The National Urban League, was founded in New York in 1910. Strongly emphasizing inter-racial cooperation and social orientation which has persisted over the years, the League was formed to assist African Americans moving from the rural south, adjust to life in the large urban centers of the north. As employment opportunities drew African Americans to Detroit, the need for an organization like the Urban League was noted in correspondence between Eugene Knickle Jones of the National Urban League and the Associated Charities of Detroit, later known as the Detroit Community Chest and now known as the United Way. After many correspondences and meetings, in 1916, the Detroit Urban League became an affiliate of the National Urban League. Forrester B. Washington came to Detroit as the first Executive Secretary of the Detroit Urban League in 1916. Henry G. Stevens served as the League’s first Board President. The needs of the growing African American community for more recreation, education, health services, welfare assistance, and most importantly, housing were major concerns of this newly organized agency. The League offered training in housekeeping for women and girls and recruited volunteers to help meet the trains that brought waves of African Americans to Detroit from various communities in the south. In 1918, Washington’s successor as Executive Director was John C. Dancy. Mr. Dancy headed the Detroit Urban League for 42 years, until his retirement in 1960. Dancy’s gentle and persuasive manner helped him to confront the many problems facing Detroit’s growing African American community. He worked in all areas of League programs, helping newcomers to Detroit overcome the harshness of urban industrial life. In 1923, Dancy directed the acquisition of a new community center located at 1534 Chestnut Street. This Detroit Urban League community center housed a baby clinic, health facilities, recreational and educational programs. In addition, cultural activities such as the Pen and Palette Club, were established to encourage the creative talents of young people. Even Joe Louis was enrolled in the League’s athletic program, going on to become known as the “Brown Bomber”, and one of the greatest heavy weight boxing champions of the world. The Detroit Urban League Guild was established in 1951 as a volunteer auxiliary with a goal to provide support for Urban League programs and activities. Throughout its existence, the Detroit Urban League has received funding support from the Detroit Community Fund and its successors, the Community Chest, the United Foundation and now the United Way Community Services. In 1931, a gift from the Children’s Fund of Michigan, financed by U.S. Senator James Couzens, helped the Detroit Urban League develop and open the Green Pastures Camp. This was the first camp for African American children in the State of Michigan. Some 15,000 children attended the camp during its three decades of operation. Detroit Urban League staff was enlarged and departmentalized in 1944. During this period, Francis A. Kornegay joined the staff as Vocational Secretary and the League moved into the historic Albert Kahn house at 208 Mack Avenue. With employment as its highest priority, the League helped African Americans break color barriers gaining employment in government, retail, banking, utilities, and service agencies in Detroit. When Mr. Dancy retired in 1960, the Board of Directors selected Francis A. Kornegay to become the third Executive to lead the agency. A strong focus on employment activities was augmented by programs in education, health and research. The 12th Street Academy was formed after the 1967 riots to provide a positive outlet and alternative school for high-school dropouts. The academy opened in 1968. Subsequently, the John C. Dancy Street Academy, focusing on alternative educational programs for young people, opened in 1975. The League conducted hypertension-screening programs and mobilized some 400 block clubs and groups in the “Citizens Campaign on Crime Prevention and Leadership Development.” Equal Opportunity Day, a special fund-raising luncheon was used to recognize the achievements of local businesses in promoting equal opportunities for workers. Published research reports included: “The Detroit Low-Income Negro Family, A Profile of the Detroit Negro”, (1959 – 1967), and a survey of residents on 12th Street after the 1967 rebellion, under the leadership of Dr. Kornegay. Through a grant from the McGregor Fund, the John C. Dancy Library on Negro Life and History was established and is housed at the 208 Mack Avenue office. Upon Dr. Francis A. Kornegay’s retirement as President of the Detroit Urban League in 1978, Roy Levy Williams, succeeded Francis Kornegay. (Dr. Kornegay was subsequently elected President Emeritus of the Detroit Urban League). Mr. Williams, a former DUL community organizer, rejoined the League after working several years for former Governor William Milliken. A continued reshaping of the agency’s focus by Mr. Williams saw the elimination of health and housing services and the addition of a new emphasis on youth programs. The programs and staff of Street Services, a youth serving program of the east side, merged with the League in 1979. When social adjustment counseling was established as a priority for the United Foundation, the League leaned on its experience in alternative education by establishing “In School Street School,” a project designed to keep “at risk” students in school. This project was also known as Intervention for Student’s Scholastic and Social Success (IS4). The Blue Monday Network, a group of young African American professionals, was formed in 1978 to facilitate leadership development and networking. The League’s annual “Salute to Distinguished Warriors” benefit dinner was established in 1980 to honor individuals 65 and over in recognition of their contributions in the struggle for human and civil rights. Over the years, local, state and federal funding sources have supported various League projects including: Project Redirection, Teen Pregnancy Project; the Child and Adult Care Food Program which provides reimbursement for nutritious meals served in family day care homes; Seniors in Community Services Program, a program of employment and training for low income seniors. City of Detroit Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) Grants totaling $173,581 were received in the 80’s for rehabilitation of the Mack and Linwood offices of the League. In April 1986, Donald Woods became President of the Detroit Urban League, following Williams’ decision to join the then Chrysler Corporation. Donald Woods was a veteran of the Urban League movement and a Whitney M. Young fellow. He was previously CEO of the Madison County Urban League of Anderson, Indiana. During his tenure as president, Woods continued the League’s traditional battle cry initiating the theme for the 1980’s “Building from Strength” – a commitment to develop and harness the resources of the African American community. On October 12, 1987, N. Charles Anderson became the sixth president of the Detroit Urban League. Previously, Anderson was affiliated with the NAACP, where he was appointed Midwest Regional III Director in 1983, serving the states of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. In keeping with the theme of “Building from Strength,” Mr. Anderson supervised a staff of forty (40) and managed an annual operating budget of $2.5 million dedicated to the goal of enabling African Americans and other people of color to reach their fullest human potential. By the end of 1993, the League grew to a staff of 60 and a budget of $5 million plus. In 1994, N. Charles Anderson resigned after being appointed by Mayor Dennis W. Archer, to serve as Executive Director of the Department of Human Services for the City of Detroit. In January 1995, the Rev. Ronald L. Griffin became the 7th President of the Detroit Urban League, following 20 plus years of service with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. In September 1996, Rev. Ronald L. Griffin resigned from the Detroit Urban League to devote full-time service to his ministry as pastor of a Detroit Church. In January 1997, the Board of Directors unanimously reappointed N. Charles Anderson as President/CEO. Anderson holds the distinguished honor of being the 6th and the 8th President of the Detroit Urban League. Today, Anderson is responsible for the vision and direction of one of Detroit’s premiere civil and human rights organizations, and oversees a staff of over 60 employees and an annual budget of $5.5 million.