For more than half a century, the Houston Area Urban League has stood at the forefront of change — championing equity, opportunity, and empowerment across Greater Houston. Rooted in a legacy of service and advocacy, the organization continues to uplift individuals and families through programs that open doors to education, economic mobility, and social justice.
This mission comes to life through a range of impactful programs and services designed to address the needs of the community at every level. From education and workforce development to housing, health, entrepreneurship, and social justice, each initiative reflects the Houston Area Urban League’s commitment to creating lasting pathways to opportunity and empowerment.
PROGRAMS
Center for Social Justice & Education:
Examines racial inequities and the political, economic, and social issues that impact the Houston community.
Health and Wellness Program:
Dedicated to improving community health by addressing the social and structural factors that impact individual well-being. Through direct client assistance, health education, and connections to vital resources, the program helps individuals and families achieve healthier outcomes and overcome barriers to care.
Housing and Social Services: As a HUD-approved housing agency, the certified Housing Counselors and Coaches provide personalized guidance and support to individuals and families by offering a comprehensive range of services, including housing assistance, one-on-one counseling, educational workshops, community outreach, and specialized support for veterans.
Workforce Development & Training:
Focused on serving historically underserved communities, the program provides access to job readiness training, career counseling, industry certifications, and employment placement support.
Education and Youth Development:
Services are designed to offer urban youth, regardless of their background, meaningful opportunities to thrive. HAUL/EYD prepares students for college, careers, and life.
Entrepreneurship Center:
Created for the sole purpose of empowering, mentoring, and supporting the cohort of entrepreneurs, particularly entrepreneurs of color, in gaining the wisdom, knowledge, and skills to become self-sufficient and triumphant business owners by providing the foundation necessary to create successful enterprises.
For more than five decades, the Houston Area Urban League has remained a cornerstone of empowerment, equity, and opportunity across Greater Houston. Through its comprehensive programs — from education and workforce development to housing, health, entrepreneurship, and social justice — HAUL continues to transform lives and uplift communities one family, one student, and one business at a time.
That enduring mission was on full display at the Houston Area Urban League’s Equal Opportunity Day Gala, held on Saturday, December 13th. The event brought together community leaders, partners, and supporters for an inspiring evening celebrating progress, resilience, and the collective power of opportunity.
Equal Opportunity Day Gala
The Houston Area Urban League hosted its 57th Annual Equal Opportunity Day Gala on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Hilton Americas Houston, marking a historic milestone for the organization. The evening raised more than $1.3 million, the highest amount ever raised in the organization’s 57-year history, to support programs that strengthen families, advance workforce readiness, support entrepreneurship, expand housing stability, and promote health and wellness across the Greater Houston region.
The sold-out gala brought together more than 900 civic leaders, corporate partners, elected officials, and community champions for an unforgettable night of celebration, impact, and purpose.
The evening was led by Equal Opportunity Day Gala Chairs Morris and Toni Mooney Smith, whose leadership and dedication helped bring the night to life. Morris Smith serves as Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability at Arca Continental Coca Cola Southwest Beverages, while Toni Mooney Smith serves as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Texas A&M University Galveston.
The Houston Area Urban League was proud to recognize its Title Sponsors, including Arca Continental Coca Cola Southwest Beverages, and Shell USA, Inc., for their leadership and continued support.
Later in the evening, guests were treated to live entertainment by R and B legends CUPID and After 7, creating an atmosphere filled with celebration, joy, and memorable moments that carried throughout the night.
Judson W. Robinson III, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Houston Area Urban League, closed the evening with heartfelt remarks reflecting on leadership, service, and collective impact. “Tonight, we celebrated leaders who do not seek recognition, but who show up every day with a genuine commitment to serving others. Your work reminds us that real leadership is rooted in selflessness and in choosing to invest time, resources, and heart into improving the lives of others. This work is not easy. It requires sacrifice, consistency, and a deep belief that when we lift others, we all rise. Each of our honorees embodies that belief, and we are grateful for the example you set for our community. This evening is a reminder of what can happen when people come together with purpose. Thank you for standing with us and for helping us continue this work today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”
The Equal Opportunity Day Gala remains the Houston Area Urban League’s signature fundraising event, providing critical resources that allow the organization to serve thousands of individuals and families each year.
For more information, please contact Anita Bates at abates@haul.org or visit www.haul.org.
