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Read back issues of the Portland Observer at www.portlandobserver.com
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‘City o f Roses’
Volume XXXXI, N um b er 8
Established in ... 1970
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Wednesday
Wednesday • • February
February
22, 22,
2012
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photo by M indy C ooper /T he P ortland O bserver
The diverse and dedicated s ta ff o f the Urban League o f Portland outside their North Russell Street headquarters. Since 1945, the non-profit has worked to make the
city a more equitable and ju s t place for African Americans and other minority residents.
E mpowering P ortland
Urban League
advocates for
fairness, equality
by M indy C ooper
T he P ortland O bserver
As an advocate for fair housing and employ
ment, the Urban League of Portland, founded in
1945, was instrumental in creating the progress in
civil rights Portlanders have come to know today.
Throughout their history, the Urban League of
Portland, an affiliate of the national Urban League,
has been dedicated to the movement and empower
ment of people of all colors, creeds and national
origins who believe a strong community can create
a more just society.
With headquarters at 10 N. Russell St., the non
profit organization serves African Americans and
other local residents through direct services pro
vided to over 1,000 individuals and the engagement
of more than 8,000 people each year.
“We have always been a part of an important
community effort to hold our leaders and our policy
makers accountable for our community,” said Midge
Purcell, the Urban League of Portland director of
advocacy and public policy. “I like to tell the story
of the Urban League founding because I think it has
a lot of lessons for us today.”
The National organization, previously known as
the National League on Urban Conditions among
continued
on page 10
Midge Purcell,
director o f advocacy
and public policy for
the Urban League o f
Portland, works to
bring equality in
employment,
housing, education
and in business
opportunity.