GEM Community Development Group enlists Knoxville Area Urban League to ensure diverse participation in all phases of private development surrounding stadium project

Pledging that minority firms and individuals will be integral to all aspects of the private development that will surround the publicly owned multi-use facility being proposed on the eastern edge of downtown Knoxville, GEM Community Development Group has announced that it plans to enter into a partnership with the Knoxville Area Urban League. “The Urban League has a long history … Read More

Knoxville Area Urban League CEO earns prestigious business leadership award

Phyllis Y. Nichols, the president and CEO of Knoxville Area Urban League, will be honored this month with the James A. Haslam, II Chair’s Leadership Award by the Knoxville Chamber. The prestigious award will be presented to Nichols at the Pinnacle Business Awards on Friday, Feb. 19, during a virtual midday event. The annual event, which is now in its … Read More

Local entrepreneurs earn $10,500 in Knoxville Area Urban League business pitch contest

Five winners of the Knoxville Area Urban League’s business pitch contest have received checks totaling $10,500 for enterprises ranging from health care to art classes. Mark Isom, the founder and president of Premiere Building Maintenance Corporation, presented the entrepreneurs with checks during Impact Week, a virtual fundraiser held in late 2020 for the Knoxville Area Urban League’s community initiatives, including … Read More

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

Mobile Unit will bring driver’s license and ID services on Tuesday, Aug. 20

The Knoxville Area Urban League will host a Tennessee Driver’s License Mobile Unit on Tuesday, Aug. 20, to provide licensing and state identification services to the community. The unit will be available from 1-4 p.m. at the Knoxville Area Urban League’s headquarters, located at 1514 E. 5th Ave. Services will include state ID cards, learner’s permits, new driver’s licenses, renewal … 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