History

     The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (ULMS), formerly the Seattle Urban League, was established in 1929 and incorporated in 1936. We are one of 115 affiliates of the National Urban League whose offices are located in New York City, with a lobbying office in Washington D.C. Originally the League existed with an all volunteer staff Funding was secured through private donors and the Community Chest Emphasis was placed on housing, job opportunities, vocational guidance, adoptions, foster care, public accommodations and education.

     With the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, new programs were developed to address the growing needs of Black citizens, other people of color and low-income persons. Federal funds provided ULMS the monies to develop direct service programs in health, housing and employment. During the late 1960s, ULMS continued to advocate the elimination of segregation through a re-grouping of the entire public school population, supporting the concepts of Continuous Progress Centers and the transfer program. In addition, the League provided in-service training for teachers and counselors, developed curriculum on minority history and race relations and various other support services. A police/community relations program was added and a "new-comers" guide for low income and minority immigrants was distributed listing services, agencies, job placement programs and assistance in housing, medical care, financial aid, etc.

     Affirmative Action was the focus of much of ULMS attention in the early 1970s, and the League took a new direction: promoting equal employment and assisting corporations in meeting new federal employment guidelines. Discrimination in building trade unions was addressed as well.

     In 1972, the agency purchased and rehabilitated an older inner city building with funding from the Economic Development Administration, US Department of Commerce and the Seattle Model City Program. The move, while considered risky at the time, provided the League with greater visibility in the community. Because the ULMS Center has become a major source of pride to constituents and the community at large as one of several significant intra-community real estate holding among Seattle ethnic minorities, a comprehensive renovation plan was developed during 1985. The potential lease revenues deriving from the renovation represent funding for some of the agency programs today.

     In 1973, the Board of the Seattle Urban League petitioned the Seattle Parks Department to name a new park in memory of Edwin T. Pratt, the distinguished Executive Director of the Seattle Urban League from 1961 to 1969. The Edwin T. Pratt Park and Fine Arts Center is located in Seattle's Central District. In addition to the Edwin T. Pratt Park and Fine Arts Center, the Urban League, in honor of Mr. Pratt, renamed a scholarship program to the Edwin T. Pratt Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is a 4-year award, renewable each year for African Americans to pursue higher education. Based on financial need, the award is given to students who would otherwise be unable to continue their educational goals.

     With the decrease in governmental support for direct service programs in the 1980s and 1990s, the agency has maximized its effectiveness and impact through advocacy, research, and community partnering. Now additional funding for ULMS must be secured through foundations, grants and private donors. Cultivation and partnering with corporations has become a cornerstone of ULMS programming and funding. The areas of employment and children's services have profited greatly.

     As we move into the millennium, ULMS faces new challenges in a booming economy in the Pacific Northwest. Opportunity, access, health and wellness are available to everyone regardless of race, income, language, religion, age or gender. The issues of civil rights will never disappear from our work, and we are becoming increasingly vigilant in taking actions against hate crimes, violence in the schools, and the loss of Affirmative Action measures across the state.

     Sound fiscal management and delivery of services are reviewed on an annual basis. The Board of Directors is committed to Strategic Planning and an Annual Organizational Review of the agency performance for the previous year. Staff and volunteers are involved in goal setting, delivery of services and review. Working jointly with United Way, the organization has maintained its ability to provide direct service to clients, be it after school tutoring for children, adults seeking employment opportunities, or first time buyers looking for loan guidance and affordable properties. The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle has changed with the times and needs of the community.

To purchase a copy of our 75^th Anniversary Commemorative book, Bridging the Divide: The History of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle,

Contact Elaine Williams
206.461.3792 Ext 3009