HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) — The National Urban League is stepping into a new home and has unveiled its brand-new headquarters right in the heart of Harlem.
Ahead of the ribbon cutting, Eyewitness News sat down with CEO Marc Morial to talk about the organization’s legacy, its impact on the community and why staying rooted in Harlem is so essential.
“This is the neighborhood we exist for, the people of Harlem, but not only this Harlem, across the country,” Morial said. “We exist for the people that live, work and call this home.”
Morial is seeing his vision come to life.
He has led the National Urban League’s campaign for civil rights for over two decades. The or ganization was founded in New York City and is marking a new chapter with their new Empowerment Center that towers over the historic Harlem neighborhood.
The 17-story structure houses their new headquarters as they organize with 93 affiliates across the country.
But it’s hard to take a step forward without reflecting on the past so there are rooms that pay tribute to icons and walls that are covered with historic moments.
Still, the advocacy group is laser-focused on bridging the gap for underserved Americans.
The mix-use building provides opportunity from affordable housing to space for local nonprofits.
And next summer it will be home to an Urban Civil Rights Museum that will tell a complex story of oppression and progress.
The museum is set to open next June.
The Empowerment Center will open on Wednesday after a ribbon cutting ceremony in the morning.
