The Minneapolis Urban League celebrates its 86th anniversary Thursday night at the Minneapolis Convention Center with a "Gateway to Opportunity Gala." Civil rights leader and former U.S. ambassador Andrew Young will be on hand to deliver the keynote speech.
Urban League president Scott Gray says the organization is changing how it works to reduce racial disparities in housing, education, employment and health. For example, he says the Urban League aims to do more to help people of color start businesses that will provide services and jobs in their communities.
"We're excited about this new mission. It's a change of culture for the Urban League, but it's the right thing to do," he said, adding that the Urban League has already started a youth catering operation in its alternative high school.