photo by steed media service

Since its establishment in 1916, the Chicago Urban League continues to carry out the organization’s mission by “empowering and inspiring individuals to reach and exceed their economic potential.” The league focuses on growing Chicago’s African American workforce and business community. For president and CEO, Cheryle Jackson, assisting in the growth of black businesses is vital.

“The opportunities that I face are tremendous. The board [of directors] was ready for new direction and leadership, and with that new leadership and direction I was able to focus the Chicago Urban League on an economic empowerment model, actually changing our focus,” says Jackson. “I decided to focus on entrepreneurship and growing the capacity and strength of black entrepreneurs. We are also working on workforce diversity and connecting African Americans to better job opportunities, commercial real estate, and always, education. These are exciting times for the Chicago Urban League.”

With Jackson’s focus, and the implementation of the newest program, projectNEXT, the Chicago Urban League will take on the role of being a resource for the black community. The program will offer scholarships and internships for students, while working to raise minority employment and income levels, and expanding the number of minority-owned businesses.

“ProjectNEXT is what we are calling the new focus and direction of the Chicago Urban League. It includes our entrepreneur center, workforce development, financial education program, family engagement in schools, commercial real estate, housing and advocacy in research. It is our way [of helping the] next generation make its contribution to the Civil Rights Movement by focusing on economic power.” – adrienne gadling


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