After nearly a decade without a local Urban League presence, leaders from Dallas and Fort Worth officially rolled out the Dallas‑Fort Worth Urban League on Monday at a sold‑out kickoff at Gilley’s Dallas. The new nonprofit becomes the National Urban League’s 93rd affiliate and the first to serve the Metroplex directly since 2015. Interim CEO Marnese Barksdale Elder is temporarily at the helm, with Bemnet Meshesha serving as board chair.
As reported by WFAA, organizers say the affiliate, which they describe as having been formally established in July 2025, chose to make its public debut with an "A Night of Recognition" event. The packed room drew civic leaders, corporate sponsors and National Urban League president Marc Morial, organizers said. Marnese Elder will stay on as interim CEO while the board firms up programs and recruits permanent leadership.
National network and local reach
According to the National Urban League, affiliates concentrate on economic empowerment through education, job training, housing and health, with the national network delivering services to millions of Americans each year. With DFW now in that network, local residents gain direct access to established programs and national partnerships. Organizers say the new chapter will customize those models to match the specific needs of North Texas neighborhoods.
How the comeback happened
The relaunch follows a multiyear push by young professionals and long‑time civic leaders to bring an Urban League chapter back to the region after the previous Dallas affiliate lost its national status in 2015. As detailed by The Dallas Morning News, the organizing committee had to line up fundraising and institutional partners, targeting roughly $1.5 million in commitments over three years and securing several major pledges along the way.
Local plans and partnerships
Organizers say the first wave of programming will center on workforce development, entrepreneurship training, housing counseling and community health outreach, mirroring the Urban League’s national priorities. The DFW Urban League’s Young Professionals arm already lists meetings and community events, a signal that leaders intend to move quickly from launch party to on‑the‑ground services. Upcoming programming is posted at DFW Urban League Young Professionals.
What’s next
Board leaders say immediate next steps include hiring staff, testing pilot programs and continuing to raise operating funds to meet national affiliate benchmarks. Supporters told local outlets they expect the chapter to connect corporate partners, foundations and civic groups into longer‑term efforts focused on underserved neighborhoods. Local coverage framed the debut as a milestone for North Texas, with Texas Metro News highlighting event details and organizer remarks.
Leaders say they anticipate rolling out pilot services in the coming months and will share volunteer roles and partnership opportunities online. For updates and ways to plug in, organizers are pointing community members to the group’s digital presence at DFW Urban League Young Professionals and to upcoming community events.
