Mission & Vision

Our Mission

The Tacoma Urban League is dedicated to fostering the empowerment of African Americans and fellow community members in the region by ensuring economic independence, social justice, and civil rights protection.

Our Vision

The Tacoma Urban League aspires to be a beacon of empowerment and opportunity for African Americans. It envisions a community where all people are:

  • A cherished member capable of sustaining their family;

  • Where neighborhoods are lively and prosperous;

  • Where everyone partakes in the region’s wealth and well-being; and

  • Fostering wealth across generations in positive supporting relationships.

Our Strategy

The Tacoma Urban League’s strategy to serve the community is articulated through our steadfast commitment to advocacy and empowerment of African Americans and fellow residents in Tacoma, WA. Our strategic priorities are:

  1. Economic Opportunity: We aim to construct a robust pathway out of poverty by fostering job creation, nurturing entrepreneurship, and instilling financial literacy and responsibility.

  2. Educational Excellence: We are dedicated to providing a continuum of support resources that span from pre-K to college, ensuring that every child and young adult can achieve academic success.

  3. Family Engagement and Empowerment: By establishing a Family Engagement and Empowerment Center, coupled with our Male Involvement Program mentorship, we strive to fortify family units and guide our youth towards positive futures.

  4. Community Empowerment: Our mission includes offering a social safety net designed to stabilize our most vulnerable families, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive.

  5. Civil Rights and Advocacy: We persistently work towards securing fair and equal treatment for all, across every aspect of society and government—be it economic, social, educational, or cultural arenas. Our goal is to uphold the civil rights of every community member, paving the way for a just and equitable society.

Oral History Interviews

In this 2008 interview project, founding leaders of the Tacoma Urban League share stories about the organization’s beginnings and its impact over the years.

Part 1

Part 2

State of Black Tacoma

Each year we take stock of where we are in this work and the progress we are making as a community. In 2023, we brought together experts to review the State of Black Tacoma to lay out the GAINS, GAPS, and OPPORTUNITIES for GROWTH for our Black community. Together, we look for examples of success and guidance on how to take action in areas such as housing, civic engagement, healthcare, education and more.