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[Pages S3157-S3158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MILWAUKEE URBAN LEAGUE
Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the Milwaukee
Urban League on its 100th anniversary. It gives me great pleasure to
honor this remarkable organization and to commemorate this historic
milestone.
The Milwaukee Urban League was established in 1919 as an affiliate of
the National Urban League, which grew out of the national quest for
freedom and opportunity. During the emergence of the Milwaukee Urban
League, millions of African Americans were migrating from the South to
Northern States like Wisconsin in search of greater opportunity and a
better quality of life. The newcomers soon learned that they had not
escaped racial discrimination in jobs, education, and housing. By
teaching useful skills and offering an array of resources, the
Milwaukee Urban League sought to help African Americans through this
difficult transition to urban life and employment in a manufacturing
economy.
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Throughout its early years, the Milwaukee Urban League was
instrumental in fighting for social justice and equal opportunity for
African Americans. The league became a strong and dedicated voice for
the poor and underserved by helping them obtain decent housing, acquire
workforce training and leadership skills, find health care, and ensure
their children had access to education and opportunity.
Over the past century, the Milwaukee Urban League has made tremendous
gains helping African Americans achieve their greatest potential. The
league has continued to promote self-sufficiency through a variety of
programs that teach professional skills. The Milwaukee Urban League has
also demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to education and youth
engagement. By supporting initiatives to improve the lives of those who
are often left behind, the Milwaukee Urban League has brought about
meaningful change in Wisconsin's largest city.
With the great challenges still facing the African-American community
today, Milwaukee continues to need the league's leadership, strength,
and resilience. Despite the organization's unflagging efforts, rising
tides have not raised all boats equally, and unacceptable disparities
continue to exist. Wages, educational outcomes, economic conditions,
neighborhood safety, and the opportunity to achieve the American dream
still depend to a large degree on a person's ZIP Code or the color of
his or her skin.
By working together, we can ensure that African Americans and all
community members are educated, employed, and empowered to succeed. The
league's persistent commitment to improving opportunities for those
trapped in poverty fosters hope for the next generation of leaders in
Milwaukee's communities of color.
As the Milwaukee Urban League both celebrates its accomplishments and
reflects on its future challenges, I will be forever grateful for the
league's achievements over the past century, and I look forward to its
continued success in the years to come.
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