The newly established Dallas–Fort Worth Urban League (DFWUL) is making its debut in the North Texas community as the 93rd affiliate of the National Urban League. Its inaugural event, A Night of Recognition, Connection and Inspiration, will feature a keynote address from Marc H. Morial, National President and CEO of the National Urban League. The highly anticipated event will be held at Gilley’s Dallas on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Sponsorships and tickets are now available.
“An important milestone for our community, this new Affiliate was organized to provide North Texas residents with resources to expand meaningful opportunities, strengthen families, and build pathways to a better future for those who need it most,” said Marnese Barksdale Elder, Interim CEO of the Dallas-Fort Worth Urban League.
Rooted in service, collaboration, and impact, the Dallas-Fort Worth Urban League believes that meaningful change happens when community, employers, educators, and civic leaders work together. Through its programs and partnerships, the organization will address critical workforce gaps by expanding access to career pathways, training, and supportive services that connect people to meaningful employment and provide long-term stability for families in our communities. Located in both Dallas and Fort Worth, the Dallas–Fort Worth Urban League will serve over 13 counties.
“This is the beginning of a movement, to uplift our neighbors and invest in the potential that already exists in our community,” said Barksdale Elder. “We are grateful for the supporters, partners, and volunteers who made this possible, and we look forward to serving with integrity, compassion, and purpose.”
A landmark fundraising event, A Night of Recognition, Connection and Inspiration will feature an empowering keynote address and a special recognition ceremony honoring corporate, civic, and community leaders whose commitment and leadership are helping to shape a stronger, more inclusive future for North Texas. It will recognize DFWUL’s mission to advance economic empowerment, workforce development, and equitable opportunity across the region.
A VIP pre-event reception will include a panel discussion with distinguished guests, offering candid conversations about the future of the region. Individual tickets are available for $250. Sponsorship opportunities range from $5,000 to $25,000. Proceeds will directly support DFWUL’s program development, participant services, and strategic partnerships critical to the new launch. Learn more by visiting www.dfwul.org.
The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. The National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its 93 local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 6 million people annually nationwide. Visit www.nul.org and follow us on Facebook, Threads, Instagram, and YouTube: @NatUrbanLeague.
