creating small business opportunities in African American communities.

Are Growing in St. Louis

The Urban League Young Professionals of Metropolitan St. Louis( ULYP-STL) is an auxiliary of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, comprised of over 100 young, diverse leaders whose time, energy and talents are dedicated to improving the quality of life of residents throughout the metropolitan area and furthering the local Urban League Movement.

This year was a landmark year working with President & CEO Michael McMillan. Working with the affiliate ULYP members were able to help plan, organize and execute various portions of the largest civil rights conference, the 2017 Urban League National Conference. We helped host over 20,000 national and local citizens who convened in downtown St. Louis for the conference.

The conference afforded attended an opportunity to engage Urban League leadership and members from across America, community leaders; elected officials; Fortune 500 executives; young professionals; the local community; and celebrities. The goal of the conference was to engage attendees in discussions of the pressing issues facing Africans Americans and to seek solutions to address these challenges. The major issues discussed at the conference include social and economic inequality across America, improving education in disadvantaged communities, increasing job opportunities and job training, health and quality of life issues that threaten the lives of African Americans and other minorities, creating quality affordable housing options and

Young Professionals empowered people to advocate. Struggles and challenges facing our community were brought to the forefront and witnessed real-time. Voter engagement, education and registration; community advocacy and empowerment were our charge to combat voter suppression, educational inequity and the overarching fight for justice and equality.

In the wake of the growing needs for our community, the young professionals worked diligently to partner and collaborate with many local organizations to help stabilize our

communities. Several new members were welcomed during the 2017 Join Week. The week included several opportunities for young professionals to learn about the Urban League movement and how to get involved in St. Louis. ULYP-STL participated in the“ State Of Black America” national viewing and discussion campaign which stemmed from the Leadership Policy Conference in Washington, D. C. May 2017.

This was part of a national program aimed at increasing the awareness and educating our people about the state of our community in terms of politics and finances.

Within the discussion, ULYP covered building generational wealth, community organizing, building community leaders and the importance of the millennial generation staying involved in the policies guiding our community today.

Young Professionals strengthened the Affiliate. Close to 400 supporters joined the Urban League