Minneapolis Urban League cancels 2010 Family Day 48 hours before event

Aug. 6, 2010 - PRLog -- In a statement released by the Minneapolis Urban League that reads:

“Inspired by the success of the recent Stop the Madness Lock-In, sponsored by the Right Track Program of the Minneapolis Urban League, we have decided to cancel this year’s 21st Annual Family Day Celebration, which was scheduled to have taken place on Saturday, August 7th. In its place, the Minneapolis Urban League is planning a youth-oriented event later this month.

Over 300 children and teens participated in the Stop the Madness Lock-In, which was created and facilitated by young people to address and find solutions to end the senseless violence in this community. The participation and overwhelming success of the Lock-In sends a clear message that the youth of our community are determined to enact positive change, and will settle for nothing less than success. The Minneapolis Urban League will serve as a catalyst for these changes, and through partnerships with other like-minded groups and organizations, provide the resources and support that are necessary to achieving the goals of the community.

The Family Day event will return next year.”
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This “cancellation” of a 20 –year old tradition in the Twin Cities signals the current state of finances of the MUL. In 2008, the Minneapolis Urban Leagues communications director Lisa Bryant (on her own), raised over $30,000 for that year’s Family Day event. Since Ms. Bryant has left the Minneapolis Urban League, they has not returned to the same levels of success and continue to decline each year.

The second issue, the Minneapolis Urban League president R. Scott Gray has not solidified relationships with local “taste-makers” to facilitate a smooth transition for cordial and diplomatic relationships in the City of Minneapolis or the Black community. Furthermore, the rising rate of violence and homicides in north Minneapolis leaves the Minneapolis Urban League in the position not wanting to carry the liability for a possible incident during or after the Family Day event.

Ronald A. Edwards, the longest seated former chairman of the board of the Minneapolis Urban League says, “It’s a sad day in Minneapolis when a flagship organization that once had more than 200 people employed for the agency have tucked its tail between its legs and cancel a landmark event.”

With more than 15 homicides in north Minneapolis in 2010, the Minneapolis Urban League president has not called a press conference or addresses the issue straight on. Having a “sleep in” will not attract the “element” or persons that are most likely to be involved in violent activity.

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