About Us
About Louisville Urban League
THE LOUISVILLE URBAN LEAGUE is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, community service organization dedicated to eliminating racism and its adverse impacts on our community. Our mission is to assist Black people and other marginalized populations in attaining social and economic equality through direct services and advocacy.
As part of a broader National Urban League network of historic civil rights organizations throughout the United States, the Louisville Urban League, like all affiliates, is dedicated to fostering economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities, with our focus on Jobs, Justice, Education, Health, Housing, and Black Business.
Currently the Louisville Urban League’s service area includes the Kentucky counties of Jefferson, Shelby, Oldham, Bullitt and Hardin; and the Indiana counties of Floyd, Harrison and Clark.
“I firmly believe in the work that the League has done and is leading in our community. We can transform Louisville into a place where everyone can thrive. I look forward to continuing that work with my colleagues in the building and partners around the city.”
Lyndon E. Pryor
President & CEO
Our President, Lyndon Pryor
On December 20, 2023, the Board of Directors for the Louisville Urban League announced Lyndon E. Pryor was unanimously selected as permanent President and CEO of the organization, effective immediately. The board selected Pryor after a competitive three-month national search that involved certification by the National Urban League. Pryor has served in the role as Interim since March of 2023.
As the Chief Engagement Officer, Lyndon Pryor has helped to spearhead special projects like A Path Forward for Louisville, oversees all communications areas for the organization, and works to enhance the smooth and efficient integration of services to maximize the potential outcomes for every League participant. Mr. Pryor works with community members and engages staff, partners, and government officials to find innovative approaches to serve the community’s needs through programmatic and policy efforts. When he arrived at the League in 2015, Mr. Pryor created and led its community health program, “It starts with me!” and helped build and grow Louisville’s network of community health workers. Since then, he has helped to establish policy positions, internal data systems, and critical infrastructure support for the League’s work.Â
Before arriving in Louisville, Lyndon was a Student Development Specialist at Texas A&M University, where he worked to assist students in their personal growth and build their professional competencies and leadership skills. Mr. Pryor provided critical leadership, supporting students by creating programs that effectively merge academic and practical experiences.
Mr. Pryor is a proud former student of Texas A&M University, where he received his B.S. in Political Science. He also received his M.A. in Education and Human Development from GWU. He is a husband, father, and an avid believer in the potential of all and that communal knowledge enhances individual growth.
History
In 1920, just 10 years after what would become the National Urban League, the Louisville Urban League was founded and became a member agency of the local Community Chest. Elwood Street, serving as temporary chairman, appointed a five-person committee to create the framework for the local Urban League. The agency started with $1,000 raised by community residents at a public dinner. Incorporated in August 1921, the Urban League of Louisville for Social Service Among Negroes eventually became the Louisville Urban League.
The leadership of the Louisville Urban League developed a strategic plan to create and nurture enduring relationships between the League, community leaders, public officials, and the business sector. In fact, the Louisville Urban League is the oldest HUD-certified housing counseling agency in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
For nearly 100 years, the Louisville Urban League has been a consistent voice and a liaison for the city’s under-served and minority populations. It will continue to address current issues and challenges with steadfast and sustainable solutions through direct services and advocacy in the areas of Jobs, Justice, Education, Health and Housing.
