Metropolitan Board of the Chicago Urban League an NULYP Chapter

Inclusion isn’t a placeholder—it is the foundation of economic and civil empowerment. ✊🏾🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

As the oldest active young professionals' chapter in the movement, MetroBoard knows that the fight for equity in Chicago has always been intersectional. From the historic spaces of Bronzeville to the modern grassroots organizers leading the South and West Sides, Black LGBTQ+ innovators, creators, and advocates have continuously shaped the culture and progress of our city.

True empowerment means making sure every member of our community has access to economic mobility, sustainable careers, and safe spaces to thrive. We cannot build a stronger Black Chicago if any of us are left on the margins.

This Pride Month, we honor the legacy of those who laid the groundwork and lock arms with the young professionals driving change today. We aren't just celebrating history—we are actively building an inclusive future.

Drop a ✊🏾 or 🌈 in the comments to stand with us in the fight for a fully inclusive Chicago. Let’s keep moving forward together.

How do you balance a successful career with meaningful community impact? Let’s talk about it. 💼✨

The Metropolitan Board of the The Chicago Urban League invites you to our May General Body Meeting — "Work That Moves Chicago: Navigating Your Path to Purpose-Driven Work."

This month, we are featuring a dynamic panel of practitioners working in high-income, social impact roles. If you’ve been considering a career pivot or advanced education, join us to explore unique graduate pathways in business, policy, education, and social work.

📅 Thursday, May 28, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Chicago Urban League Empowerment Center - 8331 S Stewart Ave, Chicago, IL 60620 (NEW location!)
🎓 Featuring alumni from: University of Illinois Chicago, The University of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, UC Berkeley, & The Chicago School
🔗 Invest in your growth and RSVP here: bit.ly/mbmay26

Come for the insights, and stay for the resource tables and our post-panel networking reception!

Moving past the "likes" to build real connection. 📱✨

We are still processing all the incredible breakthroughs from our April General Body Meeting! Navigating relationships in a hyper-digital world isn't easy, but guest expert Dr. Shenay Bridges-Carter dropped major gems on setting real boundaries, shifting our digital habits, and maintaining authentic presence.

A massive shoutout to Exquisite Soulz for fueling the evening with some of the best cuisine in the city, and to every young professional who came out to contribute to such a transparent conversation. The room was absolutely packed with vision and energy! 🔥

✅WHAT’S NEXT?

Are you ready to align your passion with your paycheck? Drop a✋🏽 in the comments if you’re joining us for our next General Body Meeting!

📅 Save the Date: Thursday, May 28 @ 6:30 PM
💼 The Topic: "Work That Moves Chicago: Navigating Your Path to Purpose-Driven Work"

Turn on your post notifications and stay tuned—more details and registration info are dropping very soon! 👇🏽

Making a Tangible Impact for Earth Day! 🌎🌱

Last month, MetroBoard members rolled up their sleeves to celebrate Earth Day through direct action! We partnered with Neighbor Space at the Finding Justice Flower & Vegetable Garden to support urban agriculture right here in Chicago.

It was an incredible morning of high energy and community growth. We are proud to support spaces that provide fresh produce and green sanctuary to our city.

🗳️ WE WANT YOUR INPUT:

We’re already looking ahead to our next service project, and we want to hear from YOU!

📌 What kind of service work are you most passionate about? (e.g., youth mentoring, food security, neighborhood beautification?)
📌 Which part of the city should MetroBoard head to next?

Drop your ideas in the comments below! 👇🏽

🎓 TOMORROW: Celebrating the Class of 2026!

MetroBoard is proud to partner with the College Chicago's Black Student Union for "The Next Chapter"—an honorary celebration and game night for their Black graduating seniors! 🥳

As these scholars prepare to step into their next chapter, we’re coming together to bridge the gap between campus life and professional success. Whether you’re a graduating senior or a BSU student from across the city, come out for a night of connection, community, and celebration.

📅 Friday, May 8 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Film Row Cinema - 1104 S. Wabash Ave, 8th Floor, Chicago, IL 60605
🔗 RSVP LINK: https://linktr.ee/metroboardcul

Come celebrate, connect, play games, build community, and honor the incredible students — All Black-identifying students across Chicago are invited! 🎉

Young Professionals, let’s stand in solidarity. 👖

Tomorrow, Wednesday, April 29, is National Denim Day!

Denim Day is the longest-running sexual violence prevention and education campaign in history. It began after a court ruling used a victim's clothing as an excuse for violence—a myth we are still working to dismantle today. At MetroBoard, we believe that everyone deserves safety, respect, and a community that supports survivors without judgment.

Show your support:

Join us by wearing denim tomorrow. Whether you're at the office or at home, post your photo and tag us! Your visibility helps challenge the misconceptions that surround sexual assault.

🔗 Learn more about Denim Day: www.denimday.org

Chicago Young Professionals! 🗣️ Are you looking for the "secret sauce" to land that next big role?

Join the MetroBoard on Thursday, April 30th for our National Day of Service event that’s all about YOUR growth! We’re hosting a workshop with the incredible Dr. Akilah Bradford ("The HR Doc") to show you exactly how to use AI to optimize your resume and ace your interviews.

We are also celebrating the launch of "Hey Neighbor Chicago"—a free AI tool built to help our community find jobs, housing, and mental health support with ease.

What to expect:

✅ A live demo of the Hey Neighbor platform.
✅ A hands-on AI career workshop.
✅ Real-time Q&A with an HR professional.

🔗 RSVP is required: bit.ly/mbleveragingai

Let’s B.R.I.D.G.E. the gap together! 🌉

JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT! 💪🏽

Nashville is calling 🎶

Join us for the NULYP Conference Informational and get an exclusive preview of what’s in store for the 2026 National Urban League Conference. From impactful sessions to powerful networking opportunities, this is your moment to tap in and get ahead.

🗓 Tuesday, April 28, 2026
⏰ 9:00 PM EST

Whether you’re a member, prospective member, or alumni, come learn how to make the most of this summer’s must-attend experience.

Secure your spot today: https://bit.ly/YPConf
🔗 Link in bio to register

Get Your Hands Dirty for Good! 🪴🌎

MetroBoard is partnering with Neighbor-Space for an Service Project at the Finding Justice: A Flower and Vegetable Garden!

Join us as we roll up our sleeves to plant seedlings, w**d, clean the block, and put down mulch. It’s the perfect way to make a tangible impact and support urban agriculture in Chicago! 🍅🌻

Important Details:

🗓 WHEN: Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
📍 WHERE: 217 N. Kenneth Ave, Chicago, IL 60624
👟 ATTIRE: Closed-toed shoes, layers of clothing, and jeans/long pants are required.
🔗 REGISTRATION LINK: bit.ly/mbearthday26

NOTE: Space is limited to the first 25 volunteers, so secure your space!

📌 AFTERPARTY: Join us after the project for fellowship! We’ll head to either Inspirations Kitchen (3504 W Lake St) or The Soul Food Lounge (3804 W 16th St) for lunch — Lunch is self-funded.

Let’s come together to beautify our community and honor the planet! We can’t wait to see you there! 🌱

It’s Friday, and we’re still feeling the inspiration from last month’s Herstory Paint Lounge! To close out , the ladies gathered at Ka'Lab Bronzeville: The Creative Space for an afternoon dedicated to creativity, connection, and honoring the trailblazing women who move us forward.

From custom-designed wine glasses to incredible pours from our sponsor Love Cork Screw, the energy in the room was unmatched. There’s nothing quite like a room full of phenomenal people mixing, mingling, and building community through art. 🎨🥂

Take a look at some of the highlights from the afternoon!

✨ WHAT'S NEXT?

We’re already planning our next social and want your input!

What should it be? (Networking Mixer, Wellness Pop-up, Skills Workshop, Performing Arts Show, etc.)

Let us know in the comments! 👇🏽