The National Urban League celebrated its 2017 annual conference to St. Louis in the wake of the Ferguson Uprising with Michael P. McMillan in his fourth year as the organization’s president and CEO.
During his tenure with the Urban League, McMillan forged strong relationships with former president and CEO John Jacobs, who would later in an executive position with Anheuser-Busch Cos., in St. Louis, and the NUL’s current leader Marc Morial.
McMillian joined Morial, Jacobs and scores of dignitaries when the National Urban League unveiled its new $250 million, 414,000-square-foot Urban League Empowerment Center in Harlem, New York on November 12, 2025.
“The opening of the National Urban League’s new headquarters is a defining moment for our organization and for the entire movement,” said McMillan.
“It symbolizes the strength of our mission, the resilience of our people, and the unwavering belief that progress is possible.”
The center rises 17 stories on 125th Street, bringing a new striking profile to the historic neighborhood where the Urban League was founded in 1910.
“Harlem is where our movement began—and Harlem is where our future will shine,” Morial said during his remarks.
The Urban League headquarters anchors the center, which will share its walls in the future with the Urban Civil Rights Museum, 171 units of affordable housing, a conference center, nonprofit office space, and ground-floor retail that will include major tenants such as Trader Joe’s and Target.
Calling it “a landmark moment in the modern history of our movement,” Morial hailed the center as a national hub for justice, economic mobility, and community uplift.
“It is a tribute to every chapter, every leader, every partner, and every family who has believed in the mission of the Urban League.
St. Louis’ Urban League affiliate recently earned its prestigious Five-Star Status for a 20th year in 2024 and is the longest-standing recipient of the recognition.
Under McMillan’s guidance and with support from all sectors of the St. Louis business and philanthropic communities, St. Louis was again recognized as a National Urban League Affiliate of the Year and received the John W. Mack Medal of Honor.
He said the center defines the impact the Urban League will have during its next 125 years.
“This Empowerment Center is not only a gateway to new opportunities—it is a clear message that the Urban League will continue to lead with purpose, power, and vision for generations to come,” said McMillan.
Jacob and former president Hugh Price were recognized for expanding the League’s national footprint, strengthening civil rights advocacy, and “laying the groundwork for the organization’s modern era,” said Morial.
Vickee Jordan Adams, the daughter of former NUL President Vernon Jordan, joined national and New York leaders in cutting the ceremonial ribbon. Members of the family of the late Whitney M. Young, Jr., were also in attendance.
Young is regarded as one of the most influential Urban League, leaving a legacy of advocacy, social reform, and civil rights leadership.
Timothy Murphy, Mastercard Inc. vice chair and National Urban League Board of Trustees chair, said the center “reflects the Board’s long-term commitment to the organization’s mission.”
“It symbolizes strength, stability, and national commitment to economic equity,” said Murphy, noting the importance of corporate partnerships in expanding opportunities and driving inclusive growth.
The Rev. Al Sharpton of The Action Network said Urban League’s return “is an important restoration of Harlem’s historical and civic identity.”
“It reconnects today’s civil rights movement to its roots and serves as a reminder of the ongoing work ahead.”
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani attended the ceremony and said the Urban League’s return to Harlem comes at a pivotal moment for the city.
“The Empowerment Center will strengthen efforts to expand economic opportunities, support working families, and advance equity across all five boroughs,” he said.
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) recognized the Urban League’s work in workforce development, equity initiatives, and efforts to support working families.
[“The Empowerment Center] is a model for how we strengthen American communities from the ground up, with dignity, vision, and real investment.”
“[It] demonstrates how community revitalization can be achieved through vision, partnership, and sustained investment. She recognized the League’s ongoing work in workforce development, equity initiatives, and efforts to support working families.”