[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 14]
[House]
[Pages 20347-20348]
[From the U.S. 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

[[Page 20348]]

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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