Grand Rapids Urban League.

Affiliate of the National Urban League.

The Brough Community Association of Grand Rapids, Michigan was formally incorporated on June 4, 1943. The early aim of the organization was to provide recreational and self-development opportunities for the Grand Rapids Black community. In 1947, the board of directors, anxious to improve and enlarge the programs of the organization, decided to affiliate with the National Urban League. The name of the organization was now changed to the Grand Rapids Urban League and Brough Community Association.

Paul Phillips was named executive secretary of the Association in 1947. Under his leadership, the organization implemented a full Urban League program, and initiated departments in industrial relations, community services, and group work. It also sponsored a women's guild which assisted and made improvements in community race relations.

The League took great pride in opening new employment opportunities for the city's Blacks, as bus drivers, nurses, librarians, and taxi cab drivers. It also set up a scholarship fund to aid stduents who wanted to attend college. With the passage of years, the Urban League phased out its recreation program, and concentrated instead upon matters of employment, community relations, and housing.

In 1967, the organization amended its articles of incorporation shortening its name to the Grand Rapids Urban League.