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Greater Baltimore Urban League Celebrates

100

years

of Empowerment

A Century of Impact. A Future of Promise.

November 9, 2024

Centennial Gala

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The Greater Baltimore Urban League turns 100 in 2024.

The Greater Baltimore Urban League is celebrating 100 years of impact in 2024!

On Saturday, June 8, 2024, The Greater Baltimore Urban League kicked off its 100th anniversary campaign, A Century of Impact, A Future of Promise. For a century, we’ve been at the forefront of empowering communities and advancing civil rights. As we mark this incredible milestone, we’re not just looking back—we’re fueling the future. This exciting celebration includes special community events, short biographical documentary, a signature golf tournament on October 10th, and a grand gala on November 9th. The campaign will also spotlight local and national leaders who have empowered Black communities in the Greater Baltimore region. Join us as we reflect on the progress we’ve made, honor the ongoing fight for equality and continue driving change for the next 100 years.

Our History

The Greater Baltimore Urban League, originally known as the Baltimore Urban League, was organized and chartered by the National Urban League in December 1924. Inspired by the 1919 Hague Conference in Europe after World War I, Baltimore clergyman Rev. Peter Ainslie returned home with a mission: to improve living conditions and job opportunities for Baltimore’s Black residents. Over the past 100 years, this organization has grown in size and impact, becoming the leading force for empowering Black people economically and socially. Scroll down to follow our story through the past century.

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Centennial Anniversary Special Event and News
Help us Reach $1 million to Continue Empowering Baltimore Communities
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Special Events
November 9, 2024
6:00PM – 10:00PM
100 years Anniversary, A Century of Impact A Future of Promise

GALA Honorees

Tershea Rice
Tershea RiceChief Operations Officer
Ricky D. Smith
Ricky D. SmithCEO of BWI
Ricky D. Smith
Ricky D. SmithCEO of BWI
Ricky D. Smith
Ricky D. SmithCEO of BWI
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November 9, 2024

Centennial Gala

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$300 Donation

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  • 1 Premium Reserved Table at Gala Dinner
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  • Inclusion in press releases promoting the gala
  • Brand signage at gala

Become a Community Sponsor

10K Donation:

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  • 1 Premium Reserved Table at Gala Dinner
  • 1 Half-page ad in the gala booklet
  • Company logo on promotional
  • Company logo on promotional materials and social media
  • Inclusion in press releases promoting the gala
  • Brand signage at gala

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Baltimore Urban League Early Milestones

Rev. Peter Ainslie, together with Provident Savings Bank Board Chairman John R. Cary, conducted an extensive survey in 1922 on the working conditions for Black laborers in Baltimore’s industry. The study’s recommendations shaped the Baltimore Urban League’s focus on health, education, and housing for the Black community.
John R. Cary, Mrs. Lilian A. Lottier, Dr. Peter Ainslie, and Dr. George P. Murphy are honored as the founding members of the Greater Baltimore Urban League. Over the past 100 years, this organization has grown in size and impact, becoming the leading force for empowering Black people economically and socially. Scroll down to follow our story through the past century.
1919
BUL founder Reverend Peter Ainslie, attended the Hague Conference on World Friendship, the first volunteer gathering of WWI warring nations. Inspired, he organized an Interracial Conference to improve racial attitudes and conditions in health and welfare.
1920
BUL led effort to save Victory Hospital, one of a handful of Baltimore Hospitals treating black patients and hiring black nurses and doctors. Victory Hospital did not survive, but BUL gained the support of local medical and civic leaders and successfully helped organize Provident Hospital.
1922
Extensive survey of Black industrial workers conducted by Dr. Charles Johnson, prompted by the interest of Rev. Ainslie and Mr. Cary.
1924
The study results and the work of the Interracial Conference formed the initial founding of the Baltimore Urban League.
1925
BUL begins work to clean up the Lung Block, referring to the area with the highest death rate of tuberculosis in Baltimore. (Pennsylvania to Druid Hill, Biddle to Present Streets).
1926
First funding received from the Community Chest.
1930
BUL recommends widening Preston Street and paving alleys within block and mayor authorizes. Another recommendation by BUL, the construction of Preston Street Elementary School is followed despite opposition.
1933
At BUL’s request, six black caseworkers appointed to the Baltimore Emergency Relief Commission
1939
After multiple unsuccessful efforts to integrate AFL Trade Unions, BUL organized 200 black building craftsmen. After two years of negotiations, Local #544 of the International Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Affiliated with the AFL was organized.
1940
BUL member Carl J. Murphy chairs the newly founded Citizen’s Committee on Current Educational Problems. Committee-prepared brief presented to Boar5d of School Commissioners documenting teacher and classroom supply shortages in black schools and the need for a vocational school.
1943
BUL incorporated.
1947
Baltimore City Fire Department integrated with support from BUL. BUL trained 30 applicants, and 14 passed the exam and were hired. BUL Education Committee mobilized the public in support of integration of the University of Maryland; the University issued a statement that applications would be reviewed without consideration of race.
1949
BUL’s Health Committee successfully advocates for an increase in bus transportation to Henryton Hospital to 3 per day for tuberculosis patients. BUL conducts the research identifying the need in Cherry Hill for parks and playgrounds; Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks acquires 31 acres, 12 of which to be immediately developed as a park and playground. The Maryland Theater announces policy change and will serve theatergoers regardless of race. The Baltimore Superintendent of Public Instruction described a BUL study of clerical training “constructive interest…in the program of public education” and noted “the thoughtfulness with which you developed your recommendations.”
1970
National Urban League establishes a census project in ten cities, including Baltimore, to reverse the Black undercount.

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