Springfield Urban League Inc.

Operation Warm Coat Drive with PNC Bank was a SUCCESS! 🧥❄️ We’re so thankful to our partner PNC Bank for supporting the Operation Warm Coat initiative, providing free winter coats to our Head Start and Early Head Start children! This year, PNC Bank has generously donated 200 coats to the Springfield Urban League and a total of 1,600 coats across Illinois. Since 2019, they’ve distributed over 5,500 coats to children in need, ensuring they stay warm and cozy throughout the season. A warm coat means so much more than warmth – it brings comfort, confidence, and support to our Head Start families as they embrace the winter months. Huge thanks to PNC Bank for helping us keep our little ones bundled up and ready for the season! #OperationWarm #PNCBank #GrowUpGreat #SpringfieldUrbanLeague #CommunitySupport #WinterWarmth

UTCJP Drone Program Highlight! This week marks the final week of our Urban Tech and Construction Jobs Program (UTCJP) Drone Training! We’re excited to share some of the amazing drone footage captured by our talented and certified FAA Part 107 Pilots. From mastering flight controls to capturing stunning aerial views, our trainees have been hard at work building cutting-edge skills in the world of drone technology. Check out the highlight reel! A special thank you to Springfield Aeroshots for partnering with us and helping make this program a soaring success! #utcjp #dronetraining #aerialshooting #SpringfieldUrbanLeague #EmpowermentThroughTech

Our Head Start students had an amazing experience with a portable dome planetarium today! 🌍✨ Inside the inflatable dome, they were transported to the stars, learning about constellations, planets, and galaxies in a fully immersive, 360-degree environment. Bringing the planetarium to our children offers them a hands-on introduction to the wonders of the universe, sparking their curiosity and encouraging them to dream big. This opportunity allows them to explore science in an exciting and engaging way, laying the foundation for future learning in STEM. Thank you to our partners PNC and Peoria Riverfront Museum for making today possible! #SUL #PortablePlanetarium #STEMEducation #HeadStart

Today, our Urban Tech and Construction Jobs Program (UTCJP) provided drone coverage for the United Way of Central Illinois "Battle of the Paddle: Fire & Finance" Pickleball tournament! 🏓 Our team captured amazing aerial footage of top plays, swings, and unforgettable moments. The Springfield Urban League’s UTCJP Program has helped 17 aspiring drone pilots get their FAA Part 107 Drone License and start their own LLCs. DISCOVER WHAT THE SPRINGFIELD URBAN LEAGUE CAN DO FOR YOU! #SpringfieldUrbanLeague #UTCJP #BattleOfThePaddle #FireAndFinance #DroneTech #EmpoweringCommunities #FAA107

Congratulations to Tina Dickerson, one of our dedicated Head Start/Early Head Start Home Visitor teachers, for being awarded the Illinois Region 51 "High Five Award"! 🙌 This recognition celebrates Tina's incredible commitment to going above and beyond for the families in the Region 51 community. At the Springfield Urban League, our staff goes above and beyond to nurture the young minds of our children, and Tina is a shining example of that dedication. We are so proud to have you on our team, Tina! Keep up the amazing work! #HeadStart #HighFiveAward #CommunityChampion #SpringfieldUrbanLeague

The Springfield Urban League, Inc., commends President Joe Biden's historic decision to designate the site of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot as a national monument. This recognition, made possible through the Antiquities Act, honors the lives lost during the riot and acknowledges its profound impact on Springfield and the nation. A special thanks to Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, Congressman Darin LaHood, Senators Dick Durbin, Doris Turner, and Tammy Duckworth, the NAACP Springfield Branch, and everyone who made this recognition possible. "This monument is not merely a memorial to the past but a beacon of hope and a call to action. It underscores the importance of confronting our history, however painful, to ensure a more just and inclusive future." - Marcus E. Johnson, President & CEO | Springfield Urban League https://lnkd.in/gUQfQCKG #SpringfieldHistory #1908RaceRiot #JusticeForAll #NationalMonument

📣 Attention all K-12th grade students and parents! 📚 Enrollment for the Springfield Urban League "Project Ready" After-School program is NOW OPEN! What scholars can expect: ✅Service Learning ✅Life Skills and Mentoring ✅Positive Peer Engagement ✅Family Engagement ✅S.T.E.A.M ✅Student Success Center ✅Recreation, Sports, Cultural, and Artistic Activities Secure your spot today by visiting the site coordinator at your school to register. Let’s make this school year the best one yet! Call (217) 789-0830 if you have any questions or email projectready@springfieldul.org! #ProjectReady #AfterSchoolProgram #EnrollNow #BackToSchool

Attend Our Job Fair! Looking for a job? In collaboration with District 186, we are hosting a collaborative career fair on Thursday, August 15th at the NAACP building located at 801 S. 11th Street. The fair will provide a variety of jobs within education teacher assistance, crossing guards, bus monitor, and much more! Interested candidates are welcome to attend anytime from 9:00am to 1:00pm and again from 4:00-6:00pm. #Careers #JobFair #Employment #JoinOurTeam

WE'RE COMMITTED TO OUR EMPLOYEE'S SUCCESS! Sherri Bailey has grown with the Movement! Sherri joined the Springfield Urban League in 1997 as a parent and began her career as a teacher's assistant. Her qualities and dedication propelled her to become a head teacher in the classroom. Sherri now serves as a Home Visitor, serving children and families in their homes. This close interaction allows her to witness the direct impact she has on their lives. "It makes me feel good knowing I was a part of their success," Sherri stated. As we grow, Sherri hopes to continue her career for many more years to see our continued impact on families. She adds, "It really is a blessing to have worked here at the Springfield Urban League for so many years." DISCOVER WHAT THE SPRINGFIELD URBAN LEAGUE CAN DO FOR YOU! #Empowerment #SpringfieldUL #TheMovement

The Springfield Urban League proudly announces that our President and CEO Marcus E. Johnson, MPH has been named the 2024 recipient of the prestigious John W. Mack Medal of Honor🏅. This esteemed accolade, presented by the National Urban League and its President and CEO Marc H. Morial, honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and service to disadvantaged and disenfranchised communities. The John W. Mack Medal of Honor is named in memory of John W. Mack, a prominent civil rights leader and former Los Angeles Urban League President. Mack was a tireless advocate for social justice, dedicated to improving the economic conditions and quality of life for African Americans and other minorities. His legacy includes significant contributions to education, public safety, and economic development, making him a revered figure in the fight for equality and civil rights. Marcus dedicated this award to the memory of Sonya Massey, who was tragically and unjustifiably killed by law enforcement. Her family is fervently advocating for policy reform. Johnson shared, “This medal honors Sonya Massey and reinforces our unwavering commitment to justice and reform. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that her legacy inspires meaningful change, much like John Mack’s relentless efforts to reform the LAPD and improve community relations. Their legacies drive us to achieve significant and lasting reforms in our community.”✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 #TheMovement #SpringfieldUL #sonyamassey #empowerment #uplift #JohnWMack #NULConf24