, and the opportunity to achieve the American dream 
still depend to a large degree on a person's ZIP Code or the color of 
his or her skin.
  By working together, we can ensure that African Americans and all 
community members are educated, employed, and empowered to succeed. The 
league's persistent commitment to improving opportunities for those 
trapped in poverty fosters hope for the next generation of leaders in 
Milwaukee's communities of color.
  As the Milwaukee Urban League both celebrates its accomplishments and 
reflects on its future challenges, I will be forever grateful for the 
league's achievements over the past century, and I look forward to its 
continued success in the years to come.

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