Office of the President

President Message:

As the Urban League of Greater Columbus reaches another milestone in its history, it has much for which to be thankful. Looking back, the League’s growth and transition from its humble beginnings in a trailer behind the Friendship Baptist Church on Fifth Avenue to its present location, the services it offers and the influence it brings for good in the community is something of which it can be proud.

Envisioning the future
Thirty two years ago, when the “Baker’s Dozen” orchestrated the birth of the Columbus affiliate, little did they know that they were creating an institution that would, by the year 2003, have over half-million dollar budget, ten full-time staffers, five distinct and viable program areas, and three supporting auxiliaries to assist with helping the disadvantaged and others in the Chattahoochee Valley.

Nor did they envision a Technology Center with computers linked directly to the Internet where children and their parents could access the Web for homework, research, news, and more.

They probably didn’t imagine 30 CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates) racing around the city researching home environments, schools, and neighborhoods to provide Juvenile Court judges with a different point of view for the benefit of abused or neglected children entangled in the juvenile justice and foster care systems.

Little would they have thought that the League touches nearly 3000 children and their parents through, youth employment, block parties motivational programs, "Doing the Right Thing" rallies, and special summer youth activities in the field of fine arts.

They could not have know that today, there will be those who are unemployed with challenges in their lives and backgrounds that deny them an opportunity to work – but we found them jobs; that there would be families who are about to lose their homes and we helped avoid foreclosures; that we provide advice and training about home ownership and “basic economics” to those about to become involved with owning their first home.

Celebrating 35 years

On September 29, 2006, the agency celebrates its 35th birthday! With this in mind, a series of events were planned in cooperation with public and private entities and individuals, corporations and civic organizations.

The Columbus Consolidated Government (chartered in 1971 like the Urban League) kicked off a

celebration at the first Council Meeting of 2001. Since that time, dozens of activities have developed with businesses, organizations, institutions, churches, and individuals.

History tells the wonderful story of Jessie Taylor, the first Urban League executive director who gave his

time, talent, and expertise to the League until 1993 when he died. As a one-man operation in 1971, Taylor

was located in a trailer behind the Friendship Baptist Church on 5th Ave. He put the League in place, organized a Guild in 1972, and brought the League to a full-service United Way agency where it stands today – operating four viable programs committed to helping the disadvantaged and bridge-building across the Chattahoochee Valley.

Other highlights of the work of the League over the past thirty years include celebrating the Bi-Centennial in 1976 with a city-wide picnic that attracted over 10,000 citizens of good will; the launching of the television show Urban League: On Location which can today be seen at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings on the local NBC affiliate, Channel 38 ; and the inauguration of the Summer Youth Academy in 1975 where youth are exposed to many areas of the fine arts.

Legacy and challenges

To the volunteer leadership and people of good will who must carry the League forward into the new millennium, we offer ourselves, our good wishes and our prayers. The legacy is one of which we can all be proud. The future is the challenge that comes with tomorrow.

This is the Urban League of Greater Columbus.

This is the conscience of Columbus.
This is the place of solace and caring for many an unemployed person.
This is the home away from home for many a wayward youngster.
This is the help station for those on the edge of economic chaos.
This is the location of the resume makers, the job finders and the attitude changers.
This is the store where women about to be employed for the first time build their new wardrobes - for free.
This is the safe house for abused and neglected children.
This is the international center where all races and creeds and colors come together.
Yes, this is the Urban League of Greater Columbus.

Try it - I’m pretty sure you’ll like it.

Reginald L. Pugh, SR.

President/CEO

January 1, 2003