October 14–15, 2026 Empowerment & Policy Conference and Gala at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center View details

People talk
about the future
like it just shows up...

Like it's predetermined. Like we don't have a hand in shaping it. Does it work like that?

Scroll to discover

Everything here has been built by those who came before us.

Our freedoms. Our rights. Our ability to be educated, care for our families, create political power. This is the foundation.

Who We Are

1938 - Start

  • 1938 - The New Orleans Urban League begins operation.
  • 1939 - Urban League Housing Committee meetings with the New Orleans Housing Authority lead to construction of the Magnolia Projects.
  • May 1939 - The Magnolia Housing Projects construction began. This was the first project in low-cost Federal housing and was a direct result of a study by New Orleans Urban League.
  • 1942 - The New Orleans Urban League track record of effective work established the basis for inclusion in Community Chest, now the Greater New Orleans Foundation.
  • 1947 - The New Orleans Urban League focuses on social justice issues such as police community relations.
  • 1953 - The New Orleans Urban League appealed to the Housing Authority for a residential area of 110 acres for private housing following a survey of 1,800 Negro families.
1939 New Orleans housing development advanced by the Urban League Housing Committee
Archival Community Chest partnership that funded early Urban League of New Orleans work
Pontchartrain Park homes developed after Urban League housing surveys of Black families
Community members gathered at an Urban League civic meeting

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But our future is still being built. That means, this is our story too.

That future is shaped by families and communities. When parents and children have access to education, small businesses have opportunities to grow, and our labor force has the support needed to achieve, generations prosper.

Advocacy
Students in a classroom representing the next generation
The Next Generation
Historic civil rights protest
Past + Present = Future
25+ AAPIs across the country
$1.1B+ Committed by partners
100+ Community partners
2021 Year founded

What will we build together?

Programs

Vision and Mission guide the work: a Louisiana where Black and other underserved communities can secure economic self-reliance, parity, power, and civil rights.

Our 2Gen approach centers the whole family through Health & Wellbeing, Generational Wealth, and Housing Stability.

Community health and wellbeing support

Area of Focus

Health & Wellbeing

Healthy children, engaged families, and thriving communities are the foundation of lasting success. That's why we focus on Health & Wellbeing and offer initiatives that support individuals and families at every stage of life. Through high-quality early education, youth development and family engagement, and health equity initiatives, we help children thrive, strengthen family wellbeing, and expand access to the resources and opportunities that promote healthier, more equitable communities.

Entrepreneurship and workforce opportunity

Area of Focus

Generational Wealth

Economic opportunity creates stronger families and communities. Our Generational Wealth initiatives help individuals and families build pathways to long-term financial stability and prosperity. Through workforce development, entrepreneurship and small business support, and increased access to wealth-building assets and opportunities, we equip people with the skills, resources, and connections needed to grow income, build assets, and create lasting economic mobility across generations.

Families and neighborhoods building stability

Area of Focus

Housing Stability

Stable, affordable housing is the foundation for healthy families and thriving communities. We work to expand access to safe, quality housing by advancing policies that increase and preserve long-term housing affordability. Through research, advocacy, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, we help create equitable housing opportunities that strengthen Black communities and support lasting economic mobility.

For those who came before us. For those who'll come after. For generations.

Get Involved Programs

Press & Announcements

Latest from the Urban League of Louisiana.

All Press

Apr 18, 2026

Defending Democracy in Louisiana: A Call to Conscience and Action

To the People of Louisiana and Members of the Legislature: Public service comes with a promise - to uphold the Constitution, follow the law...

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Apr 02, 2026

2026 Legislative Agenda: Safe. Strong. Smart Louisiana.

Framed around "Safe Louisiana. Strong Louisiana. Smart Louisiana," the agenda identifies key legislation aiming to shape the state's future...

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Mar 26, 2026

Volunteer registration opens for 2026 Big Health Event

Urban League of Louisiana officially opened registration for those looking to volunteer at the 2026 Big Health Event in Shreveport...

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For Generations