He also served as cultural affairs officer for the U. S. Information Service in Lehore, Pakistan. of Employees: No. The program was recognized nationally as the best use of government funds for inner-city children. [9], In the wake of World War II, Black veterans who fought racial hatred overseas returned to the United States determined to fight it at home, giving new energy to the Civil Rights Movement. In 1990, Westfield State College awarded him a Doctorate of Community Service Degree and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center presented him with their Achievement Award in Education in 1995. In deep appreciation for her decades of exemplary service to this subcommittee, honoring people of African decent from Greater Springfield, the African Hall Subcommittee celebrates Sylvia Humphrey-Spann, Emerita, and thanks her for all she has done to celebrate the greatness of Black Springfield with the Ubora and Ahadi awards. While growing up in Richmond, Virginia, Zee loved libraries and was always surrounded by books. Vermillion Most recently, he was instrumental in stopping TD Bank from closing the Mason Square bank brancha closure that would have negatively impacted poor and underserved residents, particularly senior patrons. Her proudest accomplishment has been serving as president of the Academic Athletic Arts Achievement Association, known as 5A Football, since 1997. He has raised substantial funds for the Dunbar Community Center, the Urban League of Springfield, and other community-based agencies. 111-3. (You can unsubscribe anytime), TuesdaySaturday: 105 St. Clair We provide programs to support and assist the community in emergency situations, including Emergency Food & Shelter programs. Jersey Urban League of Springfield celebrates 107th anniversary MassMutual $500,000 donation to Urban League of Springfield will help promote equality Massachusetts Business News on MassLive.com >>> Web. Livingston In 2015, she was selected as one of the 100 Outstanding Women of Color from Western Massachusetts and Connecticut. Born and raised in Springfield, Ms. Jordan received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and her Masters Degree in Human Resource Development from AIC in Springfield. He is the first and only African-American member of the DNC from Massachusetts. Dr. Pryor has been active in his church on a local, state, and national level, serves on many boards, and was the first chairman of the Neighborhood Legal Services in Springfield. Currently serving in the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the Eleventh Hampden, consisting of Springfield: Ward 2: Precinct H, Ward 3: Precinct A, Ward 4, Ward 5: Precincts A, B, E, F, Ward 6: Precinct E, Ward 7: Precinct A, Ward 8: Precinct C, he is also a member of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. State of Massachusetts, VP, Inclusion & Community Engagement Explore our social media channels and discover more about the outstanding work that we are doing in the Central Illinois community. He has two teenage sons. Sangamon Mrs. Gouzounis was the first black student to graduate from MacDuffie School. Marcus Johnson is a dynamic professional with demonstrated experience in supporting the complex economic, health and educational challenges in our community, stated Karen Davis, Chairperson of the Board of Directors. The work that I do, I do out of love for my city and especially our youth. The Presidents (or Executive Directors) of the National Urban League have been: Dodson, N. "New Chapter in Social Uplift." Clarence M. Pendleton, Jr., was, from 1975 to 1981, the head of the Urban League in San Diego, California. After graduating as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University in Alabama, he worked hard to achieve this dream of owning his own practice, mentoring, and encouraging students to explore STEM careers. This historic event occurred in 1921, when the birth of the St. Carol Moore Cutting became the first woman in Massachusetts and the first African American in all New England to have been granted a Construction Permit to build, own and continuously operate a FM radio station. [8], Jones played a significant role in President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration, taking leave from the League to head the Department of Commerce unit for the study of "Negro problems", and serving as part of a group of African-American advisors known as the "Black Cabinet". She has been known to privately make up a lower price for someone who was unable to afford the book at its retail cost. He is also co-founder of the Stone Soul Festival and has served as Program Chairman since its beginnings twenty-five years ago. I am committed to leading and working alongside the members of the community to remove barriers and address disparities. Contact After 20 years working as a human resources director for several large corporations, Ms. Zee Johnson is currently Director of Programs at Dunbar Community Center. The National Urban League is a historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization with 90 affiliates serving 300 communities, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than two million people nationwide. The National Urban League, formerly known as the National League on Urban Conditions Among Negroes, is a nonpartisan historic civil rights organization based in New York City that advocates on behalf of economic and social justice for African Americans and against racial discrimination in the United States. 2016 Helen Caulton-Harris Massac Marshall 111-3. Moultrie Mrs. Josephine Edmonds has played a pivotal role in bringing the work of black artists to Springfield and helping them gain recognition for their talents. He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts and lived in Springfield for 40 years until his death in 1979. She also serves on the board of Camp Atwater and volunteers for other community organizations. His ability as an athlete has earned him induction into the Springfield High School Sports Hall of Fame (for football, track, and gymnastics), and the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame (Henry Butova Award). Upon their return to Springfield in 1984, they once again immersed themselves in serving the community. Springfield Urban League CEO Nina Harris President & Chief Executive Officer Phone Email See Profile Key Employees of Springfield Urban League Harold Pursey Early Head Start Executive Director Phone Email Cassondra Bacon Director, Finance & Human Resources Phone Email Todd Stuckey Director, Information Technology Phone Email Santita Nunn Although the store officially closes at 5 p.m., Zee often keeps it open longer, never telling shoppers that the store has closed. Contact. Proudly powered by Oevae Marketing Consultants. Members/ Mrs. Garner chaired the churchs Christian Education Committee, was on the board of the Springfield Council of Churches, and has been very active with the Pioneer Valley Girl Scout Council. Bureau Cook He makes certain there is a place at the table for those who do not otherwise have a chance to say their piece. Mr. W. Robert McDonald, Sr., is a lifelong member of the Springfield community. 2021 Robert Cee Jackson Thomas, Jesse. He has a doctorate from Creighton along with degrees from Southern Illinois University and Tuskegee University. She oversees the delivery of health services to over 150,000 residents. In 2005, she and her husband began Over the Top: The Ballroom Dance Project for 5th graders. He worked to reenergize the movement's diverse constituencies by building on the legacy of the organization and increasing the profile of the organization. Listing of the NYUL Board of Directors and Staff. Jan 25 1942. Dodds became a fourth- and fifth-grade elementary school teacher within the Springfield Public Schools. She is also the chairwoman of the Springfield Election Commission, and she served for two years a s moderator for the City of Hope: Empowering Parents Summit which featured Dr. Bill Cosby as the keynote speaker. In 1981, U.S. President Ronald W. Reagan tapped Pendleton as the chairman of the United States Commission on Civil Rights, a position which he held until his sudden death in 1988. Last edited on 24 December 2022, at 03:00, Learn how and when to remove this template message, racial discrimination in the United States, "Notable Kentucky African Americans Database", "The National Urban League's State of Black America Townhall: How Far Have We Really Come? Subscribe Today 2015 Henry Thomas Cade served as the Vice President of the Academic Athletics Arts Achievement Association, affectionately known as 5A Football, for over twenty years. Mr. Chester Gibbs has had a lifelong commitment to promoting social and economic equality, both in his professional and personal life. Randolph He also did Postgraduate work in cardiology at Harvard Medical College, Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and other hospitals, and was certified as physician-in-chief at Springfield Hospital, president of the Springfield Academy of Medicine, and college Physician at Western New England College. Mrs. Lanier serves on the boards of the Greater Springfield YMCA and the Springfield Chapter of Girl Friends, Inc., and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Macon Marion National Urban League Joi O. Chaney Executive Director, Washington Bureau Senior Vice President, Policy & Advocacy . On November 15, 1950, the League went through its final name change; from Dunbar Community League to the Urban League of Springfield, Inc. With the purchase of the property on Oak Street in 1948, the Urban League moved its offices to 33 Oak Street, where they remained until 1962. Get the word out about the Springfield Urban League by donating a . He has served in volunteer leadership positions for St. Johns Congregational Church, the Mason Square Development Corporation, the Friends of the Homeless, and other civic groups. Swan graduated from the former Springfield Technical High School. Mr. Jordan is one of five founding members of the former Harambee Holiday week, an annual festival held to foster pride, dignity and accomplishment in the black community. In 1989, it was the beneficiary of all proceeds from the Stop the Violence Movement and their hip hop single, "Self Destruction".[13]. Empowered through education and pre-school programs with the support of partners and using pre-school educational programming, this Division prepares students for academic success by providing various learning initiatives. [14] The TV Town Hall elevated social issues related to African Americans through an interview style format with celebrity guests. She also served as its executive director. Regulatory Actuarial Policy Mrs. Bettye Webb imparted her love of reading to thousands of young people during her 35-year career with the Springfield Library System. Menard from Howard University and attended Meharry Medical College in Tennessee. Jerald Jay Griffin is one of sixteen children, nine boys and seven girls, born to Andrew and Geraldine Griffin. David W. Williams. Partners / if ( number_show_ads > 0 ) { The organization uses sports as a vehicle to provide academic assistance, leadership development, and mentoring to more than 360 young people each year. Pendleton sought to steer the commission into the conservative direction in line with Reagan's views on social and civil rights policies.[11]. He has been a Big Brother and mentor to Melvin, age 17, since 1991. Her leadership supports programs that promote the physical, social and economic well-being of the community. The PIMS/PIP coalition of parents and schools introduced the first National African American Parent Involvement Day as an annual event held during Black History Month. Privacy Policy. In 1979, the Urban League Guild renamed its scholarship fund in his honor. The program exposes children to a variety of art forms and performing opportunities. Mr. McDonald served on the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Minority Recruitment Task Force and became a Big Brother himself after he retired as a state banking examiner. Helen Caulton-Harris is currently the Commissioner of the Division of Health and Human Services for the City of Springfield. He has been active in fraternal organizations and civic affairs for many years. Wayne We want to hear from you! Madison Nina Harris Current Workplace. Afro-American (18931988): 2. I was surrounded by family who believed that it was an essential part of life to actively participate in the affairs of this city.. She began her tenure with the affiliate in 1990 as a member of its board of directors. As an elementary school teacher and later as a probation officer, he helped many young people establish positive life goals. Phone: 217-789-0830 Cutting is the first and only African American person to own and operate a veterinary hospital and clinic in Western Massachusetts. Cutting serves on the Board of Directors and is the North Atlantic Regional Representative addressing` the specific concerns that face African American broadcasters. About the year 1930, St. Johns Institutional Activities officially severed its connection with St. Johns Church and adopted the name of the Dunbar Community League. Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas, LLP, Attorney Ben Mapp died in 1987, but his legacy lives on. Both Bob and Katie are retired after 41 years on the job Bob worked for the U. S. Postal Service, and Katie worked as a histology technician at Noble, Ludlow, and Baystate Hospitals. In 2008, Zee received a grant to purchase books for kids and developed several reading groups for children in different age groups. His list of affiliations, awards, and honors is truly impressive and reflects the extent of his community involvement and the high regard in which he is held by so many in the Springfield area. His principalship at William N. DeBerry from 1970 through 1984 was the first time an African-American male served as an elementary principal in the city. Sunday: 115 [citation needed], Today, the National Urban League has 90 affiliates serving 300 communities, in 37 states and the District of Columbia. Taj Mahal also received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Ike opposite Cicely Tyson and Paul Winfield in Sounder 1 and Sounder II and was featured in the 1976 television biography of Scott Joplin. Springfield, MA 01105. A proud Shriner, Mr. Twiggs has held many significant posts within Masonic lodges, and was recognized as Master Mason of the Year in 1999 and 2003. The Garners formed a local PIMS chapter with the goal of stressing the importance of math and science for African American students. 2007 Ms. Denise R. Jordan He has served as Vice President of the NAACP, as a Springfield City Councilor, and as chairman of the Springfield Redevelopment Authority. Davis continued, Over his tenure at the Springfield Urban League, he hasdeveloped programs that enhance community, state, and federal relationships and secured multiple funding streams in alignment with the organizations strategic goals and the communitys needs.. 1999 Mr. Chester Gibbs [1] It is the oldest and largest community-based organization of its kind in the nation. Ronald E. Harrell has been honored with the 14th annual Ubora Award for his longstanding work with Boy Scout Troop 35, the only predominantly African-American troop in Massachusetts outside of Boston. She is the first woman to be installed as President and Chief Executive of the Springfield Urban League Inc., appointed to the position in February 2004. Programs / Retired - Campus Director UConn Hartford. He was the first Western Massachusetts resident to serve on this commission as well as on the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency. He received his B.A. Still actively involved in the community, Mrs. Troutman-Simmons currently volunteers on a committee to aid Somalian refugees, and recently completed ser4vice on the boards of the Mental Health Association and Kimball Condominiums. 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