The National Urban League was founded in 1910 to respond to the social and economic changes brought by the Great Migration of Black people from the rural South to northern cities. The Tacoma Urban League was founded in 1968, and in 1976, the chapter dedicated a new building, becoming the first affiliate in the nation to build and own its own facility. Now, nearly 50 years later, Desireé Wilkins Finch is stepping onto the shoulders of Thomas Dixon, the founder of Tacoma Urban League, and the CEOs who came after him to build upon an energy of empowerment and possibility. The Tacoma Urban League has long been a beacon for the community, serving families and transforming lives. On Friday, September 19, the organization will celebrate the grand opening of its newly remodeled space, continuing a history of legacy and liberation through financial empowerment that has defined its work for decades.
With a mission to foster the empowerment of African Americans and fellow community members in the region by ensuring economic independence, social justice, and civil rights protection, the Tacoma Urban League’s programs focus on the foundations of a thriving community, including education, economic empowerment, health, housing, and justice.
“The idea of ownership and financial empowerment for our community is important, and that’s part of my legacy and work is getting us back to that position of ownership and economic empowerment not just for the League but for our community,” says Desireé Wilkins Finch, the League’s new president and CEO. “My focus is on ensuring that I create sustainability, longevity and integrity, so that the League can continue to be here to serve the community.”
A Place of Community at Tacoma Urban League
The renovated space enables the Tacoma Urban League to serve more people efficiently.
“We celebrate community through having an updated space,” says Wilkins Finch. “We want the community to walk through these doors and feel proud that they’re a member of the Urban League and a part of the legacy or the future of this organization…