Carlos T. Carter
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh is the recipient of a $6 million gift from philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott.
It’s being called a “transformational gift” that will allow the Urban League to magnify the impact of its mission of enabling African Americans to achieve economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights. The gift is the single largest contribution in the Pittsburgh affiliate’s 104-year history.
“We’re honored and grateful that Ms. Scott and her team have recognized the Urban League’s value and impact to the community,” President and CEO Carlos T. Carter said in a statement, Oct. 31. “By placing racial equity and social justice at the forefront of her philanthropic mission, Ms. Scott is shining a much-needed spotlight on the nation’s structural and institutional limitations and helping to build a stronger, more resilient society for everyone.”
MacKenzie Scott
Carter continued, “The Board of Directors and I acknowledge this contribution as a vote of confidence in the work of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh (“ULGP”) and an acknowledgement of the great work done by the ULGP staff who are engaged in executing the heavy lift of opening doors and creating pathways for underserved and marginalized people to achieve economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights.
The timing is perfect. Thanks to the efforts of past and present staff, Board members, volunteers, and supporters leading up to this moment, we are poised to create meaningful change. Yet, the barriers faced by those we serve remain as high as ever and developing a level playing field requires a robust and sustained effort. Now more than ever the needs of the community require increased funds to construct bridges to economic self-reliance.”
The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh will determine the most impactful use of the contribution as part of its strategic planning process that is scheduled to begin in January 2023.
The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh is one of 25 Urban League affiliates around the nation who received similar donations from Ms. Scott, who in 2019 signed The Giving Pledge, a promise by the world’s wealthiest individuals and families to dedicate the majority of their wealth to charitable causes.
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