Two Years Later with Fort Wayne Urban League CEO, Aisha Arrington

By Tabitha Ervin
FWIS Editorial Director

Aisha Arrington has been at the helm as the CEO of the Fort Wayne Urban League for two years now! We were able to reconnect on what she’s been doing and what she’s accomplished over the last two years.

Along with a small staff team and a great board, Aisha has been able to reboot the Urban League and their work and programming in the community as she looks to continue to increase the organization's visibility. She remains steadfast and focused and she is well-studied on the work that she’s looking to continue doing at the helm of the Urban League.

It’s always a pleasure to discuss Aisha’s dreams and goals as well as her drive to bring the Urban League back over the last few years as she and her team create new and sustainable programming.

Ervin: How has the work been since the last time we spoke?

Arrington: I can’t believe it’s been two years since the last time you interviewed me. Time has truly just flown by!

It’s been two years of grant writing, program development, relationship building, and being very intentional in bringing awareness of the Urban League’s movement and why our efforts are still needed. From our 1st Annual Meet the Candidate’s Night in 2023 to help educate and encourage area voters to our partnership with The Race Card Project that opened up dialogue about what race and identity means from an individual perspective; it’s been an opportunity to serve and grow personally.

The work has not been easy. However, with over two years under my belt now, I know that the work can and will continue with an emphasis on closing the disparity gaps that exist in our community. The 2023 State of Black Americans report states that if the equality index continues to increase at the same pace now; it will take 180 years before black people will be equal to white people in this country. That’s too long. The movement is ever more important.

Ervin: I know you have several new and exciting things coming up! Tell us about the Mothers for the Movement – Every Child Home Alive initiative. What do you hope to accomplish?

Arrington: There is not a black family in America that is not having the conversation with their children about how to interact with police and there is a need to improve youth relations with the very police who are sworn to serve and protect them. The Mothers for the Movement will focus on two initiatives: (1) Work to create and develop proper protocols to educate and prepare youth when interacting with the police and (2) Develop opportunities for youth and police to interact with one another. We may not be able to end racism and discrimination today, which plays a part in how people are policed, but we can ensure that our youth understand proper protocols and that our police are given opportunities to build relationships with our youth.

For me, it’s about addressing the fear. I still become anxious when a squad car pulls up behind me in traffic and I have experienced negative interactions with police in my own life. I know that I am not alone. However, I also have a brother in Arizona that serves as a police officer and that can be an entirely different kind of fear.

I was intentional about making it a mother’s initiative because it’s important to stand with the growing list of mothers who have lost children by the hands of police officers and the list is getting too long: Daunte White. Manuel Ellis. Breonna Taylor. Atatiana Jefferson. Stephon Clark. Philando Castile. Alton Sterling. Freddie Gray. Janisha Fonville. Eric Garner. Tamir Rice. George Floyd. It’s important to remember that George Floyd used his last breath to call out for his deceased mother – he called out to the only person in the world who always came.

Mothers across the Fort Wayne community are coming together, and we will do our part to make a difference.

Ervin: I’ve seen the awesome video for your next event, what should people know about the Urban League’s upcoming Sneaker Ball?

Arrington: It’s going to be fun! It’s going to be a show up and show out event!

We wanted to bring back the annual Urban League Gala but with a new fun twist. A Sneaker Ball sounded like a great way to celebrate together and raise dollars to support our mission. The event will be Saturday, September 7th at the Mirro Center. Tickets are available on the website: www.fwul.org Prices are $75 for general admission and $100 for those who want to also attend the VIP reception. We will be auctioning off four pairs of painted Air Force ones that have been painted by local artists: Theopolis Smith, Michael Johnson, Karrington Thompson, and Rocelynne Kennerk. The painted sneakers are on tour now around the city and they are really cool pieces of art. The event includes plated dinner, a 3D photo booth, live DJ, a free gift for VIP attendees, and the 2024 Sneaker Ball King and Queen will be crowned that night.

I personally feel pressured by my kids to buy a pair of Jordans to wear that night, but I just won’t spend the money. It’s ridiculous to me to buy a pair when they were $100 when I was in high school and now the cost has doubled/tripled for the exact same shoe! Nope, I am going old school with my shell toe “Superstar” Adidas.

It’s going to be a fun night – hope to see you there!

Ervin: This is great and thanks for sharing! Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Arrington: Everyone should mark their calendars now for our 2nd Annual Meet the Candidates Night scheduled in October (date coming soon) and our 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat at the Urban League October 31st - Halloween night. Also, in October we are partnering with Metro Human Relations Commission to house the Unwelcomed Exhibit by the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana. The exhibit provides education about systemic barriers that have impacted today’s neighborhoods through redlining, racial covenants, and other forms of housing discrimination. Registration to hear the Fair Housing’s Executive Director, Amy Nelson’s presentation concerning the exhibit and housing discrimination at the Urban League will be available soon.

After school homework help is available Monday - Thursday from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. and students can receive one on one tutoring through our Power Hour tutoring program. We also have educational opportunities for adults wanting to earn their high school diploma - The Literacy Alliance is offering classes at the Urban League building three days a week.

Stay tuned for more information about a partnership with Girls Scouts and we are excited about partnering with the Martin Luther King Club again for their Santa on Tour event coming up this December.

Visit us anytime for free copies of banned books (while supplies last), access to our free community computer lab and our small community library, and questions or referrals about area resources. The Urban League is here to serve you!

Ervin: This is great and I’m so happy for you and the Urban League! Thank you for your time and I look forward to continuing to support!

For info about the Urban League and all of the upcoming activities and programs please see their website: fwul.org or on social media including Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.