Knoxville Area Urban League: Empowering Knoxville
Community Spotlight:
The Knoxville Area Urban League:
Empowering Knoxville
(The Knoxville Area Urban League Logo. 2025.)
Our mission is to enable African Americans, other minority groups and the underserved to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power, and civil rights. - KAUL
History
The Knoxville Area Urban League (KAUL) has been a cornerstone of empowerment and advocacy in East Tennessee since its establishment in 1968. As an affiliate of the National Urban League, KAUL is dedicated to enabling African Americans, other minority groups, and the underserved to achieve economic self-reliance, parity, power, and civil rights.
Mission and Vision
KAUL’s mission is to empower communities and change lives by promoting diversity, economic, and social equity for all individuals. Their vision is to be the recognized leader and premier nonprofit in the greater Knoxville area, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Core Programs and Services
KAUL offers a wide range of programs designed to address the unique challenges faced by the community:
Entrepreneurship: Through initiatives like NextLevel Knox and CO.STARTERS, KAUL provides training and resources to aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them turn ideas into successful businesses.
Housing: As a HUD-approved counseling agency since 1971, KAUL offers homeownership education, foreclosure prevention counseling, and financial literacy workshops to promote stable housing opportunities.
Education and Youth: Programs such as the National Achievers Society (NAS) recognize and support academic excellence among minority students, providing scholarships and resources to foster educational success.
Employment: The Level Up Skills Apprenticeship Program and various job readiness classes equip individuals with the skills needed to secure meaningful employment in the Knoxville area.
Advocacy and Justice: KAUL’s RISE Re-Entry Program offers comprehensive support to justice-involved individuals, aiming to reduce recidivism through education and skills development
Community Engagement and Events
KAUL actively engages the community through signature events, including:
Shoes for School: An annual event providing free shoes and school supplies to children in need, ensuring they start the school year on the right foot.
Equal Opportunity Awards Gala: A celebration honoring individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to promoting equality and diversity in the community.
Annual Membership Meeting: A gathering of members, community leaders, and supporters to discuss KAUL’s impact and future initiatives.
Support The Knoxville Area Urban League
KAUL invites individuals and businesses to join their mission through membership, volunteering, or attending events. By supporting KAUL, you contribute to the advancement of economic and social equity in the Knoxville community.
For more information on programs, events, or how to get involved, visit the Knoxville Area Urban League website or contact their office at 1514 E. Fifth Ave., Knoxville, TN 37917. Phone: 865-524-5511.
Thank You, KAUL
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Knoxville Area Urban League for their dedication to equity, economic development, and advocacy. Their tireless efforts to entrepreneurship, education, housing, and workforce development continue to create lasting opportunities for individuals and families in Knoxville. Thank you for being a pillar of empowerment in our community!
To read more Connecting Knox Community Spotlight features visit here.
Article Sources
Knoxville Area Urban League. (2025). About KAUL. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.thekaul.org
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