The Lorain County Urban League (Elyria, OH) will hold its annual gala at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 11, at the Emerald Event Center in Avon.

The Urban League is celebrating 41 years of service to all of the communities in Lorain County, according to a news release. 

The Urban League will highlight hometown heroes at this year's gala. 

Since 1978, the Lorain County Urban League has been committed to its mission to empower African Americans and under-served people to thrive through direct service, collaboration and advocacy, according to the release.

The Lorain County Urban League believes there is a role for everyone to play, whether you are a parent, teacher, student, community leader or business leader; more can be achieved when people work together to empower communities and change lives.

The Quad County Urban League (Aurora, IL) or QCUL will host their 2019 Annual Equality Gala “A Toast to the Future” at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Chicago Marriott Southwest Hotel, 1200 Burr Ridge Parkway.  The black-tie fundraiser supports the organization’s core values of racial justice, civil rights, and economic empowerment.  Entertainment headliners are the eclectic and exciting Dirty Muggs of St. Louis.  Chairing this year’s Gala is Guy Albertson, President of UPS CACH operations in Hodgkins, Ill.

A new program from the Birmingham Urban League (Birmingham, AL will be available to young men from across the city.

At 4 p.m. Tuesday, the group will announce the launch of the Magic City Boxing Club. CEO William Barnes will make the announcement at Carver High School.

The Birmingham Urban League is partnering with the city of Birmingham, Birmingham City Schools and Round One Boxing to make the program a reality.

“Students who participate in after school activities are more likely to have higher grades, improved physical health, and stray away from harmful activity,” the statement from the group read.

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Sparks flew as Dominique Jackson cut through lengths of rebar to be used in the foundation of the new Linden Community Center.

The 55,000-square-foot facility is set to open late next year, taking the place of the former building at Linden Park.

Jackson, who lives nearby, is working on his career foundation, too, thanks to a Franklin County program that provides initial training for jobs in the construction trades.

“I’m getting the hang of it,” Jackson, 34, said of his new ironworking career. “I’ve got a nice crew teaching me the ropes and everything.”

Jackson was one of 13 people who recently graduated from Building Futures, a 12-week pre-apprenticeship program started in late 2017 by the county, the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, and the Columbus Urban League (Columbus, OH). More than 60 people have graduated, said Bart Logan, spokesman for Franklin County Job and Family Services.

This year’s goal for Peacefest was to “pack the park with peace-loving people.” That is exactly what played out today in the Bellefontaine Park.

People who came out to this event said it was a relief to step away from the violence that has been playing out and step into what was a stress-free environment.

“Peacefest gives us an opportunity to really escape the horror and the trauma that St. Louis is experiencing right now,” said James Clark, Vice President of Better Family Life Inc.

Hundreds filled the park for family fun and festivities. Attendees put today’s violent climate behind them and focused on spreading love.

Better Family Life, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (St. Louis, MO), and several church groups spearheaded the event. This is the second year for the event aimed at easing the trauma lingering in communities.

Joshua's journey with sickle cell disease has inspired his dad's artwork and helped the family give back to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. More on this inspiring story. 

We were founded to help African Americans as they moved to northern cities in search of opportunities. Trace our story in Google's special digital exhibit.

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