A national civil rights and economic empowerment organization is launching a new presence in North Texas.
Local leaders, including state Sen. Royce West, Friendship West Senior Pastor Freddie Haynes, and former state Rep. Helen Giddings, were among those at a sold-out event at Gilley’s celebrating the launch of the Dallas-Fort Worth Urban League on Monday, March 9, 2026.
It is the 93rd affiliate of the National Urban League, which offers programs including homebuyer education, financial counseling, and apprenticeships in fields such as construction.
Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, said Dallas-Fort Worth is a natural fit for the organization’s newest affiliate because of the region’s rapid growth and the opportunities and challenges that come with it.
“Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the nation, and by being here, we are ensuring that community will have a voice and a vehicle to participate in this economic upswing,” Morial said. “We also have to be here to be a part of this effort against the attacks on diversity.”
Leaders say the first step will be a needs assessment to determine which programs are most needed across North Texas.
More information about the Dallas-Fort Worth Urban League is available here.