The Story
The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh was founded in 1918 as part of the national movement to advance economic opportunity and civil rights for African Americans. For over a century, the organization has provided workforce development, housing programs, youth services, and advocacy to strengthen Pittsburgh's Black community.
Rooted in the Hill District, one of Pittsburgh's historically significant neighborhoods, the Urban League has been a steady advocate for equity and justice. The organization has worked through economic transitions, providing job training and placement services that connect residents to opportunity in a changing Pittsburgh economy. From the industrial era to the knowledge economy, the Urban League has been a bridge to employment and advancement.
Today, under its legacy of leadership, the organization continues its mission of economic empowerment, education, and civic engagement, serving thousands of Pittsburgh residents annually and working to address systemic inequities in employment, housing, and education.
What Makes It Pittsburgh
The Urban League is woven into Pittsburgh's social and civil rights history. The organization's presence in the Hill District connects it to one of America's most important Black cultural and business centers. The Urban League's commitment to Pittsburgh's Black community reflects the city's values of dignity and opportunity for all residents.
Pittsburgh's transformation requires institutions that ensure all residents benefit from economic growth. The Urban League's workforce development and housing programs are essential to inclusive development in Pittsburgh, making it a vital civic institution that shapes who shares in the city's prosperity and opportunity.