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75 Years of Empowering Communities & Changing Lives
2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio. As the largest and oldest Black organization in this region, we are proud and inspired by our legacy of working to end generational poverty through programs and services that help individuals build careers, improve their finances, start and grow businesses, and develop as leaders. We are honored to be at the forefront of advocating for equitable policies and social justice and grateful to collaborate with partner organizations to improve the lives of those in historically underserved communities.
Despite a changing and challenging landscape, our commitment to our mission has not weakened or wavered as demonstrated by the impactful work accomplished in 2023. While growing and expanding our current programs, we are proud to have launched three powerful new initiatives designed to move more individuals into livable wage careers and remove barriers to success We expanded our fight for social justice and racial equity; created new partnerships and funding opportunities to assist entrepreneurs; partnered with community organizations and leaders to address youth violence and celebrated 75 years of service and impact with the return of our annual fundraising gala
As we close out 2023 and look to the future, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the corporate, government, philanthropic, civic, and community organizations with whom we’ve built close partnerships and who continue to uplift and support us in this important work. I give special thanks to my outstanding Board of Trustees led by our amazing Chair, Barbara Turner, and to our immediate past chair, J. Phillip Holloman.
Most importantly, I want to thank the dedicated and talented staff of the Urban League. These 72 passionate individuals show up every day ready to go above and beyond for everyone who walks through our doors. The program impact presented in this report would not be possible without their hard work and commitment
We look forwad to another 75 years of Empowering Communities & Changing Lives
CHRISTIE BRYANT KUHNS, ESQ.
President & CEO
board of directors
Board Chair
Barbara Turner, BT Rise
Officers
Vice-Chair
Robert Jones, GE Aviation (Retired)
Treasurer
Brian Fitzgerald, Procter & Gamble
Secretary
Monica Foxx, FX Facility Group
board members
Marion Byndon, Duke Energy
Liz Carter, Scripps Howard Foundation (Retired)
Branden Frantz, WLWT
Maria Hill, Hillman Group (Urban League Guild President)
Deanna Hillard, Interact For Health (Urban League Young Professionals)
Danielle Ivory, Ivory Towers, LLC
Max V. Langenkamp, Cintas Corporation
Sterling Leaven, GE Aviation
Casey Marsh, UBS Private Wealth Management
John Merchant, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
Phenise Poole, Fifth Third Bank
Ann Reed, Kroger
Lisa Roberts-Rosser, PNC Bank
Marya Rutherford Long, Fifth Third Bank (MVUL Advisory Board Chair)
Chris Schildmeyer, TriVersity Construction
Shawn Serba, PwC
Faith Tubman, U.S. Bank
Jeremy Vaughn, Ernst & Young LLP
Daniel von Allmen, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Robert J. Wiehe, UC Health
J. Phillip Holloman, Immediate Past Chair
mission
The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio is on a mission to end generational poverty through programs focused on workforce development, financial empowerment, entrepreneurship advancement, leadership development and advocacy.
vision pillars
01
02
Our vision is passionately focused on pioneering programs that will make a transformative impact on systemic patterns of poverty. Developing innovative solutions to move the needle on generational poverty
03
Our focus is on amplifying the voices of our community members while actively listening and advocating for their needs, rights, etc Excellence in advocacy in our community
04
Create engaging narratives that vividly demonstrate a connection between statistics and the genuine human element behind the number Consistently demonstrate and collectively communicate impact
Become an employer of choice
Foster a welcoming and dynamic workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent.
what we do
workforce development
Our programs are designed to meet people where they are at all stages of their career journey. From those who are unemployed or underemployed to those who are looking for a new career path. Our goal is to place people in positions that provide living wages, opportunities for career growth and sustainable retirement options. In other words, jobs that end the cycle of economic instability and lift families out of poverty and onto a successful path for the future.
Solid Opportunities for Advancement and Retention (SOAR)
Black Women in Tech
Building Futures
Comprehensive Case Management & Employment Program (CCMEP)
693 PEOPLE SERVED
Community Partnering Center (CPC)
The CPC team identifies conditions that lead to violence and seeks to address them early by connecting residents with resources and opportunities that promote growth, stability, and well-being. The team actively works to develop a climate of trust and mutual respect between law enforcement and the community to foster vibrant, safe neighborhoods.
247 PEOPLE SERVED
FINANCIAL EMPO
With a laser focus on ending genera strive to provide a full spectrum of s and programs to empower individu achieve financial stability, economic wealth building.
Comprehensive Financial Coaching
Black Men & Money
Wealth Building Wednesday
Homeowner Seminars
ENTREPRENEURSHIP ADVANCEMENT
Entrepreneurship empowers communities so we strive to empower entrepreneurs. As a hub for the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC), we offer free, confidential, in-depth, one-on-one counseling for businesses with fewer than 500 employees. We help established entrepreneurs leverage new business opportunities and secure financing to achieve higher levels of growth while also providing support and guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs. Additionally, we offer various educational programs, training cohorts and grant opportunities to aid in business development and expansion.
African American Business Development Program (AABDP)
Economic Empowerment Center
Small Business Development Center
what we do leadershipdevelopment
African American Leadership Development Program (AALDP)
Now in its 30th year, AALDP is a highly regarded leadership development program for African American professionals in Greater Cincinnati. Through interactive sessions led by expert facilitators, participants increase their awareness of their professional and personal strengths, enhance their knowledge of critical community issues and grow their leadership skills.
UrbanChampions
Provides youth ages 14-19 with innovative and impactful programming around leadership, advocacy and mental health awareness. In the summer students are given employment opportunities culminating in the Annual Youth Summit, a day-long, youth-led program that provides young people with an opportunity to have engaging discussions around civic engagement and leadership development.
black women in tech changing lives
In 2023 the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio launched three powerful programs.
Launched in November of 2023 with financial support from JPMorgan Chase, investments from Google and support from the Workforce Innovation Center of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, the Black Women in Tech Program is designed to provide women of color with credentials that lead to high-growth career opportunities. The program offers Google Career Certificates in the fields of cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing & ecommerce, IT support, project management, and UX design. Participants do not need prior tech experience or a degree to participate. Participants receive “earn as you learn” incentives, childcare, financial education workshops, access to a computer lending library, personalized mentoring support, workforce development and case management to ensure program completion. The first cohort graduated 45 women who have since started new roles, been promoted thanks to the new credentials, or made the leap to start their own business.
changing lives
bUILDING FUTURES
This comprehensive 12-week pre-apprenticeship program was launched in December 2023 with support from the Cincinnati Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO, Hamilton County, and the Ohio Department of Transportation. The program equips participants with the skills, knowledge and support necessary for success in the building and construction trades. Participants also receive financial literacy education, mentoring support, and “earn as you learn” incentives. No previous construction industry experience is required. Graduates emerge ready to enter registered apprenticeships in their chosen trade. The first cohort of 14 students graduated March 2024 followed by a second cohort of 17 that graduated May 2024. All graduates are currently moving through their apprenticeships.
changing lives
THE URBAN EXPUNGEMENT PROJECT
We are proud to join our fellow Urban League chapters in Akron, Cleveland and Columbus as part of the inaugural Urban Expungement Project led by the National Urban League. This program is designed to remove barriers to opportunity and create access by providing records relief to eligible individuals looking to relaunch their lives. Records relief helps individuals move forward towards meaningful employment and a career path which in turn can lead to better housing, transportation and an improvement in the lives of their families. This program is a shining example of what the Urban League does best - empowering communities and changing lives. Since launching the program in the Fall of 2023, we’ve helped over 60 people have their records expunged allowing them to move forward with a fresh start.
ADVOCACY
Established in 2020, the Holloman Center for Social Justice is a pioneering initiative dedicated to advocating for police reform and advancing racial equity in Southwestern Ohio. Under the mantra, “From Protest to Policy Change,” the center engages in policy advocacy, data collection and reporting, community education, and creates opportunities for collaboration between police jurisdictions, local communities and policymakers to drive systemic reform. Eight police departments have already implemented changes in policies and practices based on the data collection reporting and recommendations from the CSJ.
In August 2023, the Holloman Center opened a physical location thanks to a transformative gift of $1 million from J. Phillip & Gail Holloman with additional support provided by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Fifth Third Bank
MISSION
Our mission is to serve as a regional catalyst for collaborative police reform efforts between communities and police departments in Southwestern Ohio. We are committed to engaging in policy advocacy, data collection and reporting, community education, and organizing to advance racial equity and social justice.
VISION
We envision a region free from racial profiling, police bias, excessive uses of force, and racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Our goal is to create a just and equitable society where every individual is treated with dignity and respect by law enforcement.
2023 EVENT CELEBRATIONS
29TH Annual Glorifying the Lions
“Until lions have their own historians, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
On April 5 the Urban League honored the 29th class of the Legendary Lions Society, celebrating six passionate and distinguished leaders who have made a lasting impact on the Greater Cincinnati community through their selfless dedication, commitment, and service to others.
2023honorees
Bishop Michael E. Dantley, EdD
Stephen L. Hightower
Angelita M. Jones
Camille A. Jones MD, MPH
Peg Moertl
Rabbi Dr. Gary P. Zola.
The Igbo People of Nigeria EMPOWER. EDUCATE. CELEBRATE.
Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Despite the rain, over 500 people attended the Juneteenth Celebration presented by Lincoln & Gilbert and Fifth Third Bank. The day was a funfilled community celebration featuring food trucks, information booths, giveaways and a live broadcast by Lincoln Ware.
2023 EVENT CELEBRATIONS Shining Bright Like a Diamond— 75th Diamond Anniversary Gala
On Saturday October 21 the Urban League celebrated 75 years of empowering communities and changing lives with the return of its annual fundraising gala under the theme “Shining Bright Like a Diamond.” Held at Duke Energy and co-chaired by J. Philip and Gail Holloman and Barabara and Daman Turner, the 700-person sold-out event featured Black restaurateurs serving dinner and dessert by the bite, a celebration of 50 years of hip hop with headliner, KID CAPRI and additional entertainment provided by the 2nd Wind Band and DJ Vader.
2023 highlights
2023 NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Urban League was named 2023
Nonprofit of the Year in the Outreach Programs Category by Cincy Magazine.
NAACP OUTREACH AWARD WINNER
The Urban League was honored by the Cincinnati Chapter of the NAACP with the 2023 Community Outreach & Partnership Award (Nonprofit) at the 2023 Freedom Fund Dinner.
REP. JEFFRIES TOURS HOLLOMAN CENTER
On October 8, House Minority Leader, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries stopped by the Holloman Center for Social Justice to tour the space and learn more about its work and impact in the community.
SHERRI SHEPHERD MEET AND GREET
On October 13, actress, comedian and daytime talk show host, Sherri Shepherd visited the League for a meet and greet luncheon with the Urban League staff and an engaging conversation with Ashley Kirklen of WLWT Channel 5.
MVUL SPOTLIGHT
The Miami Valley Urban League is focused on ending generational poverty through programs and services focused on the Greater Dayton community.
Executive Director, Nikol Miller
Miami Valley Urban League Advisory Board
Marya Rutherford-Long, Chair, Fifth Third Bank
Bonnie Baker, Kettering Health
Maya Dorsey, Learn to Earn Dayton
Ivy B. Glover,Wright-Patt Credit Union
Sarah Hackenbracht, Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association
Katie Joseph, Winsupply
DAYTON RESILIENCY FUND
Through a $1.5M grant from the Dayton Recovery Plan, the Miami Valley Urban League launched the Dayton Resiliency Fund to support small Black and Brown businesses by bridging the financial gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic which disproportionately affected minority businesses In 2023, $360,000 in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 was awarded to 77 businesses.
2023 PILLAR AWARDS
The 2023 Pillar Awards celebrated four exceptional leaders who have made a lasting impact on the Greater Dayton Community through dedication, commitment and service.
2023 Pillar Honorees
Dr Karen Townsend, Owner, KTownsend Consulting
J Thomas Maultsby, President & CEO, United Way of Greater Dayton (Retired)
Sharon D White, Director, Community & Government Relations, Premier Health System
Helen Jones- Kelley, JD, Executive Director, ADAMHS Montgomery County
EMERGE
(Educate, Motivate, Elevate, Relate, Gain, Entertain)
The Emerge program provides high school students from low-income environments with the mentoring and support necessary to reach graduation Students participate in career pathway exploration and receive opportunities to gain credentials for employment or apprenticeship programs upon graduation as well as encouragement and guidance towards attending college. Participants can engage in paid/or unpaid work experiences with employers or training programs
Scott Murphy, Leidos Innovations Center
K. Duane Martin, Premier Health
Chris Nalls, Nalls & Davis Law Firm
Jessica Turner, Bricker Graydon
Jamaica White, OH Taste Foundation
Jay Williams, KeyBank
our partners
The work of the Urban League is made possible by the generous support of our partners and funders who share our commitment to ending generational poverty by advancing economic and social equity. Their contributions enable us to implement vital programs and initiatives that empower communities and change lives. Special thanks to our lead partners listed below.
THE 2023 CORPORATE IMPACT LEAGUE
SUPPORTTHEIMPACT
The work of the League is made possible by the generous support of those who donate Every contribution helps Empower Communities and Change Lives
Workforce Development
Help us offer educational opportunities, job training, and employment services to individuals striving to improve their lives and communities.
Financial Empowerment
Support the financial literacy programs that teach essential skills for managing personal finances, building credit, and achieving financial independence.
Entrepreneurship Advancement
Help end generational poverty by empowering entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses that create jobs in the community and build wealth.
Leadership Development
Provide innovative and impactful programming around leadership, advocacy and mental health for young people.
Advocacy
Contribute to our efforts advocating for policies that promote equality and justice for all.
LEARN MORE
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Showcase your commitment to the community. We offer a range of sponsorship packages to suit your organization’s needs. For more information, contact:
Janice Liebenberg Senior Vice President, Development
JLiebenberg@ULGSO.org (513) 487.6532
Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio
3458 Reading Road
Cincinnati, OH 45229
Phone: (513) 281-9955
Holloman Center for Social Justice 3539 Reading Rd., Ste. 100 Cincinnati, OH 45229
Phone: (513) 221-4275
Miami Valley Urban League 31 South Main St. Ste. 211 In the Dayton Arcade Dayton, OH 45402
Phone: (937) 226-1513