January 9, 2011
In a Recession, Urban League Furthers Its Mission of Economic Equity
A recent campaign stressing the need for black professionals to mentor young people is part of the National Urban League’s current approach. At the time of the group’s founding, African Americans struggled to get a foothold in blue-collar workplaces like factories.
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A recent campaign stressing the need for black professionals to mentor young people is part of the National Urban League’s current approach. At the time of the group’s founding, African Americans struggled to get a foothold in blue-collar workplaces like factories.
When Lonnie Brent heard about a four-month program that could train and certify him to fix heating and air-conditioning systems, he couldn’t wait to apply.
Homeless for the previous two years, the 57-year-old Charlotte, N.C., man was accepted.
One cold, drizzly morning recently, he returned from a repair call with his instructor and classmates feeling upbeat.
“It’s a good field,” he said. “No matter where you go, somebody needs heating or
