National Urban League Returns to Harlem

National Urban League, a civil rights organization, unveiled its new headquarters at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 12. The organization advocates for social and economic justice for African-Americans and others in underserved communities. The new space, designated as an “empowerment center,” will further this mission.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, the founder and president of the National Action Network, spoke at the event and highlighted the importance of this designation.

“We need our children to see that in the midst of all that is against us, we can build an oasis right here on 125th Street,” Sharpton said. “We may be struck at certain times and even beaten, but we are not defeated.”

The National Urban League was founded in Harlem in 1910. Its headquarters were moved to lower Manhattan in 2011, but now, it’s moving back to its original neighborhood. The shiny new 17-story, 20,000-square-foot building is located at 117 West 125th Street.

The space features conference rooms that can be used by local organizations and businesses as well as retail, office and learning spaces. In 2026, a museum focused on the northern component of the American Civil Rights movement will open across the street.

The center also holds 177 units of affordable housing. These are available to families who earn between 30 and 80% of the median area income and adults transitioning out of foster care or the justice system.

Several elected officials spoke at the ceremony, including Gov. Kathy Hochul who praised the new building.

"Yes, this may be a physical symbol. It is a building, yes indeed," Hochul said. "But it also captures a spirit of a community that, for far too long, has been oppressed, but now has the opportunity to rise up and say, we matter, our people matter and the future for us also matters."

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani were also there. Mamdani spoke on the significance of the building in the current political atmosphere.

"It is Black-owned in a time when we are being taught as if the words DEI are that of a slur, when in fact what they are is a representation of the fulfillment of the ideals that make so many proud to be New Yorkers, to be Americans," he said.

The center cost $230 million. Several donors contributed including $192 million from Goldman Sachs and $7 million from federal funding. Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League, said the initiative will drive $300 million in economic activity and create more jobs for people of color.

"This is a signature project," said Morial. “This is what inclusive development should look like. But those who say it cannot be done, come to Harlem.”

This story ran on the What's What podcast from WFUV News on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025.