Juneteenth, A Day of Celebration and Reflection

The Emancipation Proclamation: devised to free millions of slaves living in the United States was signed on January 1, 1863 but many did not learn about it for several years. After more than two years on June 19, 1865, Union Soldiers brought the news to Galveston, Texas. This was the beginning of what is now celebrated as Juneteenth, also known … Read More

Our Workforce Team Is Here to Help

Our dedicated team of highly experience workforce professionals are here to help people secure employment. One of the programs of the Urban League is the CrossOver program. Designed to assist individuals with job searches, resume development and interview prep. As well as connecting employers with potential candidates. The workforce team works on behalf of unemployed individuals with an end goal … Read More

Support the Knoxville Area Urban League as You Shop!

Give back by helping to support the Knoxville Area Urban League! It’s so easy to do; go to https://smile.amazon.com/ and select the Knoxville Area Urban League. Amazon will donate .5% of qualifying purchases. Every little bit helps!

Here to serve

Our response to Coronavirus The Coronavirus is an unprecedented health crisis with significant economic and safety threats. We are confident, that together, we will get through it. We are committed to doing everything we can for everyone in our community. We are continuing to provide services and support.  It is why we exist and why we are committed to working … Read More

Annual Membership Lunch – How Can You Be A Part of the Urban League?

Thank you for your interest in the Knoxville Area Urban League. We are extremely grateful to our supporters whose ongoing commitment has allowed us to continue the work of empowering communities and changing lives for another year. Check out our 2016 Annual Report which is posted on our website for detailed program outcomes and fiscal information, and acknowledgements to all … Read More

What do business leaders need to understand about diversity?

If our collective desire is to make the greater Knoxville area a destination of choice for investment, for talented individuals and their families, and for the leading businesses of tomorrow, then diversity and inclusion must have intentional focus. Business leaders send a powerful message when they demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion that goes beyond mere talk. Companies and … Read More

Talk about a Return on Investment!

We often say that time marches on. I recently had an experience that reminded me that, indeed, time passes quickly. It also reminded me why I am passionate about the Urban League and why our work is so important. I met Brandon Hardin when he was a sophomore at Austin-East. Brandon was engaged in the Black Achievers Program where I … Read More

Diversity Summit helps Knoxville Start an Important Conversation

Scripps Networks is a market leader in demonstrating how diversity and inclusion make for a successful business. At last week’s Diversity Summit – hosted by Scripps in partnership with the Urban League and Knoxville Chamber – Scripps provided the opportunity to explore the dimension of diversity as an economic driver for community and business development. The Summit was stimulating and … Read More

In the words of Dr. Seuss, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.”

A word from Phyllis Nichols, Knoxville Area Urban League President and CEO Growing up, my favorite thing to do was read. In fact, when I hadn’t cleaned my room or done other chores around the house, my mother would spur me into action by saying, “You can’t read until you’ve…” You can fill in the blank. I was more than … Read More