Introduction
The first Urban League Guild, called "The National Urban League Guild", was organized in 1942 for the purpose of interpreting and supporting the work of the National Urban League. Located in New York City the founder and President of this organization was Mrs. Mollie Moon. The organization was established on an informal basis. However, the Guild later adopted by-laws and began holding annual elections for officers and regular meetings.
Beaux-Arts Ball
Over the years, this group has provided a variety of services, projects, and programs in support of the National Urban League. Most noted of all the projects implemented by this Guild was the establishment of an annual Ball called the “Beaux-Arts Ball”.
Guild MeetingNational Urban League
The Forming of the Council
The first official Guild is still called, the “National Urban League Guild”, and continues to serve only the National Urban League in New York City. The Guild founder, Mrs. Mollie Moon, served as the President of the National Urban League Guild, until her death in 1991.
Activities and successes of the “National Urban League Guild” of New York City stimulated other cities with Urban League affiliates to establish a local Guild in their city.
Today, the National Urban League encourages all affiliates to utilize the Guild, and there organize group of volunteers.
The GuildNational Urban League
Following the 1942 start-up of the first Guild and the subsequent start-up of Guilds in other cities across the country, Guild representatives from these cities began to meet annually at the National Urban League Conference. Their purpose was to share experiences and to develop programs and fund-raising ideas to support and serve the local affiliate to which they were attached.
At the 1952 National Urban League Conference held in Cleveland, Ohio, the Guild representatives at that conference decided to formalize their annual sessions and thus, the National Council of Urban League Guilds (the Council) was formed.
The GuildNational Urban League
Since 1952, the Council has represented Guilds attached to local affiliates. It is an official constituent group of the National Urban League, and the Council was seated and is recognized as a member of the National Urban League Trustee Board. The President of the National Council of Urban League Guilds History of the National Council of Urban League Guilds represents the Council on the Board, and this affords the Council the opportunity to become a part of the decision-making process which governs the National Urban League Movement. All local Guilds that make up the Council serve the local affiliates to which they are attached.
The GuildNational Urban League
Following its inception, the Council has made strong inroads to become a solid group of volunteers within the movement. Each new administration of executives has prepared us for growth and the changing economic forces that tend to impede all non-profit organizations. Our community service efforts have shown tremendous strength in the communities including projects with local and national organizations.
The GuildNational Urban League
The Guild Today
Working inside and out, we have increased the visibility of the affiliate through public relations utilizing marketing skills in support of local affiliate community programs. Our fundraising efforts have shown a positive increase during the last two decades of the 20th century. This effort is directly related to the outstanding job done by the local Guild. Their efforts are to be exclaimed time and time again for they have been challenged with economic down-turns, increased cost of fundraising, decreased community support and other factors. Many of the fundraising events held across the country have existed for over 20 years. Thousands of dollars in college scholarships are being awarded annually. Our focus continues to be “Our Children Equal Our Destiny.”
Curated by Michael Tomlin-Crutchfield
