The National Urban League was founded in 1910 to respond to the social and economic changes brought by the Great Migration of Black people from the rural South to northern cities. The Tacoma Urban League was founded in 1968, and in 1976, the chapter dedicated a new building, becoming the first affiliate in the nation to build and own its own facility. Now, nearly 50 years later, Desireé Wilkins Finch is stepping onto the shoulders of Thomas Dixon, the founder of Tacoma Urban League, and the CEOs who came after him to build upon an energy of empowerment and possibility. The Tacoma Urban League has long been a beacon for the community, serving families and transforming lives. On Friday, September 19, the organization will celebrate the grand opening of its newly remodeled space, continuing a history of legacy and liberation through financial empowerment that has defined its work for decades.
With a mission to foster the empowerment of African Americans and fellow community members in the region by ensuring economic independence, social justice, and civil rights protection, the Tacoma Urban League’s programs focus on the foundations of a thriving community, including education, economic empowerment, health, housing, and justice.
“The idea of ownership and financial empowerment for our community is important, and that’s part of my legacy and work is getting us back to that position of ownership and economic empowerment not just for the League but for our community,” says Desireé Wilkins Finch, the League’s new president and CEO. “My focus is on ensuring that I create sustainability, longevity and integrity, so that the League can continue to be here to serve the community.”
A Place of Community at Tacoma Urban League
The renovated space enables the Tacoma Urban League to serve more people efficiently.
“We celebrate community through having an updated space,” says Wilkins Finch. “We want the community to walk through these doors and feel proud that they’re a member of the Urban League and a part of the legacy or the future of this organization.
The community is uplifted through classes, workshops and programs that foster the empowerment of African Americans in the South Sound. “The brightness of this new space allows us to serve our community by creating an environment of joy and hope,” says Wilkins Finch. “It’s about giving people a place of belonging where they can heal, learn, grow, and build the skills they need to thrive.”
Among the programs TUL is excited to host is Healthy Minds, a behavioral and mental health initiative. The Tacoma Urban League believes that mental health programs are essential to addressing the effects of systemic oppression, enabling individuals to focus on building financial stability and living the life they envision. Another initiative is the Business Masterclass, modeled after the masterclasses in the fine arts of Chicago, where Desireé grew up as a flautist. Local business owners can sign up for free one-on-one coaching from experienced experts in a classroom setting, giving many people the opportunity to learn in real time and apply what they learn immediately.
TUL’s impact extends beyond adults to serve entire families. Through the Kinship Initiative, in partnership with Lonetta Cunningham TeamWRK, a local youth development organization, TUL will host after-school care on Monday through Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. On Fridays, children can participate in The Cookie Clubhouse with Shatara Mason, providing a fun, creative, and educational environment for young people.
“We have so many exciting things happening at the League,” says Wilkins Finch. “This space allows us to expand our programs, deepen our impact, and continue building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Become Involved in the Tacoma Urban League
The renewed energy of the Tacoma Urban League is more than a renovation. It’s also an open invitation to old friends and new faces to find purpose.
There are several ways to be an active participant in the Tacoma Urban League. For people ages 20 to 40, Tacoma Urban League Young Professionals (TULYP) is being revitalized and led by Melanie Oden.
Another way individuals over 40 can join the Urban League is through the Tacoma Urban League Guild. “That’s where we honor a lot of our legacy folks,” shares Wilkins Finch. “They support our mission through volunteerism, fundraising, and community engagement.”
The Tacoma Urban League offers opportunities to make a real difference in the community. One example is the Advisory Committee, designed for individuals in leadership positions who are driven to create change rather than simply serving on a board. It is a place where you can be directly embedded in the work, advancing the mission throughout the community, and strengthening programs.
“The community is saying, ‘This makes me excited about the future,’” says Wilkins Finch. “There are people who have worked with the Urban League in the past, and they’re here again because of the brightness and the vibrancy of not just my leadership, but the team. We’ve created space for people to feel a sense of belonging.”
Rejoicing in the Tacoma Urban League’s New Space
The excitement is building around Tacoma Urban League, and they invite the community to celebrate with them in their updated facility.
“We can’t wait until September 19. We want folks to come and enjoy lunch with us, see the new space, meet some of our new staff, learn about our programs, and hear about what’s up and coming, then go into the community and spread the message about what it is that we do,” says Wilkins Finch.
Despite the challenges faced by many, the Tacoma Urban League is a place where belonging is not just offered but actively cultivated.
“We deserve to sit in joy and laughter,” says Wilkins Finch. “My hope is to have our older guild members and folks who are part of the legacy of building this organization to just come in for tea and sit in our sunroom and enjoy just being in this space that we’ve created. That’s what I want — belonging.”
Alongside updated facilities, leadership, and programs, the Tacoma Urban League has hired new staff members selected specifically to meet the organization’s mission.
“It might not look like how it’s looked in the past, but we’re here to serve, support and nurture,” says Wilkins Finch. “I am working tirelessly to ensure that we cultivate an energy of service, so when you walk through these doors, you’re going to be cared for.”
Before the Tacoma Urban League opens its doors for the Grand Reopening, Wilkins Finch reflects on the deeper purpose and vision guiding the organization. More than just a community resource, the League is dedicated to creating a space to find meaningful connection and support.
“One thing that’s important for my leadership and legacy is ensuring that Black families within the African Diaspora can find themselves in this organization,” says Wilkins Finch. “I firmly believe the way equity works is when you take care of Black folks, you take care of everybody. We are an organization designed to support African Americans in economic empowerment, but this is an organization for our shared beloved community.”
Tacoma Urban League invites the community to celebrate its Grand Reopening on Friday, September 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Tacoma Urban League
2550 S Yakima Avenue, Tacoma
253.383.2007
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