By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO
After being removed from probation the Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL), founded in 1924, is moving forward.
The Aug. 15, 2025, letter placing the organization on probation was sent by the National Urban League’s Senior Vice President of Affiliate Services Herman L. Lessard Jr. The notice identified 11 violations requiring resolution. Most of the violations pertained to the actions of the Board of Directors, citing a failure to conduct regular meetings and to rotate board membership and organizational leadership. Additional concerns included financial instability, which rendered the organization non-compliant with State of Maryland laws governing nonprofits.
In a communication with the AFRO on March 10, Lessard confirmed that the suspension had been lifted, saying the Greater Baltimore Urban League submitted a comprehensive and well-developed strategic plan that addresses key organizational growth, including fundraising board development, and long-term sustainability. All reports have been submitted on time and GBUL is maintaining up-to-date financial statements.
“The National Urban League is encouraged by the affiliates’ progress and overall recovery. The success is attributed to the guidance provided by Kevin Seawright, its new board chair,” he said.
Interim CEO Tershea Rice also credits the organization’s renewed confidence to its new leadership. She has been with the Greater Baltimore Urban League since 2021 as chief operating officer.
Additionally, since August, several board members have resigned.
“We’ve undergone a transition that has allowed the organization to move forward,” said Seawright. “While we are meeting the obligations and commitment we’ve made to our national organization as an affiliate, the GBUL is looking forward to our upcoming Business Summit.”
The Business Summit, which will be held April 24 at 701 E. Pratt St., will be hosted by Marc Clark.
“It is one of the signature events of The Greater Baltimore Urban League,” said Rice. “It brings a cross-section of our community together, which includes entrepreneurs, business and community leaders, individuals seeking economic growth and those wishing to go into business.”
A key feature of the event is the pitch competition, in which aspiring entrepreneurs present their ideas to a panel of judges. The judges evaluate each proposal based on clarity, methodology and the quality of the business plan to determine funding recipients.
“We are excited,” said Seawright, “because our goal is to continue our work and this Business Summit is a priority. We are proud to announce that some of our former supporters have already stepped up to assure that this event is as successful, if not more than it has been in the past.
“We’ve received support from some area businesses that have previously been engaged with the GBUL for our Business Summit, including Baltimore Gas & Electric, Giant Foods and Wells Fargo Bank. TD Bank has also come on board to be one of our community sponsors and we expect more to engage with us on this important event,” Seawright added.
As in previous years the event is free to the public. Entrepreneurs and organizations can, however, purchase booths to sell their wares and showcase their services to the public.
“As an organization, GBUL is dedicated to fostering upward mobility and engaging with our community, including youth who play a vital role in shaping our future. We remain committed to educating, empowering, and training our communities to ensure they are prepared to meet future needs,” said Seawright.
A historical organization, the Greater Baltimore Urban League was founded in 1924 as a civil rights and social service organization dedicated to empowering African Americans and other minorities. GBUL serves every jurisdiction in Maryland with the exception of Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.
For additional information on the Greater Baltimore Urban League, including how to get involved, visit their website at: https//gbul.org.