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The Urban League of Racine and Kenosha (Racine, WI) celebrated its 50th anniversary on New Year’s Eve.
“We’re celebrating our history,” said Urban League Chairman Norris Jones, saying organizers wanted to mark the achievements of the group and its past leaders. “But we are also planting the seed that we are going to be here for the next 50 years.”
The group marked the anniversary with a gala at the Italian American Club in Kenosha Wednesday evening. The event featured a speech by Isiah Hall, from the Urban League’s national office.
Jones said for many attendees, the event combined with Watchnight, a traditional late-night Christian service held at African-American churches on New Year’s Eve.
“A lot of people are starting the night here and then leaving for Watchnight,” he said.
Interim President Yolanda Adams said in Kenosha and Racine the group has been focused on advancing the economic opportunities for African Americans and other “emerging ethnic groups.”
She said the group provides pre-employment training, after-school programs, Internet access, job search help and summer breakfast and lunch programs for children.
According to Adams, the Kenosha office served about 900 people this year, the Racine office about 4,000.
Nikki Payne, who joined the organization’s board this year, said, “We want people to know that we are a vital organization and to let them know we are here for the community and we care.”
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