Their three grown children are all college graduates. Later, while juggling a job, a young family, and extensive community involvement, he earned his Masters Degree in Human Relations and Community Affairs from American International College. Ben Mapp was executive director of the Springfield Urban League from 1946 through 1963; and from 1965 to 1966, he was responsible for the eastern region of the country in the field of equal employment opportunity. Edgar Putnam Clarence M. Pendleton, Jr., was, from 1975 to 1981, the head of the Urban League in San Diego, California. Cade served as the Vice President of the Academic Athletics Arts Achievement Association, affectionately known as 5A Football, for over twenty years. He has actively supported the Springfield community through his former employment and his many years of volunteer service. He was the first Western Massachusetts resident to serve on this commission as well as on the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency. Katie Glasgow has had many varied volunteer positions at First Church of Christ, UCC including: Social Chair of the Womens Benevolent Society, Sunday School teacher and coordinator, flower deliverer to the sick, delegate to the Council of Churches, director of Cradle Roll, Chairman of the Board of Deacons, and an executive role on the Church and Ministry Committee for Hampden Association, UCC. After earning a Bachelor of Education degree from Springfield Technical College and Westfield State University, Williams continued his studies to earn a Master of Education degree from the University of Massachusetts. 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. He has a doctorate from Creighton along with degrees from Southern Illinois University and Tuskegee University. President & CEO Springfield Urban League. An avid lover of tennis, Cade taught youth tennis for decades and was instrumental in the establishment of Moving on Up with Tennis and Education in the City of Springfield. He has been active in local and state politics, and serves on the boards of a number of human service agencies. Perry Marion Mr. Thomas earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Masters of Arts Degree in Human Resource Development from American International College. Mrs. Gouzounis was the first black student to graduate from MacDuffie School. Mr. Ronald A. Copes is a retired Corporate Vice President of Community Relations from MassMutual Financial Group, where he led the companys community outreach programs and charitable giving initiatives with emphasis on educational programs. Photo Gallery/ Devonia and Henry are the proud grandparents of one grandson, Perren (PJ) who is 3 years old. He is currently serving as the Interim President and CEO of United Way of Pioneer Valley. He has been an inspiration and mentor to young people and has lent his voice to many issues of concern within the black community. 1998 Mrs. Josephine Edmonds Ms. Janet Troutman-Simmons has a long and distinguished record of community service. Copyright Springfield Urban League. Established in 1926, the Springfield Urban League Inc. is a human service corporation and direct service organization that serves over 9,000 people each year in urban communities through job training, computer literacy, economic development, health, and youth initiatives. Tazewell Mr. Arthur L. Jones is Youth Programs Director for the Hampden County Employment and Training Consortium. She personally connected with the parents and the kids, who still visit the bookstore today. Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Springfield Museums. He was award the Silver Star Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and the Combat Infantrymens Badge for combat in Vietnam. In 2015, she was selected as one of the 100 Outstanding Women of Color from Western Massachusetts and Connecticut. As a civil rights activist, the Honorable Benjamin Swan was the Western Massachusetts coordinator for the monumental 1963 March for Jobs and Freedom. Responsibilities include processing payments, maintaining cost reports, and working interdepartmentally with program directors and supporting staff. Washington That same year, the St. Johns Parish Home for Girls was founded and soon became recognized as a solid foundation on which to build better human relations in the Springfield Community. Bob has also had a vast and varied volunteering career. Macoupin Web. Madison Among his many civic activities, he has serves as Chairman of the McKnight Neighborhood Council, President of Harambee Holiday, Inc., and was a founding member of Five (5) A. Councilor Twiggs has received numerous awards for public service, including WGBYs coveted Eyes on The Prize Award for his work as a frontline civil rights organizer in the South and elsewhere. Chief Legal Strategist Mr. Lanier is Chairman of the Board for the Urban League of Springfield, serves on the boards of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and the Community Development Corporation, and is a Trustee of the New Leadership Charter School, an advisor to Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, and past president of the Springfield Minority Business Association. While at Kensington Avenue School she and her husband, George, created the Arts in the Morning program after the school lost both its art and music teachers. Johnson holds a bachelors degree in Biology from the historic Tuskegee University, a masters degree in Public Health from Southern Illinois University, and is a candidate for his Doctorate in Education from Creighton University. You can read her obituary here. Mrs. Garner also joined the local coalition of the Massachusetts Department of Educations Parent Involvement Program (PIP) and went on to link the PIMS and PIP programs in Springfield. }
A graduate of St. Edwards University in Austin, TX, Jay worked as a consultant with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in developing extensive operational standards for maximum security units in Illinois. Other noteworthy volunteer efforts include organizing the Safe and Sane Halloween Party for youth in Mason Square, Toys for Tots Old Hill Neighborhood Council, and the Charlie Rawls BBQ in collaboration with the Mason Square Health Task Force. Photo Gallery/ 2009 Mr. Ronald A. Copes During this period, Dr. DeBerry carried on as pastor of St. Johns Church and President of St. Johns Institutional Activities. Originally aired May 12, 2021. Explore our social media channels and discover more about the outstanding work that we are doing in the Central Illinois community. McLean "Urban League Bulletin." Afro-American (18931988): 2. She went on to earn a Masters Degree in special education from American International College and a second Masters Degree in social work from Springfield College. Ogle 2015 Henry Thomas Dr. The program exposes children to a variety of art forms and performing opportunities. Representative Bud L. Williams, a lifelong resident of Springfield, Massachusetts, exemplifies community service through his devotion to civic duties, his unflinching advocacy for the people he represents, and his unrelenting activism for social justice for all people. Join or sign in to find your next job. The Garners formed a local PIMS chapter with the goal of stressing the importance of math and science for African American students. Dodds worked for a decade at American International College as the Director of Diversity & Community Engagement. He is vice chair of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee and a member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) since 1996. Many of the athletic and social aspects of the old St. Johns Activities and the early Dunbar Community League remained in Oak Street under a newly formed organization by Springfield Urban League of Springfield and it was named the Dunbar Community Center. Mr. Chester Gibbs has had a lifelong commitment to promoting social and economic equality, both in his professional and personal life. Pope All Rights Reserved. The Garners have lived in Springfield longer than in any other place in their lives. In 1983, Cutting was interviewed, video recorded, and inducted by The HistoryMakers of Chicago with the goal of documenting and educating the world on the accomplishments of African Americans through video oral history interviews that are being preserved. Who We Are Address 100 N. Eleventh Street Springfield, IL 62703 Contact Phone: 217-789-0830 Fax: 217-789-9838 Springfield Urban League Carol and WEIB-106.3 Smooth FM have been recognized on a national level for this bold achievement in the broadcast community. Website: www.springfieldul.org, People Served: Jacksons community-minded leadership also includes the Urban League Board of Directors and the Springfield Partners of Community Action Board of Directors. Text STOP any time to cancel. He is also a Faith in Action representative, and Vice President of the Armoury-Quadrangle Civic Association. Click on the award winners name to read their biography. Thomas, Jesse. Web. 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. Raipher D. Pelligrino Associates, P.C. He was an active participant in the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and strove to keep Dr. Kings dream alive through his work on the 1968 Poor Peoples Campaign March on Washington. As a tireless civil rights organizer during a turbulent period in our countrys history, he helped shape some momentous events. Brown The Urban League believes that every American has an equal right and responsibility to fully participate in our democracy and civic processes, and all people have a right to justice and fairness. Livingston 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. Site developed & hosted by HIP Advertising. Labor Archives of Washington, University of Washington Libraries Special Collections. It was also during this period that one of the most significant events of the Leagues history occurred; that being the acquisition of 54 acres in North Brookfield, Ma. Knowing that she was undercharging and operating at a loss, she would say, Just knowing that they have a book is my pleasure and profit.. Established in 1926, the Springfield Urban League Inc. is a human service corporation and direct service organization that serves over 9,000 people each year in urban communities through job training, computer literacy, economic development, health, and youth initiatives. In addition, she was the Bishops Delegate to the National General Convention and served on the national committee for the establishment of Absalom Jones Theological Center in Atlanta. Johnson was recently featured on NPR Illinois Community Voices, where he shared the Urban Leagues mission and vision for an empowered and unified community.Shouldering the needs of the community as the President & CEO is an honor and challenge, I humbly accept, said Johnson. He is also a Board member of the Old Hill Neighborhood Council, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and a Commissioner on the Springfield Building Parks and Recreation Board. Lee They were co-directors and tutors in the program, which was recognized with a Governors Community Builders Award. Prior to joining the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, he served as Associate Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic and as Exxon/Arts Endowment Conductor of the Indianapolis Symphony. It brings us a lot of joy providing delicious meals for you all. This historic event occurred in 1921, when the birth of the St. White In recognition of the extraordinary impact the Ubora and Ahadi awards have made for so many, the African Hall Subcommittee celebrates the one who lifted us all with her vision: our founder, Dr. Ruth Njiiri. Under his direction, the League significantly expanded its multifaceted campaign to crack the barriers to black employment, spurred first by the boom years of the 1920s, and then by the desperate years of the Great Depression. Dodds is also a published author, playwright, and actor. In 2003, Marc Morial, former mayor of New Orleans, Louisiana, was appointed the league's eighth President and Chief Executive Officer. The Urban League of Springfield, Inc., located in Springfield, MA, "serves the African American Community in Greater Springfield by advocating for and providing model services that enhance the academic and social development of young people and families, promoting economic self-sufficiency, and fostering racial inclusion and social justice." He was belatedly presented a Bronze Star in August 2000 by Congressman Richard E. Neal for his heroism. Phone: 217-789-0830 He holds a B.S. Historical Black College and University Tour, Springfield Urban League Robotics Program, Communities of Color Special At-Risk Population, Community Development Corporation Properties, Introduction to Medically Prescribed Formula, IWIC Competent Professional Authority Training, Thanksgiving Basket Initiative | Springfield Urban League, College Tour | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUe), Private Showing of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Tatyana Gardner | SUL's New Director of Health Initiatives. Pendleton sought to steer the commission into the conservative direction in line with Reagan's views on social and civil rights policies.[11]. Effingham Contact News/ JOB DESCRIPTION. Barbara Jefferson was an educator and school administrator for 41 years and retired in June 2002 as principal of William N. DeBerry Elementary School in Springfield. County However, her greatest passion is Olive Tree Book-n-Voices, a local community bookstore in Springfield that she co-owns with her daughter, Olivia, a recent graduate of Temple University. info@springfieldmuseums.org, Springfield Museums | All Rights Reserved. ProQuest. During the years they spent in the Midwest, they were very active in civic and educational organizations. Cade is the Chair and Commissioner for the Springfield Cultural Council, and serves as a member of the Springfield License Commission. Urban League of Springfield. 2007 Ms. Denise R. Jordan . 2011 Dr. Albert and Mrs. Geraldine Garner Mason Under her leadership, DeBerry School was the first to implement a new program called TABS (Team Approach to Better Schools), which was used as an example for educators at National Education Association conferences nationwide. History / He also has three adult children from his first marriage: Jay, Jr., Timothy and Christel. He has been a Big Brother and mentor to Melvin, age 17, since 1991. 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. Peoria [3][4] Haynes served as the organization's first Executive Director. She was a member of the Vestry of St. Peters Episcopal Church, the Episcopal Diocese of Western Mass., and the Council of Churches. Young also pushed for federal aid to cities. Dr. Ruth Njiiri envisioned an award to lift up African American individual from Greater Springfield who lead transformational lives and inspire all to rise to their highest selves, as demonstrated by their service to community. Clay She also serves on the board of Camp Atwater and volunteers for other community organizations. He earned a Jurisprudence Doctorate Degree from Western New England University School of Law. She is responsible for administering a complex city department which provides service to youth, the elderly, consumers, community organizations, and the handicapped. of Employees: He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the Fashion Design Institute and his Masters of Art in Education from the University of Massachusetts. Mercer 1994 Mrs. Jeanne Bass [9], In 1941, Lester Granger was appointed Executive Secretary and led the NUL's effort to support the March on Washington proposed by A. Philip Randolph, Bayard Rustin and A. J. Muste to protest racial discrimination in defense work and the military. 1 Federal Street Bldg. The Presidents (or Executive Directors) of the National Urban League have been: Dodson, N. "New Chapter in Social Uplift." He served as a Mayoral Aide under former Mayor of Springfield Charles V. Ryan. He also received the Man of the Year Award from the Bethel AME Church in 2006 and from the Canaan Baptist Church in 2008, where he regularly worships. Urban League of Springfield. McDonough Partners / Graduates of Tuskegee (Institute) University, the Cuttings are a couple who are no strangers to firsts. Jerald Jay Griffin is one of sixteen children, nine boys and seven girls, born to Andrew and Geraldine Griffin. Celebrating his first year at the helm and celebrating the organization's 80th anniversary year, he leads Michigan's second largest affiliate of the National Urban League, distinguished as one of the Best . The Special Emeriti Award was initiated in 2021. President & CEO Over the past decade, the National Urban League Movement has served more than 22 million individuals in key program areas. Nina Harris Current Workplace. let number_show_ads = "0";
Harrell is the owner and funeral director of Harrell Funeral Home in Springfield. 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 >>> He was the first African American to serve as president of the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association and to serve on the Policy Board of the National Funeral Directors Association. He has served as Vice President of the NAACP, as a Springfield City Councilor, and as chairman of the Springfield Redevelopment Authority. Dodds firmly believes that, when hard work meets dedication, success is born. DuPage As a volunteer art exhibition coordinator at the Afro-American Cultural Center at American International College, Mrs. Edmonds established a monthly series of exhibits featuring art by local, national, and international minority artists. ProQuest. Cook As hundreds of thousands of new jobs opened up, shifting the economy from industrial manufacturing to a white-collar, service-oriented economy, the National Urban League turned its attention to placing HBCU graduates in professional positions.[9]. Sunday: 115 He represented our congressional district as a delegate pledged to Barack Obama at the 2008 Democratic National Convention and will do so again this year. With support from the community, for two years in a row she accompanied DeBerry parents, teachers and students on cultural trips to Senegal where they developed a partnership with a sister school. Henry Springfield, IL 62703, Create Your Financial Dream and Live It! 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). Denise R. Jordan has demonstrated her commitment to the greater Springfield community both professionally and as a volunteer. He is also co-founder of the Stone Soul Festival and has served as Program Chairman since its beginnings twenty-five years ago. 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. "[7] When the organization expanded its facilities to conduct more research in 1920, the new Department of Research came under the charge of Lillian Anderson Turner Alexander, a rising civil rights activist recruited by Jones. Crawford In 2018, Marcus received the National Urban Leagues Health Leadership Award and has been invited to speak and present annually at the National Urban League Whitney M. Young Leadership Conference. 1997 Dr. Albert C. Pryor, Jr. Saline It is the oldest and largest community-based organization of its kind in the nation. The Law Office of Attorney Joe A. Smith III, Executive Director Upon their return to Springfield in 1984, they once again immersed themselves in serving the community. He also served as cultural affairs officer for the U. S. Information Service in Lehore, Pakistan. 2012 Mr. E. Henry Twiggs Marcus Johnson will become the president and CEO of Springfield Urban League, effective July 1. In addition, she volunteers at St. Johns Congregational Church and is a member of the media ministry. 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. The idea being that there should be in the community a place where young Negro women could live, learn and work together in a wholesome and productive atmosphere. Sangamon Marshall See all our the upcoming events below or view our Community Health Training Center events. He was a combat infantryman in World War II and helped repel a Japanese counterattack. Message and data rates may apply. Home / Ms. Basss professional affiliations and awards are many, including a 1985 citation from Governor Dukakis for distinguished community service and a 1986 citation for outstanding community work from the Massachusetts Senate. GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, Inc. Attorney Springfield, MA 01105. Mr. and Mrs. Lanier, founders and owners of Springfield Food System, Inc., since 1983, operate six franchised restaurants in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut and are known for hiring young people, single parents and physically challenged individuals from many ethnic backgrounds. He also belongs to the Elks, The Brethren of Springfield, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and other service organizations. 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. 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. This is an amazing honor to receive such a prestigious award from the Springfield Community, Dodds said when he heard he won the award. The retired principal is a founding member and past president of Black Educators in Springfield, Inc., and has served as an officer and member of a number of other professional organizations and committees. As an artist and the creator of the long-standing Black Love Experience radio program, Swan provides community updates in educational and cultural activities and shares inspirational Black classical music. The Urban League is the nation's oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering those who struggle to enter the economic and social mainstream. Members/ Ms. Bass credits her success to a strong family tradition of public service. Dr. DeBerry died on January 20, 1948. 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. Upon learning he had won the award, Cade responded, I am incredibly honored, humbled, and excited to be selected to receive the prestigious 2019 Ubora Award. 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. . Will From 1985 to 1986, she served as president of the U. S. Conference of Human Service Officials. Iroquois 1995 Alexander B. Mapp & Taj Mahal ", Wood, L. Hollingsworth. Executive Director: Nina M. Harris Wabash In addition, he is an active member and distinguished leader of the Masonic Order.
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