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Springfield Urban League, Inc

@springfieldurbanleague

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Established in 1926, the Springfield Urban League, Inc., is a human service corporation and direct service organization. BE PART OF "THE MOVEMENT"!

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This weekend, Central Illinois witnessed something truly special.

A weekend rooted in excellence, elegance, and class. A weekend where history walked into the room, legacy took its seat at the table, and the future stood proudly beside it.

More than 1,000 beautiful people filled the BOS Center for the Springfield Urban League 100th Anniversary Dinner Celebration, creating a moment that will live in the heart of our community for generations to come.

Throughout the evening, we watched positivity permeate every corner of the room.

We saw the wide eyes and bright smiles of young scholars as they experienced the unmistakable power of being surrounded by a community that loves them, believes in them, and reminds them that THEY ARE SOMEBODY.

We watched parents, grandparents, community leaders, friends, and families reunite. We watched generations embrace, old friendships rekindle, and new memories take root. In those moments, we were reminded that the work of the Springfield Urban League has never been simply about programs or services. It is about people. It is about reminding every child, every family, and every neighbor that THEY ARE SOMEBODY and that their dreams, their voices, and their futures matter to us.

For 100 years, the Springfield Urban League has been committed to empowering communities and changing lives by creating pathways to opportunity, advancing equity, strengthening families, investing in our youth, and standing alongside those who continue to fight for a more just and prosperous future. Our work has never been about a building, a program, or a moment in time. It has always been about people.

To everyone who stood with us this weekend and throughout our 100-year journey, thank you for being part of “The Movement”. Your presence, your support, and your belief in what is possible are what make this work matter.

Cheers to 100 Years!

#100thAnniversary #TheMovement #KeepIt100 #community #PurposeDriven taken in BOS Center Springfield IL by @springfieldurbanleague

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a month ago

We’re proud to announce that the Springfield Urban League has been named ‘Best Local Non-Profit’ in the 2025 Illinois Times @illinoistimes Best of Springfield’ Awards! 🏆

Our Head Start program has also received the ‘Best Day Care Center’ award for the 2nd year in a row!🏆

For nearly a century, the Springfield Urban League has stood as a pillar of opportunity and advocacy for Central Illinois. Since opening our doors in 1926, we’ve worked tirelessly to advance equity through programs in education, workforce development, health, justice, and community empowerment. Every achievement, reflects the dedication of our staff, the passion of our volunteers, and the trust of the community we serve.

As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2026, this award reminds us of the generations of families whose lives have been touched by the League’s mission.

Thank you to the Illinois Times readers and to every supporter who continues to believe in our work.

#SpringfieldUrbanLeague #BestOfSpringfield #Since1926 #SUL100 #EmpoweringCommunities #ChangingLives #100Years #CentennialCelebration taken in Springfield, Illinois by @springfieldurbanleague

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a year ago

The Springfield Urban League proudly announces that our President and CEO Marcus E. Johnson 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 taken in New Orleans, Louisiana by @springfieldurbanleague

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2 years ago

We’re celebrating a NEW addition to our Health Initiatives program! 🎉👏🏾

MEET SULLY!!!

SULLY is a Risk Reduction Vending Machine, bringing essential health and wellness resources to our community!

It provides items including Plan B, naloxone, condoms, HIV testing kits, and hygiene kits, all for FREE!

And the BEST part? SULLY is accessible 24/7!

Stop by our facility at 512 S. 11th Street, Springfield, IL, to receive your unique identifier, which gives you access to SULLY 24/7!

We’re SO excited about this new addition as we continue working to ensure health services and resources are available to our community!

#SpringfieldUrbanLeague #HealthInitiatives #SULLY #TheMovement taken in Springfield Illinois by @springfieldurbanleague

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3 days ago

We are SCREAMING a big CONGRATULATIONS to Mona Periera, our Public Health Program Assistant, on earning her Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential, awarded by the National Board of Public Health Examiners! 🎉👏🏾

This certification recognizes her knowledge and skills in public health. Mona, your hard work and commitment to professional growth are admirable. We are SUPER proud of you and the work you do!

“The Movement” grows stronger when our people grow, and we are so excited to celebrate this milestone with you!

We look forward to all you will continue to accomplish!

#themovement #springfieldurbanleague #empoweringcommunities #cph #publichealth by @springfieldurbanleague

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5 days ago

We are so excited to ANNOUNCE some exciting promotions at the Springfield Urban League!!! 🎉

Drumroll for our AMAZING team members stepping into their new roles! 🥁❤️

-Zhavier Harris as our Chief of Staff

-Taija West as our Director of Health Initiatives
 -Malik Perry as our Data & Implementation Analyst 
We are super proud of each of you and look forward to seeing you shine in your new roles as we continue empowering and making an impact in our community!!

#springfieldurbanleague #communityimpact #themovement #springfieldillinois #empoweringcommunities by @springfieldurbanleague

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6 days ago

Some people walk into your organization and leave footprints... OTHERS LEAVE A LEGACY!

Today, we celebrate a woman whose journey embodies the power of purpose, the beauty of growth, and the impact of believing in what is possible. As we prepare to say goodbye to a cherished member of our Springfield Urban League movement, we do so with hearts full of gratitude and pride for a woman who began her journey as an intern and, over the last eight years, has blossomed into a transformational leader, advocate, and champion for our community.

Congratulations to our very own Dr. Tatyana Gardner, who will step into history as the FIRST Executive Director of the Sangamon County Mental Health Board!

Dr. Gardner, while we will miss you, we celebrate all that you have accomplished and all that lies ahead. We are rooting for you, and most importantly, WE ARE PROUD OF YOU! Proud of your journey, your impact, and the legacy you continue to build. Go forward and continue to make history, Dr. Gardner!

The Springfield Urban League will always be cheering you on!

Once an Urban Leaguer… ALWAYS an Urban Leaguer!

#SpringfieldUrbanLeague #LeadershipInAction
#TheMovement #MentalHealthMatters taken in Springfield Illinois by @springfieldurbanleague

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10 days ago

Our Health Initiatives team will be at SIU School of Medicine’s COMMUNITY DAY, and we want to see YOU there!!! 🙌🏾❤️

We’ll have FREE health screenings, including:
• Blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
• HIV and Hepatitis C
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea

Get Covered Illinois (GCI) will also be there to assist YOU with health coverage!

Date: Saturday, October 10
Time: 11 AM–3 PM
📍 One in a Million, Inc. | 700 S. Livingston St., Springfield, IL

#SpringfieldUrbanLeague #CommunityHealth #EmpoweringCommunities #ChangingLives by @springfieldurbanleague

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12 days ago

Have YOU made plans to join us at our TESTING COOKOUT?!

Our Health Initiatives team is getting ready to welcome YOU for FREE health screenings, FREE food, and resources this FRIDAY, October 9!

Come out, bring a friend, and let’s make time for our health!

Screenings include: -Blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol -HIV and Hepatitis C -Chlamydia and gonorrhea
-Get Covered Illinois assistance will also be available

Location: 100 N. 11th St., Springfield, IL Time: 11 AM-2 PM

See you there!!! 💃🏼💃🏼💃

#SpringfieldUrbanLeague #CommunityHealth #HealthScreenings #EmpoweringCommunities #ChangingLives taken in Springfield Illinois by @springfieldurbanleague

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12 days ago

Our children deserve every opportunity to thrive, and that includes making sure they can see and hear clearly!
Through our partnership with @springfieldclinic, we provide FREE vision and hearing screenings for our amazing Head Start children!

Early detection is SO important! Children may not always know how to tell us they’re having trouble seeing or hearing. These screenings help identify concerns early and connect families with the care and support their little ones need. ❤️

A BIG thumbs-up to our Head Start staff and Springfield Clinic for working together to ensure every child is screened and supported!

#SpringfieldUrbanLeague #SpringfieldClinic #HeadStart #EmpoweringCommunities ChangingLives taken in Springfield Illinois by @springfieldurbanleague

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14 days ago

FATHERHOOD. FAMILY. LEGACY.

Today, meaningful conversations took place at @dear.fathers "The Legacy We Lead Blueprint Summit", bringing fathers, families, community leaders, and advocates together to talk about the issues that shape our families and our future.

Our President & CEO, Dr. Marcus E. Johnson @drmarcjohn , joined an incredible group of community leaders and fathers for the “Dads to Doulas” Breakout Session, a powerful conversation centered on the importance of Black fatherhood and the vital role fathers play in the health, strength, and well-being of their families and communities.

The conversation went beyond fatherhood. Panelists explored the importance of being present, building healthy families, supporting mothers and children, mental and physical wellness, financial stability, and creating environments where fathers feel empowered to lead, nurture, and thrive.

These conversations matter.

Because when we invest in fathers, we invest in families. When we strengthen families, we strengthen communities. And when we create space for honest conversations about fatherhood, wellness, responsibility, and legacy, we help build a future where the next generation can flourish.

Thank you to Dear Fathers and all of the incredible panelists, community leaders, families, and participants who helped make today’s conversation meaningful.

The legacy we lead today becomes the foundation our children stand on tomorrow.

This is the work. This is the conversation. This is the legacy we lead.

#SpringfieldUrbanLeague #DearFathers #TheLegacyWeLead #BlackFatherhood #Fatherhood #Family #Community #EmpoweringCommunities #ChangingLives taken in The Springfield Project at CAP 1908 by @springfieldurbanleague

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16 days ago

Our President & CEO, Dr. Marcus E. Johnson, will join @dear.fathers and other community leaders as a featured speaker at The Legacy We Lead Blueprint Summit this Saturday, October 3!

And we invite YOU to be part of the conversation! ❤️

From fatherhood and family to mental, maternal, physical, and financial wellness, these conversations matter to our families, our futures, and the legacy we build TOGETHER.

The event is open to EVERYONE! Bring your family, invite a friend, and come out for a day of family fun, resources, meaningful conversations, and a good time!! 💃🏾👏🏾

When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 Time: 12 PM-6 PM Location: The Springfield Project | 1100 South Grand Ave. E, Springfield, IL 62703.

Register today and join us! We look forward to seeing YOU there!
 https://the-legacy-we-lead-summit.eventbrite.com/

#SpringfieldUrbanLeague #DearFathers #TheLegacyWeLead #SpringfieldIllinois #EmpoweringCommunities taken in Springfield, Illinois by @springfieldurbanleague

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17 days ago