Charlotte-Mecklenburg Urban League records

Collection — Box: SFC3 [F09.090.03.01], Folder: 283

Identifier: MS0283

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Records of a multi-service, non-profit agency, organized in 1978 to promote economic self-sufficiency among African American families and to seek racial inclusion in Mecklenburg County (N.C.) communities. Contains miscellaneous records of the Urban League for the year 1981 only, including membership reports and lists, financial reports, and an affiliate assessment report.

Dates

Creation: 1981

Creator

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Urban League (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the patron's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.

Biographical / Historical

In 1978, a sponsoring committee was created to explore the need for an urban league in Charlotte. The thrust for the committee was supported and initiated by a wide variety of interested citizens and groups, the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, and local elected officials. A study, conducted by Dr. Jonathan Benson of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and Dr. C.D. Rippy of Johnson C. Smith University, concluded that there was a strong need for an organization that would give priority attention to minority needs, particularly in the jobs and skill-training area.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Urban League was incorporated November 6, 1978, and began offering services in November 1979. The objectives set forth in 1978 are still the primary focus of the Urban League and its supporters. The organization identified three priority program areas for the 1990s: employment, education, and racial inclusion. The League also offers several other programs, including evening computer classes, HUD-approved mortgage counseling programs, and basic skills training.