Img source: ca.news.yahoo.com
May 23, 2024 Story by: Editor
Janice Lee understands all eyes are on her — metaphorically for now, but soon, quite literally.
Lee, with two decades of experience in senior leadership roles, has taken the helm as the new chief executive officer of the Tacoma Urban League.
On May 30, at the Evergreen State College Tacoma campus, she’ll continue a tradition by addressing the state of Black Tacoma, offering a factual, data-driven analysis of the challenges and opportunities for the local African American community.
Previously led by state Senator T’wina Nobles, who served as CEO starting in 2017, the Tacoma Urban League’s annual “State of Black Tacoma” event has been a platform for discussing the community’s progress and setbacks, coinciding with the National Urban League’s State of Black America report.
Lee stepped into her role late last year, feeling the weight of leading such a significant organization that focuses on providing resources and aid to Black residents and other underserved populations, particularly in education, economic empowerment, health, housing, and justice.
Following in the footsteps of local civil rights leaders like Thomas Dixon and Harold Moss, Lee acknowledges the longstanding commitment of the Tacoma Urban League to address social justice issues, from housing discrimination to education and employment disparities.
This year marks Lee’s first State of Black Tacoma event as CEO, and she’s determined to address the work that still lies ahead.
“I’m in the community. I’m talking to families, talking to businesses, talking to individuals … and Black Tacoma hasn’t gotten far enough,” said Lee. Source: THE NEWS TRIBUNE
Despite some progress, issues like low homeownership rates, limited career opportunities, and lack of affordable housing persist, according to Lee.
These issues, along with health disparities, systemic racism, and public safety concerns, will be focal points of next week’s State of Black Tacoma event, with guest panelists including Tacoma Police Chief Avery Moore and others.
Lee sees her role as pivotal in driving progress: “The potential of the Tacoma Urban League is unlimited. It’s my job to say, ‘This is where we’re at right now, and these are the solutions we’re going to work toward.’”
Former CEO T’wina Nobles, who mentored Lee during her transition, emphasizes the importance of the role and believes Lee is capable of meeting the challenges ahead.
“The stakes are too high to fail,” Nobles said, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to the community.
“The Tacoma Urban League belongs to the community… whoever the leader is, there has to be love for the community and love for the organization to move the work forward,” she added.
STATE OF BLACK TACOMA 2024
- Date: Thursday, May 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Location: The Evergreen State College Tacoma campus, 1210 Sixth Ave.
Registration and live streaming: thetacomaurbanleague.org/events
