Our five core pillars of work

Three Black women talking together, one is facing the camera and smiling, she has curly black hair and is wearing a black top. Another woman has short black hair and is wearing a blue shirt with white polkadots. The third woman is out of focus.

Holistic, community-led programming

Tacoma Urban League provides services, training, and advocacy to build social and economic equality among Black people and other people historically marginalized in South Puget Sound. 

Our programs focus on the foundations of a thriving community: education, economic empowerment, health, housing, and justice. Our programs, like our lives are not contained by topic. They reach across focuses, combining approaches and resources.

Young Black boy wearing glasses and a green shirt with short hair and writing on a table, in full color. Red background color wash.

Education

Cultural and relational support is essential for every learner, preparing them to explore the world around them with confidence and curiosity. Educational opportunities, from early learning through post-secondary education, create a strong foundation for adulthood and building generational wealth. Learn More

Black man wearing a black hat, glasses and black sweatshirt laying on ground holding a Black baby wearing a black hat, both looking at a laptop, in full color. Teal background color wash.

Economic Empowerment

Individual and collective well-being depends on a living wage and benefits. Jobs that offer the most security continue to be overrepresented by white men, while Black and Brown people are overrepresented in lower-wage, service-oriented work. We know a diverse workforce at all levels is tied to Tacoma’s economic stability. To get there, we are strengthening support for employers and job seekers. Learn More

One Black woman with long black and brown hair tied into a ponytail wearing a gray sweater on the left, another Black woman with curly brown hair and wearing a white lab coat and stethoscope and pointing to a document, both in full color. Yellow bg.

Health

We’re working to address the grave health inequities we see in access to care, chronic condition outcomes, and maternal and child health — particularly for Black people and people with lower incomes. Health equity means confronting environmental determinants of health, while simultaneously working to create access to holistic, culturally responsive, and affordable care. Learn More

Black man with brown hair tied into ponytail, wearing a black top and smiling at a Black baby he is holding. The baby is wearing a white top and has their mouth open. Both are in color. Teal background color wash.

Housing

Housing stability directly impacts employment, education, physical health, and overall well-being. Homeownership is an important way to build and pass along generational wealth. Black homeownership in Tacoma has declined since 2009, which is connected to structural racism in many facets, including our economic, housing, and banking systems. Learn More

Black hand holding a sticker in red, white and blue, that says "I Voted Early", in full color. Yellow color wash background.

Justice

A civically engaged community is one that is learning, growing, and advocating together for a better Tacoma. The Tacoma Urban League seeks justice, at the core of everything we do — actively working with community members, neighborhoods, government and businesses, toward a South Puget Sound where social and economic equality are realized. Learn More