John A. Boccieri: “Today I rise in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the National Urban League, an organization dedicated to…”

“Today I rise in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the National Urban League, an organization dedicated to bettering the lives and protecting the rights of minority groups across our country. The National Urban League is the oldest and largest community-based organization in our Nation. Locally, the Greater Stark County Urban League, located in my northeastern Ohio district, formed out of the integration of the Massillon and Canton affiliates, has been serving our Stark County communities for over 90 years. Under the direction of interim president and CEO Vince Watts, the work of the Greater Stark County Urban League is bettering Stark County at precisely the time we need it. Ohio's unemployment is still high, and we are recovering slowly, but now more than ever, as we are rebuilding our local economy for future success, the Greater Stark County Urban League is connecting minority groups in our communities to the employment and housing services and to the health and youth programming necessary. Last year, the local Urban League began a new scholarship program for 20 high school juniors and seniors. This year, they hope to provide 30 scholarships. The League is also offering classes this year to help 60 people in Stark County obtain their GEDs. I commend the Stark County Greater Urban League for making critical investments in our people, in our country, and in our future.”