Message from Our President Archives – Houston Area Urban League

President’s Message: A Call to Action for Our Future.

A Call to Action for Our Future. MESSAGE: We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in history, surrounded by the legacy of remarkable figures who have paved the way before us. This moment calls us to learn, reflect, and chart our course forward. We must consider our past, our present, and what lies ahead for… Continue reading

Remembering Reverend William A. Lawson: A Legacy of Faith and Social Justice

Houston, TX – May 14, 2024 – It is with profound sorrow that we bid farewell to a towering figure in our community, Reverend William A. Lawson, Founder Emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Reverend Lawson’s legacy transcends time, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of Houston’s history and the hearts of its people.As… Continue reading

Honoring the Legacy of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Houston, TX – July 19, 2024 – It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that the Houston Area Urban League acknowledges the passing of Congresswoman and former Houston Area Urban League Board Member Sheila Jackson Lee. A tireless advocate for justice and equality, Congresswoman Lee was not only a pillar of strength within… Continue reading

Voices of the Civil Rights Movement – The Robinson Family

Judson W. Robinson III represents the third generation of his family dedicated to improving Houston’s Black community. His grandfather, a businessman, community leader, and activist known as “Big Jud,” was a catalyst for change in the city. His father, Judson Jr., continued in Big Jud’s footsteps, becoming the first Black American elected to the Houston… Continue reading

The Vital Role of DEI in Empowering the Black Economy

In recent years, discussions around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have gained significant momentum across various sectors. From corporate boardrooms to grassroots activism, fostering diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments is increasingly recognized as essential for societal progress. However, some advocate for the elimination of DEI initiatives, arguing that they are unnecessary or even detrimental. What… Continue reading

Judson W. Robinson Champions Voter Rights in Texas

In the heart of Houston, a pivotal battle rages for the fundamental right to vote. Brother Judson W. Robinson III (’78 Nu Phi), President & CEO of the Houston Area Urban League, spearheads the fight against regressive voting rights provisions entrenched in Texas Senate Bill 1 (S.B. 1). In a landmark trial garnering national attention,… Continue reading

Op-Ed: Black-owned businesses are making history in Texas, across America

In recent years, our small business community has weathered a global pandemic, persistent supply chain issues, sometimes volatile prices, and a tight labor market—and Black-owned businesses in our state have faced disproportionate impacts from these pandemic challenges. Despite those headwinds, Black-owned businesses across Texas are fueling one of the largest and most diverse waves of… Continue reading

Efforts to Restore Dallas-Area Urban League is Making Progress

After the Dallas chapter of the National Urban League shut down in 2015, a core of young professionals worked to preserve the civil rights organization's fight for economic and social justice. Now those emerging leaders are partnering with their older counterparts to restart the local Urban League, saying the organization is needed to help underserved… Continue reading