Mission

The mission of the Tucson Urban League is to align with the mission of the National Urban League and to enable, assist, and empower neighborhoods, communities, families and individuals to secure economic self-reliance and to coexist in an integrated and pluralistic society.

Tucson Urban League Values Statement

1. Integrity: We will be truthful, reliable, and proud of our conduct and decisions. Our communications will be open and transparent. We are committed to avoid all actual or perceived conflicts of interest.

2. Excellence: Our goal is to be an exemplary community organization that delivers superior client service. We will strive to exceed the expectations of our internal and external customers.

3. Accountability: Programs, Services, and operations will be managed to meet organizational objectives and measurable outcomes. We will keep our promises to our internal and external partners, clients, investors, stakeholders, and the community.

4. Inclusiveness: We view diversity as an advantage and respect the rights and difference of our staff members, clients, stakeholders, and communities. Collaborative methods will be utilized as a tool to acquire resources and delivery services and programs.

5. Sustainability: We are committed to acquiring and leveraging knowledge to ensure the organization's continued viability, effectiveness, and responsiveness. The acquisition of knowledge and information will keep us relevant and entrepreneurial. We will build long-term community relationships and keep abreast of client and community needs.

6. Flexibility: We, as an elastic organization, will maintain our ability to be innovative, fluid, and respond effectively to the needs of our staff, clients, and community.

History

The Tucson Urban League, an affiliate of the National Urban League, is an interracial, non-partisan community service organization using methods of social work, economics, law, business, and other disciplines to help secure equality for all Americans in every sector of our society. A Tucson Chamber of Commerce committee, led by Henry Quinto, founded the Tucson Urban League in 1971 as a response to a significantly high unemployment rate among Tucson minorities. Tucson Urban League became the 97th affiliate of the National Urban League, and has become a leading force in creating change for minorities in southern Arizona. The initial directors of the Tucson Urban League were:

Mrs. Lucretia Brady
Arizona State Employment Service

Dr. Robert Carpenter
College of Architecture, U of A

Elmer Carrier, Principal
Utterbach Junior High School

Marvin Cohen, Esq.
Attorney, Tucson

Martin Ginsburg
Tekton Corporation

Robert Horn
Arizona NAACP

Ralph Martinez
Tucson SER

Emmet McLaughlin
Tucson NAB

Henry Quinto
Levy’s of Tucson

William Hawes Smith
Valley National Bank

William Harrison
Hughes Aircraft Company