Thomas Kennedy Helm, III passed away on March 15, 2013 after an extended illness.  Kennedy served on the Board of Directors of the Louisville Urban League for 7 years including 3 years as Chairman. He first engaged with the Urban League over 30 years ago when then League president Arthur M. Walters enlightened Kennedy on the importance of diversity and inclusion and the importance of the work the League does to level the playing field for minorities and disadvantage people to participate fully in society. 

Kennedy joined the Board of directors in 2004 and served as chairman for 3 years from 2006 to 2009 and was currently serving on the Executive committee of the Board. From 2008-2010 Kennedy also served on the Council of Board Chairs for the National Urban League.  Kennedy was a stalwart supporter and champion of the Urban League movement and its mission.  His leadership, passion, and example personify a true champion of diversity and inclusion. Kennedy opened many doors in the corporate community helping the League to strengthen and grow its programs and serving 10,000 people annually.

“Kennedy is a great loss to us. He understood our work and was prepared to use his influence to help bridge the divide toward investment in challenged areas like west Louisville. He left too soon. We offer Mrs. Elizabeth Helm and family our deepest sympathy” said Ben Richmond, Louisville Urban League President.

Additional Information:
Courier Journal
Sites & Harbison

The Louisville Urban League is launching a program designed to prepare African American men for leadership opportunities. The Urban Leadership Alliance Seminar (ULAS) is specifically designed as a vehicle through which African American men exhibiting high potential as future leaders are coached, educated and prepared for higher levels of leadership and responsibility within their respective companies. 

Beginning in March, an inaugural class of 15 attendees will participate in a humanities-based program with a solid grounding in business. Participants must meet a variety of leadership qualifications, have between seven and seventeen years’ experience in the workforce, and commit to attending all nine sessions over a 12-month cycle.

Dr. Ralph Fitzpatrick, Simmons College of Kentucky, serves as Keynote Speaker --

The Louisville Urban League, a longtime advocate and leader in youth education and development, will present the 2013 Education Summit on Saturday, February 23 at Central High School Magnet Career Academy, 1130 West Chestnut Street.  The primary focus is "Raising Champions - Building Resiliency" with a keynote address, presentations by Community and Education Leaders, and Community Panel, Parent Panel, and Youth Panel discussions. In addition the Summit will have Colleges, Universities and Youth Service Exhibits plus an Interactive Youth Workshop.

-- Art Auction Showcasing Diversity and Inclusion Benefits Scholarships for Youth --

Louisville Urban League announced that it was auctioning an original artwork by artist Robert L. Douglas "Learning Together". The artwork, chosen by LUL to celebrate diversity and inclusion, is 30" x 30" acrylic on canvas. The Artwork comes framed, ready for hanging with total dimensions of 38" x 38".

Ben Richmond, President and CEO, told the audience attending its 2013 Diversity Soiree and Awards Gala on May 17, that the League hopes to raise thousands of dollars from the auction of the artwork. According to Richmond, "We plan to have an artwork each year with a theme of diversity and inclusion recognizing the diverse cultures of our great community as a part of our annual Diversity Soiree and Awards Gala". Funds generated from the artworks will be designated for scholarships and youth development programs.

For more information and to bid on the artwork, click here.