1964:

The Tri-County Urban League is founded by a group of local citizens, including Valeska Hinton, Erma Davis, and Helen Leatherwood.

1965:

Frank Campbell is hired as the first executive director.

1966:

The Tri-County Urban League develops the Youth Employment Service Program, the first youth work and motivation program for minority youth. Today, it helps over 700 local youths find jobs every year.

1966-1970:

Through the League’s and Mr. Campbell’s efforts, more than 65 minority teachers are hired by Peoria District 150 schools.

1968:

The League organizes Peoria’s first Apprenticeship Outreach Program for African Americans to enter the building trades, helping young men and women become skilled workers.

1972:

With only one African-American physician practicing in Peoria, Frank Campbell works with local hospitals to develop a successful minority-hiring program.

1966-1978:

The League develops the “Tomorrow’s Scientist, Technicians and Managers Programs,” encouraging minority youth to purse careers in high-tech occupations.

1980s:

The Comprehensive Competencies Program (CCP) begins operation to combat the growing problem of illiteracy by utilizing volunteer tutors.

1987:

The Urban League partners with Illinois Central College and Bradley to sponsor the Project Opportunity Program, promoting studies in science, math, and health to minority students.

1987- 1988:

The League establishes the Pre-Readiness Alternative Middle School to reach students who are at risk for dropping out of Middle School, providing reading, math, language arts, and social studies instruction.

1989:

The League develops programs such as Male Responsibility and Teens Organized for Pride and Success (TOPS) to provide positive role models for young African Americans.

1991:

The Tri-County Urban League opens its new 22,000-square-foot facility at 317 S. MacArthur Highway.

1993:

President Frank Campbell announces his retirement after 28 years of service. Mrs. Laraine Bryson, a former EEOC attorney, becomes the second president in the history of the Tri-County Urban League.

1994:

The Teen Parent Services Program is developed to encourage teen parents to get their high school diploma or GED.

1995:

The agency celebrates its 30th Anniversary with a dinner at the Pere Marquette Hotel with keynote speaker, Hugh B. Price, President & CEO of the National Urban League.

1998:

A five-year strategic plan is adopted by the Board of Directors under the leadership of Board Chairman, Thomas Romanowski.

2000:

The League celebrates 35 years of service excellence…and looks ahead to the next 35 years. The first Black and White Gala is held to celebrate the 35th Anniversary, with jazz recording artist, Nancy Wilson.

2001:

Pursuant to the League’s Strategic Plan, efforts are initiated to mobilize community support for an Urban League presence in McLean County. Ms. Leslie Williams, along with other McLean County volunteers embark upon garnering support through community meetings to deliver educational services.

2002:

The Tomorrow’s Scientists, Technicians and Managers (TSTM) Program celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a banquet at the Gateway Building, with keynote speaker, the Honorable Judge Joe Billy McDade and Alumnus, Darrick Woods.

2002:

Partnerships are developed with Anheuser-Busch Urban Scholars Program to provide two $10,000 scholarships to TSTM students and State Farm Insurance Companies to provide refurbished laptop computers to all Urban League scholarship recipients.

2003:

The McLean County Satellite Office is awarded a two-year grant for $150,000 to operate a Baldrige in Education/TSTM Program for McLean County middle and high school students. The grant was awarded by the National Urban League and funded by State Farm Insurance Companies.

2004:

The Urban League’s Employment Department is one of 15 nationwide awardees of the National Urban League/U.S. Department of Labor’s Urban Youth Empowerment Program grants for $350,000 to serve 18-21 year old youth to improve academic skills and gain employment.

2004:

The League honors its founding President, Frank Campbell at the 2004 Black and White Gala and announces the Urban League Endowment Fund.

2005:

The Urban League celebrates its 40th year of operation in central Illinois, honoring founding Guild Member, Erma M. Davis at the 2005 Black and White Gala. The founding Urban League Endowment Fund donors are also recognized. They are: Methodist Medical Center, Ms. Laveine Birditt, State Farm Insurance Companies, and John and Arie Stenson.

2006:

The Urban League Computer Center is upgraded with the support of grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and SBC/AT&T. The computer Center offers basic computer instruction to youth, adults and senior citizens.