Mission and history

Founded in 1967 as an affiliate of the National Urban League, the Birmingham Urban League is a community based organization dedicated to empowering communities and changing lives in the areas of education, jobs, housing, and health. 

Founders: John J. Drew,  Dr. A.G. Gaston, Emory O. Jackson, Jessie L. Lewis Sr., Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, L.H. Pitts, Clarence L. Price, Amos Ryce II, Arthur D. Shores, E.W. Taggart,  J.L. Ware 

Our Areas of Service

We value education as a key component for living a healthier and more prosperous life. Our education and youth development programs provide young people with the critical skills they need to excel academically, avoid at-risk behavior and become engaged members in their communities. Tutoring, college preparation, and leadership development are some of the many educational advancement tools offered.

We are committed to strengthening the family unit by promoting economic self-sufficiency. Through training, career building, and job placement services, we help equip individuals with tools needed to enter or re-enter the workforce. Our Center for Working Families offers a full range of essential economic resources for low-income residents to help them succeed in the workforce, stabilize their finances and build assets.

We are dedicated to building thriving communities through strong economic infrastructure. Our housing programs offer families long-term, sustainable solutions that focus on building assets through savings and homeownership. Our wealth accumulation services include financial literacy education, budgeting, credit counseling, homeownership, foreclosure prevention and loan modification.

We believe that health and wellness education is the key to optimal growth for our children and families. Our health programs are designed to ensure that preventative care advances and vital health resources reach those who need them most.