Began in 1918 as the Urban League of the St. Louis Provident Association as a result of a race riot in East St. Louis. Met 89 years of change to adjust advocacy, basic needs, jobs and education help for African Americans and others Initiated a process in 2005 to identify and evaluate significant future challenges, client needs, trends and resources The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc seeks to empower African Americans and others throughout the region in securing economic self-reliance, social equality and civil rights through five strategic priorities: Economic Empowerment Educational Quality and Equality Meeting Families’ Basic Needs Civic Engagement and Social Justice Sustainable Quality Services