About Us
Founded in 1964, we hold a legacy rooted in fighting for equal opportunities to economic empowerment.
We are a community based, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) that provides programs and services in the areas of youth development, adult education, youth, workforce development, affordable housing, financial literacy, community health, and civic engagement. Our programs and services have helped Hartford area residents overcome barriers to achieve their life goals.
Timeline
1961
Visionary Founder, Rachel Taylor Milton convened Marion Hepburn, Dr. James Peters, Olcott Smith and Judge Norris O'Neill to bring the Urban League Movement to Hartford, CT. Enshrined in the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame.
Judge Norris Turner appointed inaugural CEO of the Urban League of Greater Hartford with a $42,000 budget.
1963
_edited_edited.png)
1964
_edited.png)
The Hartford Office was officially incorporated as the 66th Urban League affiliate under the leadership of newly hired William "Bill Brown," former CEO of the Indianapolis Urban League. His story is featured in this Active Citizens production for the CT History Museum.
John E. Saunders III succeeded Bill Brown and sustained the League and City during the height of the crack and AIDS epedemic.
1984
_edited_edited_edited.jpg)
1984
First woman CEO of the Hartford affiliate. Revered as a leader and remembered as the gatekeeper to matters impacting the African American community in Hartford, Bush spent her entire professional career working for the Urban League, first at the National Urban League and ending as the President of the Pittsburgh. T
Alfred R. (Raymond) Rogers served as President & CEO of the Greater Hartford Urban League from 1994–1998, using his corporate leadership experience as a regional vice-president at Northeast Utilities to strengthen the organization’s ties to business and civic leaders while continuing a long record of local civic service
1994
1998
Jim Willingham's leadership launched the Prison Re-Entry Program, reducing recidivism and promoting successful reintegration through job training, education, and mentorship. Additionally, the League expanded its educational offerings with programs like Project Ready, which prepared high school students for college and career success through mentoring and academic support.
Adrienne Cochrane carried the Urban League through its most lean years, but managed to renovate the building and
2010
2019
Under the leadership of David Hopkins, the Urban League stabilized its finances, staffing, and infrastructure through strategic partnerships with health systems, financial institutions, industrial firms, and government entities. During his tenure as President and CEO Hopkins secured a $2.5MM grant to renovate the offices and a $600,000 grant from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to support infrastructure improvements, program delivery enhancements, and increased capacity to serve more clients.
Empowering communities to break barriers and achieve their dreams
Our Mission
Our Mission is to reduce economic disparities in our communities through programs, services and educational opportunities.
Our Vision
We envision a world where economic inequalities are eradicated, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive. By fostering growth and empowerment, we aim to create a society where everyone can achieve their fullest potential.
Join us in making a difference!