Level Up 253
Sep
12

Level Up 253

Level Up 253 and our partners are excited to invite you to our Level Up 253: We are Now -Back in School event happening on  NATIONAL VIDEO GAMES DAY, Friday, September 12th, from 5 PM to 8 PM at the Lakewood YMCA, 9715 Lakewood Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499.

This is our annual FREE COMMUNITY EVENT designed to provide resources, encouraging messages, and a safe space for youth and families as we kick off the new school year. 

Note: All parents and guests must complete a waiver if attending. Please RESISTER HERE: or use the QR code below or the link provided to let us know you're coming!

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Grand Reopening - The Tacoma Urban League
Sep
19

Grand Reopening - The Tacoma Urban League

Tacoma, WA – September 5, 2025 – The Tacoma Urban League (TUL) invites the community to join us in celebrating both our rich history and an exciting new chapter at the grand opening of our newly remodeled headquarters — the historic building constructed in 1989 by the late Mr. Thomas Dixon. 

On September 19, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m., doors will be open for the community to explore the new space, with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony beginning at 12 noon, led by President & CEO Desiree’ Wilkins Finch  the Tacoma Urban League team, partners, dignitaries, and friends. 

This event is more than ribbon-cutting — it honors our legacy, amplifies our leadership, and moves us forward on the path of liberation and possibility. 

Experience our beautifully remodeled historic headquarters, a space that embodies our resilience, celebrates renewed possibility and inspires greater impact for our community.  

  • Connect, celebrate, and build relationships with leaders, partners, and neighbors driving progress, possibility, and community impact.  

  • Explore opportunities and discover how to get involved with the TUL Guild for volunteers 40 and up or join our reinvigorated Young Professionals Network for ages 20 to 40.  

  • Discover programs that make a difference, from our newly acquired Homeownership Center NW as part of the A Way Home Tacoma housing initiative, to our newly expanded mental health services, the Business Master Class series, and more, all providing vital access to economic empowerment, opportunity, and liberation for our community. 

  • Share your vision, connect with our PR team, and explore how your organization can collaborate with TUL to create meaningful impact in the community.  

This grand opening represents a new leader, a new team, new programs, and a new building while honoring the enduring legacy of the Tacoma Urban League and its historic role in Tacoma’s Black community. 

We honor the Tacoma Urban League’s powerful legacy, celebrate the promise of today, and step boldly into a future of empowerment, opportunity, and shared success through our new programs, space, and initiatives. Together, guided by grace, love, and hope, we are building a community where everyone can thrive and live the life they want to live. 

Located at 2550 S Yakima Ave, the Urban League’s headquarters has long been a symbol of resilience and progress since Mr. Dixon built it in 1989. Today, with fresh renovations and recharged programming, the building stands as a beacon for the next generation — a place where legacy and leadership meet opportunity. 

For more information about the Tacoma Urban League and the grand opening celebration, please contact Dana Hill at (253) 241-9919 or pr@thetacomaurbanleague.org 

About the Tacoma Urban League: 

Founded 1968 by the organizing committee led by Thomas Dixon, who became its founding president. The organization was established to support and empower African Americans and other disenfranchised groups in Tacoma and the surrounding South Puget Sound region to achieve social equality and economic independence. TUL's mission is to thrive through direct service, advocacy, and community partnerships. From education and workforce development to health equity and economic empowerment, the Tacoma Urban League continues to serve as a vital resource and voice for justice in Pierce County. 

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Harlem Nights
Mar
8

Harlem Nights

Step back in time to the vibrant energy and elegance of the Harlem Renaissance while making a difference in the lives of underserved women. On March 8, International Women’s Day, we invite you to our Annual Fundraiser dedicated to empowering women through access to life-saving screening mammograms.

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2025 State of Black Tacoma
Jun
25

2025 State of Black Tacoma

2025 State of Black Tacoma

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Please join Desiree' Wilkins Finch, Tacoma Urban League CEO and Tacoma's most impactful leaders for a powerful conversation on the "State of Black Tacoma" as we explore our key pillars- housing, jobs, education, health, and justice- and how these issues impact the Black/African American community. As we reflect on these areas, we will also tap into the brilliance in the room and identify solutions and spark collective action toward a more just and thriving Tacoma

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Homeownership Fair
Jun
14

Homeownership Fair

Your journey to homeownership is just around the corner! We have the resources you may need to start your homeownership journey, from financial counseling to down payment assistance programs.

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Tech Touchdown
May
31

Tech Touchdown

Join Play Like a Girl and team up with the Seattle Seahawks and Amazon Web Services for a fun, action-packed event made just for middle school (6-8th grade) girls like you. You’ll hit the field for flag football (no experience needed!) with real Seahawks players and coaches—then jump into hands-on activities that show how cool science, tech, and engineering can really be.

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Self-Advocacy & Lifetime Immunizations Workshop
May
17

Self-Advocacy & Lifetime Immunizations Workshop

Join LIWH and Ebony Nurses Association of Tacoma, our subject matter experts as we provide strategies for self-advocacy and emphasize the importance of lifetime immunizations. This session will explain the significance of understanding and advocating for your health needs while highlighting the crucial role of vaccinations throughout your life. Participants will explore strategies for effective communication with healthcare providers, understand the history of vaccinations, and ensuring they make informed decisions about their immunization schedules.

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Welcome Reception
Mar
15

Welcome Reception

Join us to welcome Desiree Wilkins Finch, the new President and CEO of Tacoma Urban League. Learn about the Community Reinvestment Project (CRP) an initiative focused on economic equity and investment in Black communities. Hear about our partnership with the Tacoma Black Fund and how we're working together to expand financial opportunities for Black communities.

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Ebony Fashion Week
Feb
23

Ebony Fashion Week

Founded in 2016, Ebony Fashion Week was born to bridge the gap between grassroots communities and the high fashion industry while celebrating Black fashion, culture, and history. Over the years, it has been a platform for emerging and established designers to showcase their creativity in the Pacific Northwest.

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Sixth Annual Black-Owned Business Excellence Symposium
Feb
1

Sixth Annual Black-Owned Business Excellence Symposium

  • The McKinney Center for Community & Economic Development (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Are you ready to be part of a transformative event that celebrates the strength, innovation, and resilience of Black-owned businesses? Then mark your calendars for the Sixth Annual Black-Owned Business Excellence (BOBE) Symposium—a must-attend event that’s empowering Black entrepreneurs, celebrating community advocates, and providing invaluable resources to build the future of Black business in Washington State.

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Black Business Mixer
Jan
31

Black Business Mixer

Celebrate, network, and thrive with us at a premier event that sets the stage for a groundbreaking week of connection and opportunity. Taking place at Tacoma's finest Black-owned golf club, this elegant evening is dedicated to empowering Black-owned businesses and fostering collaboration within our community.

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