Urban League of Middle Tennessee

Today, we join our nation in celebrating Labor Day and pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. Traditionally observed on the first Monday in September, Labor Day was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. The Urban League is an organization dedicated to helping our community build a highly-skilled and trained workforce, so this day is of particular significance to our organization as we work to “empower communities and change lives.”

Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords for us—they’re at the core of everything we do. At the Urban League of Middle Tennessee, we’re dedicated to providing diverse, highly skilled talent to employers across our region. If you’re looking to upskill, find a new career path, or need skilled employees, reach out to our Workforce Development team at 615-254-0525 or visit ulmt.org for more info. We fight for diversity, equity, and opportunity. Let’s work together to build a stronger community. #Diversity #Inclusion #WorkforceDevelopment #ULMT

National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial’s D3 initiative to “Defend Democracy, Demand Diversity and Defeat Poverty” continues to be the guidepost that directs our work this year. As an organization committed to “empowering communities and changing lives,” the Urban League of Middle Tennessee pledges to continue to fight for you with a strategy driven by equity in advancing Workforce Development, Economic Development, Community Development, Education, Career Exploration, and Civic Engagement as we work to close the disparities which impact our neighborhoods and communities. We ask that you join us in the movement and help us build better lives!

Need to register to vote? The process is easier than you might think. You can either register online with your Smartphone or in person at the Urban League of Middle Tennessee office. For more information, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3WoVWeM Make your voice and your vote count!!

Oye Coffee Company is a West African coffee and lifestyle experience founded by brothers, Christopher and Jonathan Oye. With a little bit of savings, family inspiration, and faith in a lofty dream, these Nashville natives decided to bring Oye (pronounced “Oy-yay”) Coffee to life. As a recent graduate of ULMT’s Next Level program, we are proud of the success Christopher and Jonathan have achieved and the widespread attention they are now receiving for their company and their outstanding products. For those who have only been able to purchase Oye coffee online, we are excited to share the news that Oye can now be found on the coffee aisle in local Kroger stores. Currently, local stores carrying the Oye coffee line include the following: 210 Franklin Road (Brentwood); 711 Gallatin Avenue, 3410 Gallatin Pike, and 2131 Abbott Martin Road (Nashville); and 401 S. Mount Juliet Road, Mount Juliet. For more information on the Oye Coffee Company, please visit their website at oyecoffeeco.com

Last week, ULMT President and CEO Clifton Harris was the featured guest for the Channel 5 live interview program, MorningLine with Nick Beres. During the program, President Harris and Nick discussed the topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and particularly why it is important to our workforce. In the event you might not have caught the interview, here is the direct link to the program: https://lnkd.in/eqSBsWCr For many, the terms Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion have become little more than buzzwords, particularly as they are used in the workplace. However, at the Urban League, we value, embrace, and promote diversity and are committed to providing trained, highly skilled, and diverse talent for employers across our region. Our Workforce Development and Advancing Workforce Equity teams are dedicated to serving our community by helping to achieve diversity in our workforce. If you or someone you know requires training, upskilling, or a new career path, or if you are an employer seeking skilled employees, contact our Workforce Development department today at 615-254-0525 or visit our website at https://lnkd.in/ewJUv9vy for more information.

Over the last year, the ULMT Advancing Workforce Equity team has served more than 3,000 Davidson County residents, providing program participants with training in such areas as Construction, Healthcare, IT, Hospitality, Job Readiness, Soft Skills, Resume’ Writing and Interviewing Techniques, Conflict Resolution, and Mental Health and Emotional Awareness as well as job upskilling and career development. We are pleased that during this time we have helped close to 200 Davidson County citizens gain employment in livable wage positions, with an economic impact of more than $4 million annually, helping to improve unemployment, housing, transportation, crime, and food insecurities in our community. If you or someone you know require training, upskilling, or a new job/career, contact our Advancing Workforce Equity department at 615/254-0525 or visit our website at https://lnkd.in/egwu3qdc

Mark your calendars now for our 2024 Annual Meeting to be held Thursday, October 24th at Nissan Stadium’s Wesley Mortgage Club. Stay tuned for additional information on sponsorships and event tickets. For more information, please contact Janet Kincherlow-Martin at [email protected]

Urban League of Middle Tennessee’s Director of Workforce Training Harold Simpson and Will Smith, Manager of Workforce, recently visited with students attending Ida B. Wells Elementary School and the McNeily Center for Children to pass out backpacks filled with school supplies to help the children prepare for the new school year. Our sincere thanks to JP Morgan Chase, who partnered with ULMT to provide the book bags and supplies.

This Saturday, August 24th, the Urban League of Middle Tennessee is pleased to partner with My Brother’s Keeper Nashville, with support from the Office of Mayor Freddie O'Connell, Juvenile Court of Metropolitan Nashville & Davidson County, and Metro Nashville Public Schools for the "Rising Together" Youth Empowerment Summit. This exciting, transformative event is dedicated to empowering and inspiring young African American males from 4th grade to high school seniors, providing them with the tools, wisdom, and community support necessary to rise as leaders of tomorrow. The event is free to attend and will be held at MLK Jr. Magnet High School, 613 17th Ave North, Nashville, TN, beginning with breakfast and registration at 9:00 am. The Youth Empowerment Summit is a cornerstone event of My Brother’s Keeper Nashville, a movement deeply rooted in the belief that by lifting each other, we rise together. According to My Brother’s Keeper Nashville, the theme, "Rising Together," highlights the collective strength of youth, parents, community partners, and volunteers in cultivating an environment where every young person can reach their full potential. While the Summit is targeting our young men of color, we encourage parents, community partners, and volunteers to register and attend. To register, you may scan the QR code on the event flyer or visit https://lnkd.in/eDkHVRhz We are excited to be a part of this powerful, motivational, and inspirational experience for youth across our community. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell recently commented on his support of My Brother’s Keeper Nashville by saying that the organization “is not just an initiative; it is a commitment to our future. We are working closely with My Brother’s Keeper to ensure that young Black males and other young men of color know they are valued and have equal access to the economic and social opportunities that propel upward mobility. This partnership is a testament to our dedication to making sure every young person in Nashville, regardless of their background, has the chance to thrive.”