Urban League of Portland facts for kids
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| Formation | 1945 |
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| Headquarters | Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
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Parent organization
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National Urban League |
The Urban League of Portland is a special organization that helps African Americans in the Pacific Northwest region. It works for civil rights and supports people in the community. Today, the League is a non-profit group. This means it uses its money to help people, not to make a profit. It offers chances and support for education, jobs, health, and financial security. The League wants to improve the quality of life for everyone.
How the Urban League of Portland Started
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Before 1945, life was hard for African Americans in Portland. There were many challenges. Because of these difficulties, Reginald Johnson visited Portland. He was a leader from the National Urban League. He came to see what was happening.
Local people wanted to make things better. They asked for a local group to be formed. So, in 1945, leaders were chosen. This is how the Urban League of Portland began. It became a local part of the National Urban League. It is one of the oldest groups in the area working for African American civil rights.
Why the Urban League Was Needed
During World War II, many new ships were needed for the U.S. Navy. The Kaiser Shipyards in Portland needed many workers. Thousands of African Americans moved to Portland to help build these ships.
Portland welcomed the new jobs. But some people did not want the new workers living in their neighborhoods. Many workers could only live in certain areas. These areas included the Albina District and Vanport. Vanport was a big community built for wartime workers.
After the war, city leaders wanted these "temporary" residents to move away. They asked the National Urban League for help. The National Urban League started in 1910. It helped African Americans find homes and job training. It also helped them adjust to new cities.
The National Urban League did not agree to move the workers away. Instead, they opened the Urban League of Portland in 1945. This local group helped people stay. Edwin C. "Bill" Berry helped create ways to support African American families coming to Portland.
Today, Nkenge Harmon Johnson is the president and CEO. The organization has more than 85 people working there.
Helping with Education and Community Support
The Urban League of Portland has always worked for fairness. They believe everyone should have equal chances in housing and education. They speak up for fair housing laws. They also help people get involved in their community.
The League continues to offer many helpful services. These include:
- Help finding jobs
- Training for different jobs
- Health services for the community
- Fun summer programs for young people
- Support services for older adults
