She Leads, We Rise
A Legacy of Impact
Founded in 1910 and based in New York City, the National Urban League (NUL) and National President Marc Morial support 92 affiliates in 37 states and D.C., serving 300 communities. Its programs, research, and advocacy improve the lives of over two million people nationwide.
Two of its most impactful affiliates are right here in Harlem and Newark: the New York Urban League (NYUL) and the Urban League of Essex County (ULEC). Born out of the Great Migration, NUL has consistently adapted to the evolving needs of Black communities—providing crucial support, advocating for systemic change, and empowering individuals to reach their potential.
From humble beginnings to today’s national reach, the Urban League’s commitment to uplifting underserved populations remains central to its mission.
Building a Multifaceted Approach
From the outset, the League recognized that real advancement required a multifaceted approach. Early programs focused on job placement, housing assistance, and meeting the social and cultural needs of a rapidly growing Black urban population. This foundation evolved into today’s wide array of services.
Vivian Cox Fraser and ULEC
“The Urban League is a comprehensive social service and community development organization. We offer programs ranging from infant and toddler care to senior services, workforce development, and re-entry education,” explained ULEC President and CEO Vivian Cox Fraser.
“We have a construction training program, a clean energy training program—all designed around economic advancement. We have strong, mission-aligned programs to help families advance socially and economically.”
It’s been over 20 years since Cox Fraser began her summer job at ULEC. At the time, she was teaching after a career in corporate finance and investing.
“One of my neighbors was on the Urban League board and told me they were replacing the CEO. I agreed to help for the summer. By September, they should have found a replacement,” she said. “But I felt the organization could do more and have greater impact. The Urban League let me work on everything I cared about—education, families, economic advancement, and social justice—so it was a great fit for me.”
A Literacy Initiative for the Future
ULEC has launched a community-wide literacy initiative that will culminate in the opening of an Afro-Futuristic literacy center in Newark in 2026. The center will serve as a hub for literacy support for children, families, teachers, and community members.
“We have to take ownership of literacy in our community,” Cox Fraser said. “We need to ensure our children are literate so they can compete and lead. I wanted to build a center that would inspire a 12-year-old to put down that phone and pick up a book.”
Arva Rice and NYUL
Meanwhile, across the Bridge or through the Tunnel, NYUL President and CEO Arva Rice is advancing similar goals in New York City.
“I had worked in youth services and wanted to be at an organization so impactful it could change lives,” she said. “I set a goal: before I’m done, I want to run an Urban League. At the time, all I knew were led by Black men in their sixties who were incredibly accomplished—so I was zero for three. But they took a risk, and I became only the second woman to run an Urban League in its 90-year history.”
Rice’s personal journey—from teaching kindergarteners at 13 to leading NYUL—is rooted in her family history. Her parents, sharecroppers who moved North during the Great Migration, instilled in her the drive to create a better life for future generations.
She now aims to establish a Center for Black Excellence, revitalizing historic brownstones as a hub for community empowerment.
Responding to Crisis
Rice and NYUL made significant contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, issuing emergency loans to scholarship recipients and creating a Small Business Solution Center.
“It was designed for small businesses eligible for PPP loans but unable to apply because their finances weren’t in order,” Rice said. “We paired African American small businesses with partners to meet their needs.”
NYUL also launched a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lab in the wake of George Floyd’s killing.
“At that time—the Great Awakening—many partners were committed. Some DEI officers have since been moved to HR roles, but we’re figuring out how to maintain momentum,” she said. “One benefit is that many DEI lab partners also became sponsors of our educational programs and employment initiatives.”
Advocacy in a Shifting Landscape
Financial literacy and stability are central to the Urban League’s mission. Financial Opportunity Centers offer benefit screenings to ensure families receive entitled resources and pair them with employment and financial coaches.
Many families struggle with affordable housing, often spending half their income on rent. The League works with landlords and banks, provides homeownership pathways, and builds hundreds of housing units for working families—often offering two-family homes at reduced prices through government and foundation subsidies.
The Urban League has long been an advocate for social justice and civil rights. NUL has taken legal action against administrations threatening civil rights, including a lawsuit against the Trump administration over DEI orders.
Rice notes the shifting political climate around DEI: “The individual words are accepted, but collectively they draw contention.”
While NYUL has strong private support, many affiliates like ULEC face federal program cuts impacting seniors, housing assistance, after-school, and tutoring programs. Diversified funding and strong advocacy are essential to sustaining these services.
Community Engagement and Leadership
Both leaders stress the importance of community engagement. Unrestricted donations allow the League to address urgent needs. Volunteering—whether tutoring, mentoring, or teaching professional skills—is equally vital.
The Young Professionals Network (under 40) and The Guild (over 40) offer leadership opportunities and ways to connect.
Hope in Challenging Times
Despite challenges, both leaders remain optimistic and believe in the power of community, mutual support, and commitment to the American dream for the Black community.
“The Urban League was built for a time like this,” Cox Fraser said, likening today’s environment to its founding during the Great Migration. She seeks new funding aligned with the mission of economic and social advancement.
Rice also speaks of progress in Black education and resources: “We need to utilize those resources on behalf of our communities.”
A Beacon for the Future
The Urban League’s century-long journey is a testament to its enduring relevance. Through comprehensive programs, strong advocacy, and optimism, it remains a beacon of hope—standing with communities, uplifting families, and working for a more just and equitable future.
