Urban League of West Michigan

🚀 Ready to launch your future in tech?

The FutureTech Careers Program at GRCC is your pathway into high-demand fields like Information Technology and Advanced Manufacturing. Whether you're interested in cybersecurity, AI, data science, or advanced manufacturing, this program is built to help you gain real-world skills and hands-on experience.

💡 Why join?
✔️ Hands-on training in cutting-edge industries
✔️ Connections with local tech professionals
✔️ Access to internships and career opportunities

From certificates to associate degrees, there are multiple paths to help you grow, learn, and succeed in today’s evolving workforce.

📲 Take the first step—scan the QR code or visit the url below and apply today!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddg_ghfRe1K0KeXWRcxx4KeFiY35DvtBFN77iSuIWPCqcohw/viewform

🤝 Save the Date! Connect Local GR – Buyers & Business Exchange

The Urban League of West Michigan encourages local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and suppliers to attend Connect Local GR, a unique opportunity to connect with buyers, decision-makers, and organizations looking to do business locally.

This event helps strengthen our regional economy by creating pathways for businesses—especially diverse and minority-owned businesses—to build relationships, share their capabilities, and discover new contracting opportunities.

📅 Thursday, April 2, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 DeVos Place – Grand Rapids
🎟️ Free to attend

Businesses planning to attend should come prepared with a capabilities statement to share with potential partners.

Scan the QR code or register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connect-local-gr-buyers-business-exchange-tickets-1984413900395?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Let’s continue building connections that strengthen our community and expand opportunity for local businesses.


The City of Grand Rapids

The Urban League of West Michigan joins the nation in remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson — a fearless advocate for justice, equity, and opportunity for all.

Through decades of leadership, he challenged systems, uplifted communities, and inspired movements rooted in dignity and hope.

“Hold your head high, stick your chest out. It gets dark sometimes, but morning comes. Keep hope alive.”

We honor his legacy by continuing the work to build an inclusive economy and empower the communities we serve.

Rest in Power.

Our history matters. Our stories matter. Our struggle matters.

Join us Friday, February 20, 2026 at Wealthy Theatre in Grand Rapids for a sneak preview fundraiser and panel discussion for the documentary:

A City Within a City: The Black Freedom Struggle in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Based on the powerful book of the same name, this film lifts up the memories, movements, and organizing traditions that have shaped Black life in our city. It’s a story of resistance, resilience, and community power — and it continues today.

🕕 Doors Open: 6 PM
🎬 Film Begins: 7 PM

Don’t miss this powerful evening of reflection, education, and inspiration.

Secure your seat today:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-city-within-a-city-documentary-sneak-preview-screening-tickets-1982375518540?aff=oddtdtcreator

Black History Month 2026 marks a powerful milestone—100 years of Black history, resilience, culture, and impact.

This month, Urban League of West Michigan honors the generations who paved the way, the leaders shaping today, and the future we continue to build together.

We celebrate the stories, strength, and contributions of Black communities—yesterday, today, and always. ✊🏾💛💚❤️

Join Us Tomorrow for the Demand Diversity Roundtable!

Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. ET
Livestream: Tune in tomorrow at 11
https://www.grurbanleague.org/demand-diversity-round-table

Tomorrow, Thursday, January 22 at 11:00 a.m. ET, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial will reconvene the Demand Diversity Roundtable—bringing together leaders across civil rights, civic, faith, business, academic, media, and democracy sectors.

The 2026 Roundtable will unveil new polling on public attitudes toward equal opportunity, challenge prevailing narratives, and help shape the next phase of coordinated advocacy. Participants will reflect on lessons from the past year, share updates, and align strategies to defend equity and opportunity amid ongoing attacks on DEI.

Since launching in January 2025, this Roundtable has grown into a powerful, sustained coalition—and we invite you to be part of the conversation.

Looking for your next opportunity? 👀
City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation is hosting two upcoming job fairs to connect job seekers with seasonal and part-time positions—including roles at the brand-new MLK Community Center opening February 21.

January 22 | 11 AM–1 PM
January 29 | 4 PM–6 PM
Neland Avenue Church, 940 Neland Ave SE

Meet directly with hiring managers, learn about available roles, and even complete preliminary interviews on site. Opportunities span a wide range of skills—from youth and fitness instructors to customer service, maintenance, and more.

Apply online in advance if possible:
👉 https://grparks.info/mlkcenterjobs

These events are free, no registration required, and designed to make access to employment easier for our community. Business casual attire encouraged.

Let’s keep building pathways to opportunity—together. 💙

A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for the sold-out 26th Annual MLK Day Corporate Breakfast! With over 900 attendees, the room was filled with energy, reflection, and a shared commitment to honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.!

Together, we celebrated his enduring call to courage, justice, and action—and the responsibility we each carry to lead with purpose.

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Thank you for standing with the Urban League of West Michigan and for continuing the work of building stronger, more equitable communities—together.

✨ SOLD OUT! ✨

The Urban League of West Michigan is proud to announce that our 26th Annual MLK Day Corporate Breakfast is officially SOLD OUT!

We look forward to welcoming a full room as we gather to honor and celebrate the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—his vision, his leadership, and his continued impact on our communities.

Thank you to our sponsors, partners, and attendees for standing with us in unity, reflection, and action. We’ll see you soon for a meaningful morning of connection and purpose. ✨

A call to courageous community action starts with us.

Join the Grand Rapids Community College, the Grand Valley State University, and Davenport University for their 40th Annual MLK Celebration, featuring a powerful panel discussion on unity, action, and Kingian nonviolence.

🗓 Monday, January 19 | 6–7:30 p.m.
📍 Wealthy Theater, Grand Rapids

Be part of the conversation. Be part of the change.