Knoxville Area Urban League
The Knoxville Area Urban League empowers individuals and families to achieve their highest true social parity, economic self-reliance, power and civil rights.
We promote economic empowerment through education and job training, housing and community development, workforce development, entrepreneurship, health and quality of life.
Our mission is to enable African Americans, other minority groups and underserved communities to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights.
KAUL Young Professionals (KAULYP)
KAULYP is a volunteer auxiliary of the Urban League that targets young professionals ages 21-40 to empower their communities and change lives through the Urban League Movement. KAULYPs support the Urban League Movement through volunteerism, philanthropy and membership development.
Membership
Become a member of KAUL, and empower our community members to earn, own, prosper and thrive. Members receive access to exclusive events and engagement opportunities.
Signature Events
We host events throughout the year that unite the community and support our mission. Get involved by sponsoring, attending or volunteering.
Pillars
Our initiatives provide direct support through education, job training, housing, workforce development, entrepreneurship, health, and quality of life.
About us
Since 1968, the Knoxville Area Urban League has assisted disadvantaged people achieve social and economic stability through direct services, advocacy and community partnership.
As an affiliate of the National Urban League, we impact thousands of lives each year across the Knoxville community.
We focus on:
- Building skilled and diverse workforce.
- Increasing homeownership.
- Supporting economic and small business development.
- Strengthening education outcomes for youth.
- Improving health and quality of life for community members.
Partnering with UWGK
East Tennessee Collaborative
Tennessee Opportunity Initiative Pilot (TOPI)
The Knoxville Area Urban League partners with the United Way of Greater Knoxville through the East Tennessee Collaborative to help individuals and families achieve financial stability.
Through this program, we work to reduce poverty, increase economic opportunity pathways and enhance social support systems.
Featured Media
The Tula Torch
Quarterly Newsletter
Sign up for our quarterly newsletter highlighting the impact of National Urban League affiliates across Tennessee.
Client Success Stories
We have helped thousands of people build brighter futures through our programs.
Whitney Johnson, CEO of Paisley’s Cupcakes, founded her business in 2021 with a focus on crafting fresh, custom cupcakes that evoke the feel of homemade treats. She joined the Knoxville Area Urban League’s Starting A Business 101 program to scale her business from a small home operation to producing hundreds or thousands of cupcakes weekly. Johnson was one of 12 entrepreneurs to participate in the program, which walks creative small business owners through lean, effective business modeling methods in simple and intuitive ways.
Asia Harris and Josie Bales, both dedicated scholars of KAULed 2 the Future, exemplify the impact of intentional investment in youth leadership, academic excellence and college readiness. As three-year participants in the program, they have actively engaged in opportunities that promote personal growth, civic awareness and future planning. Their achievements as salutatorian and valedictorian of Career Magnet Academy reflect not only their hard work and determination, but also the skills and confidence developed through KAULed 2 the Future. Asia and Josie represent the very mission of the program, preparing students to lead, succeed and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Updates
Stay aware of the latest news and updates
from the Knoxville Area Urban League.
Shoes for School Sponsor
Since 2003, Shoes for School has helped thousands of local children start the school year with confidence by providing new shoes and school supplies. This year, KAUL continues its mission of empowering youth while calling on the community for support...
Shoes for School Registration
Families receiving support through local nonprofits can register their children, age 5-12, now through May 31 to receive a free pair of shoes at the Knoxville Area Urban League’s Shoes for School. The order form and other event information are...
Membership Breakfast
The Knoxville Area Urban League (KAUL) will host its annual membership meeting to celebrate the nonprofit’s annual accomplishments and announce upcoming initiatives with a breakfast on Feb. 11 at the downtown UT Conference Center. The event, which will be held...