“On the Summit’s Horizon: Fort Wayne Urban League Soars as a Refuge of Hope”

By: Rev. Christopher W. Riley
FWIS Contributing Writer

“No one gets through this life alone. It’s impossible to pull up bootstraps when you don’t have boots!,” said Aisha Arrington, President & CEO of the Fort Wayne Urban League.

The Fort Wayne Urban League’s homepage on its website states that it is a new day at the League. The new day consists of making sure the residents of Fort Wayne have boots.

“As a Fort Wayne native I am personally connected to this work. Four years ago, I stepped into a role with many layers and a huge level of responsibility. The responsibility includes preserving the rich history of the Urban League locally which traces its roots back to 1920 with the development of the Fort Wayne Community Association. It was on October 1, 1949, that the Fort Wayne Community Association merged with the National Urban League to expand its programming and services to the African American residents of the Summit City.”

Arrington shared that FWUL is in the process of producing the State of Black Fort Wayne Report. “The First State of Black America was presented by Vernon Jordan in 1976. Jordan visited the Summit City in 1980 and was a victim of an assassination attempt.” Jordan was the fifth President of the National Urban League. Jordan passed away in 2021 at the age of 85.

“As someone who grew up right here in Fort Wayne, I’ve always known the Urban League as a source of strength and hope for our community for more than a century. To now serve on the board and help continue that work is truly meaningful. Our CEO, Aisha Arrington leads with strength and integrity, helping our community find their voice, their confidence, and their future — and that impact still inspires me every day,” said Tracy Davis, Vice Chancellor of Community Engagement. Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne/Kosciusko County.

“The Fort Wayne Urban League is an organization that supports the community in navigating resources. When people are thinking, where do I go for what needs, whether the need is food, housing assistance or utility support. The urban League is here to develop viable programs while building trust and moving with integrity. The Urban League was birthed in response to the needs of African Americans after the Great Migration and the need is still prevalent today in 2025,” said Arrington.

Arrington holds a Bachelor of General Studies with a concentration in Sociology and Women’s Studies. She also holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Indiana Institute for Technology (Indiana Tech). “My education has helped me greatly in my role as CEO/President.”

“The Urban League is absolutely needed. The League is an advocacy agency that over the years has effectively advocated for underserved marginalized populations locally and nationally. Being willing to speak and write truth to power publicly is necessary. The Fort Wayne Urban League has been an agency that has changed systems in a macro and micro perspective,” said Jonathan Ray, former CEO/President of the Fort Wayne Urban League (1995-2017).

When asked to give advice to a new Urban League CEO/President Arrington stated, “Give yourself grace and time. Don’t feel pressured to have the vision right away. Work on the internal things that run an organization. Spend time building the foundation of an organization. Select one or two people you can trust and whom you can confide. Do not feel pressured to take every meeting.”

Arrington was asked what does she look for in a collaboration with another organization? “A collaboration with another organization must bring value to the community. It is important that the missions and outcomes are aligned.”

“The Urban League’s team is crucial to its success. Non-profit work is not for the weary. One must be committed to the movement associated with the Urban League. There is a fierce urgency of now to foster the work of the organization within the community. The Social Index has only risen by 2.7% in 20 years. At this rate, it will take Black Americans 300 years to catch up. However, Fort Wayne should be proud of our Urban League. said, Arrington”

For more information about the Fort Wayne Urban League please visit the website: FW Urban League. The location is 2135 South Hanna Street, and the telephone number is (260)745-3100. The hours of operation are 8 a.m.-5 p.m.