Empowering Communities. Changing Lives.

About the
Houston Area Urban
League (HAUL)

Empowering Communities. Changing Lives.

Our Movement

Established in 1910, The National Urban League (NUL) is the nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream. Today, the NUL, headquartered in New York City, spearheads the non-partisan efforts of its local affiliates.

Our Mission

To enable Black people and other marginalized communities to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power, and civil rights.

Our Vision

We envision a community where all Black people & other marginalized communities are clearly at parity with America's promise of opportunity, equality, and justice.

Houston Area Urban League | Photo by Joseph

Our Organization

The Houston Area Urban League (HAUL) was organized in June, 1968 as a nonprofit 501(c)3 agency. Affiliated with the United Way and National Urban League, HAUL advocates for and provides social services to disadvantaged people of all races, gender, age groups, and/or disabilities.

HAUL operates the following six (6) programs targeting residents in economically disadvantaged geographic areas in the Greater Houston areas: Education and Youth Development; Workforce and Economic Development; Workforce Training; Housing; Social Justice; and Health and Wellness Initiatives.

Our History

  • 1910

    The NUL is Founded

    NUL Conference 1917
    ©NUL

  • 1968

    HAUL is Founded

    The Houston Area Urban League was founded on June 19, 1968, by a group of business professionals. Our leaders have included: Quentin Mease, Leo Linbeck, Dan Arnold, Judson W. Robinson, Sr., Gerald Hines, C. G. Hardy, J. J. Susberry, Mrs. Clarence Higgins, Carl Walker, James Middleton, and Attorney Aloysius M. Wickliff, Sr. and the Houston Business & Professional Men's Club.

  • 1973

    Housing Department is formed

    The Housing and Social Services Department is a HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency that provides a multitude of housing, veteran, and distater support programs to serve our community.

  • 1990

    Sylvia K. Brooks becomes HAUL President & CEO

    SYLVIA K. Brooks © Houston Chronicle
    R. Clayton McKee/For The Chronicle

  • 1996

    Finally A Home of Our Own (Current Headquarters)

    A Home of our Own Project
  • 1998

    The HAUL Guild is founded

    Learn More about the HAUL guild here.
    HAUL GUILD logo

  • 1999

    HAULYP and National YP are Founded

    The National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP) was unveiled at the 1999 National Urban League Annual Conference in Houston, TX. Click the logo below to learn more about the respective organization.

    National Urban League Young Professionals logoHAULYP

  • 2008

    Judson Robinson III becomes HAUL President and CEO

    Judson Robinson III becomes HAUL President and CEO
    Dave Rossman/For the Chronicle

  • 2010

    HAUL/EC Launches Small Business University

    Small Business Development University (SBU), is a 10-week program design to help current and aspiring entrepreneurs gain the tools to operate successful enterprises. Learn more about SBU here.

  • 2018

    HAUL celebrates 50th anniversary

    HAUL 50th Anniversary Gala ©D-Mars
    ©D-Mars

  • 2021

    The Center for Social Justice & Education goes live!

    Introducing the center for social justice & education

    Click here to read the press release.

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