National Urban League Commends Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for Securing Funding for Urban Civil Rights Museum

NEW YORK (April 2, 2024) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial today commended Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand for directing $4 million in Community Development Funds to the Urban Civil Rights Museum in Harlem, scheduled to open next year in the League’s new headquarters.

“Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have been among the National Urban League’s most valuable allies from the inception of the Urban Empowerment Center complex,” Morial said. “This investment not only helps to create permanent, family-sustaining jobs and transform an underserved community, it will help us tell the often-neglected story of the Civil Rights Movement in the North.”

The allocation will cover the both the final phase of interior construction for the museum as well as the creation of the museum’s exhibits, including media production and installation.

“I’m so proud to deliver $4 million in federal funds for the Urban Civil Rights Museum in Harlem, New York City’s first American Civil Rights museum. Not only will this project support the museum’s important work in preserving and sharing the history of Black America and the mighty struggle for equality under the law, but it will also create good-paying jobs and serve the surrounding communities,” Sen. Schumer said.  “I won’t stop fighting for the federal resources needed to foster pivotal projects in our communities like National Urban League’s Urban Civil Rights Museum.”  

Sen. Gillibrand said, “I am so proud to have secured $4 million in federal funding to help make the historic opening of the Urban Civil Rights Museum in Harlem a reality,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I thank the National Urban League for their commitment to preserving the history of the American civil rights movement and for building an educational center to honor the invaluable contributions of African American leaders throughout our nation’s history.”

The Urban Civil Rights Museum will be New York City’s first museum dedicated to the American Civil Rights Movement and one of the only museums in the nation to delve into to the movement in the North.

“It’s especially important to document and share the true history of Black America at a time when anti-racial justice activists are on a crusade to distort and erase it,” Morial said. “We’re grateful to have the support of dedicated public servants like Senators Schumer and Gillibrand who are committed to uplifting and empowering all Americans.”