Aug 12: Urban League Celebrates Centennial

The National Urban League will celebrate its 100^th anniversary as one of the most influential community action organizations in the U.S. by hosting two leadership conferences in 2010 in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area. 

The group will mark a century of history addressing the political, educational, and social concerns of the Black community. During the past 100 years Greater Fort Lauderdale has also evolved historically, from a trading stop along the route of waterways leading out to the Atlantic Ocean to a world-class resort destination that cultivates continuing relationships with multicultural business travelers.

The National Urban League Association of Executives (AOE), which includes presidents and CEO's of branches of the organization, will meet in the area in January 2010, for the third time in the past four years.  The association focuses on workshops, programs, and policies that provide personal and professional development and leadership training for members. The Urban League's Black Executive Exchange Program (BEEP), which will convene in Greater Fort Lauderdale in June 2010, highlights leadership development and education through partnerships with more than 1000 corporations, government agencies, non- profits, and professional organizations.  BEEP is one of the longest running programs of the Urban League.  The conference will be hosted at the Harbor Beach Marriott for the next three years.

The Urban League joins a growing list of national and international African American organizations of prominence that are creating strong ties with Greater Fort Lauderdale. In 2009 alone, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses and the National Bowling Association have planned meetings. In August, 100 Black Men of America announced its upcoming 24^th annual conference in partnership with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.   

According to Albert Tucker, Vice President of Multicultural Business Development for the CVB, groups are drawn by the convenience and accessibility of location, the wide array of facilities, and the sun and fun activities for attendees and their families. "We have a lot of value to offer and the word continues to spread that Fort Lauderdale is the place to be," Tucker says. 

-Kitty Oliver, Ph.D.
 Oral Historian