Each year, the Houston Area Urban League celebrates and recognizes local leaders committed to making a difference and empowering the community.

“It’s a pleasure to be honored here tonight,” said HISD’s Superintendent Millard House II. “To be recognized in the manner that I was today is really a privilege that takes me back to the history of my father who was the CEO of the Urban League in Tulsa.”

Accompanied by his family, House was one of six honorees being recognized for Black Excellence in Education.

He was joined on stage by Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. Latonya M. Goffney, University of Houston-Downtown President Dr. Loren Blanchard, Rice University President Dr. Reginald Desroches, Texas Southern University President Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, and Prairie View A&M University President Dr. Ruth J. Simmons.

“I am truly honored and truly privileged to be able to serve in the role that I serve and to be the leader of an organization that focuses its efforts on Black excellence, Latino excellence, and all excellence of the people in this community,” said House.

Since 1968, the Houston Area Urban League has worked to enable African American and other marginalized communities to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power, and civil rights.

Their focus is on education, early literacy, youth development programs, workforce development and occupational skills training, economic development, financial literacy and housing and social services to help influence the likelihood of long-term family and community stability.

“The Urban League has been and will always be considered a beacon of what Black excellence is in this country, in this community, and in this city,” said House.

To learn more about the Houston Area Urban League, click here.