In 1938, the Urban League of Greater New Orleans began its operations as part of a multifaceted campaign of expansion spearheaded by the National Urban League. By the 1960s, the organization became instrumental in the civil rights movement, vocalizing systemic racism and breaking barriers through securing economic empowerment, promoting voter education initiatives, and elevating living standards in historically underserved urban communities. In 2016, we expanded to a statewide entity, becoming the Urban League of Louisiana (ULLA). That expansion began in East Baton Rouge Parish and will continue throughout the state.

Today, we run operations from our New Orleans headquarters and the Baton Rouge satellite office. We have launched vital social and economic inclusion initiatives, targeting our communities' most marginalized populations. ULLA annually serves African Americans and people of color, unemployed and under-employed residents, low-income individuals, parents, families, and opportunity youth. After 85 years, ULLA remains relevant to our mission for equity. We continue to combat barriers to equitable education, health, employment, economic opportunities, and social justice.