Verizon just gave Urban League leaders $165,500 to support racial equity, social justice
The Urban League of Broward County on Tuesday received a $165,500 grant from Verizon to help support racial equity and social justice initiatives.
It is one of two organizations in South Florida to receive a Verizon grant. The other organization is aīre ventures, formerly known as Venture Cafe Miami, which will use the money to help bridge systemic opportunity gaps to college access for youths in South Florida’s underserved communities, according to Verizon.
Urban League leaders note the money will help the organization create programs that prioritize racial equity, diversity and inclusion leadership training, civic engagement and advocacy.
“We are thankful to Verizon for this visionary investment,” Urban League of Broward County President and CEO Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh said in a statement. “By making this responsive and timely contribution to the Urban League, they send a powerful message about our shared commitment to advance this critical movement-building work.”
Part of the community-based organization’s mission is to help Black people and other historically neglected communities become economically self-reliant to improve quality of life.
The Urban League offers a variety of services and programs in the areas of education, entrepreneurship, jobs, community justice, housing and health. It has also offered a variety of COVID-19 relief during the pandemic to help families with food insecurity, rent, utilities and other essential expenses.
Verizon’s partnership with the Urban League of Broward County started last year when the company contributed $50,000 to help the Urban League launch its Advocacy in Motion initiative to encourage civic engagement in the community.
“Verizon is committed not only to a brand purpose of moving the world forward but also to helping ensure we move it forward for everyone,” said Merdochey T. LaFrance, Verizon’s director of local engagement for South Florida. “Through our investment in the Urban League of Broward County’s REDI work, we commit to being a force for change and live up to the highest ideals of equality and justice. A better, more just future is within our reach if we can come together and amplify the voices that need to be heard.”
This story was originally published October 19, 2021 at 2:20 PM.
