A sharpened commitment to advancing economic mobility in Maryland — for the workers, young people, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders who depend on this institution. 

Baltimore, MD — April 20, 2026 — Today, the Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL) announced a new mission — and with it, the opening of a new chapter for one of Maryland’s most historic civil rights and economic opportunity institutions. 

GBUL’s new mission: 

“To be the most trusted institution advancing economic mobility in Maryland through workforce development, youth leadership, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.” 

The updated mission arrives at a moment when economic mobility for historically underserved Marylanders is narrower, more contested, and more consequential than it has been in a generation. The statement names with precision the communities GBUL serves and the outcomes it is accountable to deliver — sharpening how its programs, partnerships, and impact are measured. 

“This mission is both a promise and a standard,” said Tershea Rice, Interim President & CEO of the Greater Baltimore Urban League. “It names who we serve and what we commit to deliver. It invites our partners, funders, and community back into a shared effort. And it holds every program, every decision, every dollar to a single test: does this advance economic mobility for the people we exist to serve? That is the measure we are building the Greater Baltimore Urban League around.” 

The mission’s four pillars name the populations GBUL has served for a century — and articulate, in concrete terms, what communities can expect of the organization going forward. Workforce development for Marylanders retraining into new careers. Youth leadership for the next generation stepping into civic and economic life. Entrepreneurship for business owners in historically underserved communities building where capital has long been scarce. Civic engagement for residents claiming a seat at the tables where decisions get made. 

“The Board sees this mission as a clear standard — for us, for our staff, and for our partners,” said Kevin Seawright, Chair of the GBUL Board of Directors. “It reflects the discipline, clarity, and ambition we expect of this organization at this moment in its history. We are proud to stand behind Tershea and this team as they lead the Greater Baltimore Urban League into its next chapter.” 

GBUL will roll out a series of stakeholder briefings, program updates, and partner convenings in the months ahead as it operationalizes the new mission across the organization. 

About the Greater Baltimore Urban League 

The Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing economic mobility in Maryland, through workforce development, entrepreneurship, youth & leadership, and civic engagement. Since 1924, GBUL has advanced this mission through direct services, advocacy, referrals, community capacity building, information dissemination, and technical assistance. As a local affiliate of the National Urban League, GBUL works to improve social and economic conditions and expand opportunities in employment, education, housing, health, and civic engagement.