The Solomon Page SP Cares February fundraiser supports National Urban League, a non-profit dedicated to empowering African Americans and other marginalized communities through education, workforce development, financial literacy, and more. The organization has created a lasting impact by championing civil rights and economic equity, while also adapting to evolving societal and market trends. In addition to fundraising efforts, Solomon Page had the opportunity to interview Mr. Dennis G. Serrette, the Executive Vice President/Chief Development Officer of the National Urban League, to learn more about the organization’s history, mission, and its critical role in advocating for civil rights and social justice.
Solomon Page:
The National Urban League has a long-standing mission to uplift African Americans and other marginalized communities, promoting economic self-reliance, equality, empowerment, and civil rights. Considering the changing landscape of civil rights and economic equity, how does the National Urban League continue to uphold these core values in today’s society?
National Urban League:
The reality is issues relevant to civil rights and economic inequity in our country have grown as wealth continues to be consolidated at the top. The National Urban League, throughout its 114-year history, has always been driven by the idea to reconnect people into the economic system so that they can financially take care of themselves. There is nothing to change in our mission. It’s job training and education, financial literacy, savings, and achieving the American dream of homeownership, and preserving health – a major derailer of economic security. Our work has only expanded to meet this ever-changing landscape.
Solomon Page:
The National Urban League provides support through various social initiatives including education and youth development, job support, and housing security. Is there a program that has made the most impact?
National Urban League:
All of the programs. Our core programs continue to be in education, jobs and small business development, asset building and financial literacy, homeownership and housing security, health, and civic engagement. It is not a question of which program is making the most impact. It is that they all connect very directly and holistically to make sure individuals, families, and communities are stable.
Solomon Page:
The National Urban League provides comprehensive job and business development support to vulnerable populations. Can you elaborate on how these programs work and the lasting impact it has on the lives of those it serves?
National Urban League:
The founding of the National Urban League is based on the idea that when a person has an appropriately paying, steady job that the person is able to provide for themselves and their families. They also contribute positively to their community, paying into a tax structure that stabilizes schools, civic services like police and fire departments, infrastructure of streets and other resources, and overall building capacity for that city to thrive. When everyone is working, we are all contributing to our nation’s economy – the largest in the world.
Notably, the mom-and-pop shops are the biggest employers in our communities. It’s the base of the American dream. You can have an idea for a business. You can create value for others, sustain yourself and your family, and provide jobs for others. These businesses fill the gaps to ensure all people have access to jobs. That is why the National Urban League, through our entrepreneurship centers and other programs, continues to support small business creation, growth, and sustainability.
Solomon Page:
As the job market shifts, how does the National Urban League adjust programs as well as job and workforce development to align with the current market trends?
National Urban League:
The success of the National Urban League is built on its ability to shift. We were founded when the U.S. economy was driven by agriculture. It has since shifted to different industries. We did the skill building necessary for people to get new work. We did the same thing when we moved from a manufacturing-focused economy to a technology-focused economy. We adapted our programs to reskill and upskill people to retain their jobs and seek out new opportunities. We are now looking ahead to clean energy and what that means. We are deeply connected to the philosophy of the future of work. We consistently look at and revise our programs. At the end of the day, getting and keeping a job is core to our mission.
Solomon Page:
How do the National Urban League's events drive meaningful impact in empowering communities both in-person and on a remote level?
National Urban League:
The day-to-day work of the National Urban League is through direct services that impact community members. We reach close to 4 million people each year through our 92 affiliates in 36 states and the District of Columbia. Our events are meant to elevate and amplify our work and make sure the U.S. is hearing, seeing, and connecting to the core issues that are driving community instability so that we can get to stability. For example, the annual Legislative Policy Conference brings our mission and work to Capitol Hill where we collaborate with elected officials and community leaders to bring real change across the country.
Additionally, the events offer sponsorship and branding opportunities for our partners. All can see the individuals, companies, foundations, governing entities, and other organizations that work with us to create an inclusive economy. We are all in this together.
Solomon Page:
How does the National Urban League offer sustained support to individuals as they navigate challenges beyond initial program assistance?
National Urban League:
The National Urban League’s model is that of a human and social services organization. It is always about long-term solutions. Everyone who walks through our doors goes through the intake process. You might come in looking for a job. We will help you to do that through training and certification programs. But we will also work with you to understand why you are unemployed and offer wrap-around support. For example, does lack of childcare or transportation create challenges to finding and keeping a job? Is someone suffering from mental health issues – all worsened by poverty? We will work with individuals on a solution to transform lives.
Solomon Page:
Being a leader in the social and civil justice space, are there certain actions people can take to make an impact in their local communities?
National Urban League:
As a child, I remember School House Rock. We learned how a bill was created, how laws were passed, and how the government worked. We also had civic classes that encouraged participation as citizens and potential, impactful career paths. It was an American strategy to understand how local, state, and national government worked. That engagement became innate. It’s no longer the case.
Engagement is important. The National Urban League consistently pushes education and civic engagement, especially around voting. People have to know it is their right and obligation to vote, how to vote locally and nationally, and who and what they are voting for. What does it mean for me and my family? My community, my state, and my country? We need to fight for an inclusive America and it begins with including all citizens in the process. That is how we will build the country we want to live in. Don’t take your right to vote for granted.
Solomon Page would like to thank the National Urban League for contributing to this article. We are honored to share the voices of the National Urban League and other organizations within our community through our SP Cares initiative. Looking to support the National Urban League? Follow the organization on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and check out the National Urban League website to learn more.
