Cincinnati Historical
Society Library
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| In 1896, the U.S. Supreme Court declared its approval of segregation in the Plessy v. Ferguson decision. Soon after, the sanctioned system of “separate but equal” spread throughout the South causing economic, social and political oppression of African Americans and rapidly transforming the trickle of African American migration northward into a flood. Although it was clear to the newcomers that they had not escaped discrimination, they realized that the difference between North and South was one of opportunity. In order to capitalize on the potential, successfully adapt to urban life, and reduce discrimination, however, they needed help. On September 29, 1910 in New York City, the Committee on Urban Conditions Among Negroes, later known as the National Urban League, was established and brought the necessary assistance. | |||
In Cincinnati, a similar agency, known by several different names, was a forerunner to a local chapter of the Urban League and performed many of the same functions. It was called the Negro Civic Welfare Committee of the Council of Social Agencies (1917-1921); the Negro Civic Welfare Association Department of the Council of Social Agencies (1922-1935); and the Negro Welfare Division, Cincinnati Community Chest (1936-1948). |
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Part of an Urban League brochure, 1951. Urban League of Greater Cincinnati Papers, 1921-1975, Mss 580, Box 58, Folder 7. Cincinnati Historical Society Library, Cincinnati Museum Center. |
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The Urban League of Greater Cincinnati was established September 24, 1948 as one of the Community Chest Agencies. Its mission then was “to plan for, assist, encourage and engage in the improvement of economic, social, educational and cultural conditions of the Negro population.” Ted Berry and William McClain were two of the early trustees of the League. In its first five years, the Urban League concentrated its efforts on development of job opportunities for African American workers. A 1953 report states that actions taken to enhance employment prospects included planning conferences with several community agencies and organizations, referring applicants to private industries and the Ohio State Employment Service, counseling young people, visiting schools, arranging for scholarships, and contacting local employers. The report concludes: “The agency has served a total of 25,000 individuals over the five year period – all better informed, more productive citizens!” |
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In the fifty years since that report, the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati, now a United Way agency, has continued to serve the African American population, as well as the entire community in the improvement of economic, social, educational and cultural conditions. Their stated vision is “Strong African American families and individuals who are fully educated, employed, empowered, healthy with quality housing, and whose contributions are valued and recognized as benefiting the total community.” |
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Urban
League of Greater Cincinnati Papers, 1921-1975 |
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Urban League of Greater Cincinnati. Annual Reports General 301.34 U72 These reports review the past year's progress and provide information on what the League is, what it does and how it performs its activities. Some of the reports include program proposals for the year ahead, financial statements, rosters of board members and staff, photographs and messages from the League President. Annual reports for the years 1948, 1950 and 1954 through 1969 are available in the library. Request this |
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Behind the Scenes: The Cincinnati Urban League, 1948-63 By Nina Mjagkij in Race and the City General 977.14 R118 This essay by Nina Mjagkij discusses the Cincinnati Urban League's nonconfrontational approach to race relations during the civil rights movement. View catalog record Request this |
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Sources Used for Historical Sketch:
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Copyright © 2004-2007 Cincinnati Museum Center. All Rights Reserved. Images not to be reproduced without written authorization. This online guide opened on February 10, 2004. |
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