Last week, I experienced one of my proudest moments yet as Chicago Urban League president. Before a gaggle of reporters and television cameras, National Urban League President Marc Morial announced that Chicago has been selected to host his organization’s
This is great news for Chicago and the Chicago Urban League, and a proud moment for me for a few reasons. First, to be selected among all the nation’s Urban League affiliates speaks volumes about the relevancy of the Chicago Urban League’s shift in focus to economic empowerment to build better futures for African Americans.
Secondly, attendance at the announcement by state Senate President Emil Jones, state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and Mayor Richard Daley is indicative of the respect and influence wielded by the National Urban League and Morial, as well as confidence in the Chicago chapter.
But perhaps most importantly, the National Urban League’s decision to come here in 2009 shines a light on what makes Chicago, well, Chicago: A city able to boast mightily about its diversity and people’s willingness to work across racial and political lines.
Morial cited the city’s diversity as one of the big reasons for coming here in 2009: “Chicago is a city of diversity and has a strong, committed and engaged business community, a unified political community and a great history for the Urban League movement,” Morial said. “Chicago competed against a number of cities to host in 2009.
In the end, Chicago was like Secretariat (the famous American thoroughbred racehorse that won the Triple Crown in 1973) lapping the field. You out ran everybody to the finish line in spectacular fashion.” Mayor Daley seconded Morial’s emotion: “This convention is really important to the City of Chicago. The African American community is important to our city. Diversity is our strength and not our weakness.”
And the Olympics? Oh, yes, the Olympics came up again and again–and for good reason. The National Urban League convention next summer will precede the announcement in October by the International Olympic Committee of the host city for the 2016 Games. The city is competing against cities such as Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro.
The National Urban League’s conference, which will attract some 10,000 visitors and generate revenues upwards of $10 million, is an opportunity for Chicagoans to unify around a growth and development agenda with the power to attract worldwide attention. “We are the Olympics of business, political and social networking,” Morial said last week. Addressing Daley: “Mayor, you’re warming up for 2016 and the selection that will take place next year.” I realize that not everyone in the African American community has embraced the Games.
Some have concerns about widespread displacement of residents in communities hosting Olympic venues; others are concerned about African American workers and businesses getting their fair share of the billions of dollars the Olympics are expected to generate. At the Chicago Urban League, we share your concerns.
But instead of approaching the possibility of the Games coming to Chicago with trepidation, we are approaching it with determination. Black Chicago, we will compete; we will have a seat at every table. In my view, the National Urban League convention will be a dress rehearsal for local Black businesses. It’s a great opportunity to really drive home the message of why building capacity is important to the African American community and to our city.
The conference itself really gives us a national platform to focus on the work we’re doing here in Chicago, and the leadership we have among African American business leaders and entrepreneurs. So get ready Chicago. Next summer will be here before you know it.
Cheryle R. Jackson is the president of the Chicago Urban League. She can be reached at president@thechicagourbanleague.org.
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