Urban League of the Upstate

08/21/2026

Churches help bring communities together. It’s where we go to be nourished in faith, encouraged in purpose, and reminded that we have a responsibility to one another.

And it’s a powerful place to make sure our communities have the information and resources they need to and make their voices heard at the ballot box.

The National Urban League is calling on pastors, faith leaders, and congregations nationwide to Sound the Trumpet every fourth Sunday, happening right now until October 25.

Let's tap in and encourage voter registration, help our communities make a voting plan, share trusted election information, and inspire one another to show up and participate.

Sign up here: https://bit.ly/4zuk828 "

08/20/2026

The Urban League of the Upstate is proud to sponsor the Elite AI Summit, supporting efforts to prepare students and families for a technology driven future. As students head back to school, it is especially important that they understand how to use AI tools and chatbots safely, responsibly, and effectively. ULUS is committed to promoting digital awareness and helping young people make smart choices while taking advantage of the opportunities artificial intelligence can provide.

An actor that we’ve watched grow up is now an AI expert. Justin Myrick has worked with two of the world’s largest AI companies as an actual practitioner (Open AI and Meta AI). His compa…

08/19/2026

We are excited to invite you to join us for a special documentary presentation, commissioned by the Urban League of the Upstate, Studio 9.22 for the 2026 Tryon International Film Festival.

Living Archive is a documentary short celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Warren Carson—educator, scholar, community leader, and mentor whose commitment to literature, service, and education has shaped generations of students and citizens.

Filmmaker Brittany Brackett and her team have done a beautiful job capturing Dr. Carson’s remarkable story. Through personal interviews, poetry, and archival storytelling, Living Archive reminds us that a legacy is not simply what we leave behind—it lives on in the people we teach, mentor, inspire, and serve.

We look forward to sharing this very special film and celebrating a life whose influence continues to reach far beyond the classroom.

Living Archive: The Life & Legacy of Dr. Warren Carson
2027 Tryon International Film Festival

08/15/2026

08/15/2026

We are so proud of our Urban League of the Upstate Studio 9.22 The 48 Hour Film Project South Carolina team! We’re a statewide, regional and international! Empowering the film community, from our Spartanburg headquarters 📽️🎞️👏🏽

A detective character, a salt shaker prop and a line of dialogue that reads “This is a horrible idea” were the elements filmmakers had to include in their submissions to the 2026 South Carolina 48 Hour Film Project competition.(Full story below.)

08/15/2026

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08/14/2026

✨Celebrating Our Greenville Summer Intern, Tyler Pool! 🤍

As the summer comes to a close, the Urban League of the Upstate’s McClaren Institute for Health & Quality of Life is incredibly proud to celebrate our wonderful summer intern, Tyler Pool!

Tyler, a rising junior at Furman University studying Political Science & International Affairs and Sociology, joined us each week on Wednesdays and Fridays as part of our senior programming at Gandy Allmon Manor—and it didn’t take long for her to become a special part of our community.

Throughout the summer, Tyler did so much more than simply “show up.” She proactively engaged with our seniors, built genuine relationships, listened to their stories, offered a helping hand, and served with kindness, love, and compassion. She embraced every opportunity to learn and contribute, fitting seamlessly into our team and embodying so much of what the Urban League represents: service, community, dignity, and meaningful connection.

And our seniors noticed! 🤍 The relationships Tyler built at Gandy are a beautiful reminder that some of the greatest impacts we make happen simply by being present, caring deeply, and taking the time to connect with others.

Tyler, we are so incredibly proud of you and deeply thankful for everything you brought to our team and our seniors this summer. While your internship may be coming to an end, we know your journey is only beginning.

As you prepare for your next adventure and continue your studies abroad, please know that your entire Urban League family, our seniors at Gandy, and everyone whose life you touched this summer are cheering you on every step of the way! 🌎✈️🎓

Continue leading with the same curiosity, compassion, and heart you shared with us. We cannot wait to see where this incredible path takes you next.

Thank you, Tyler, for choosing to spend part of your journey with us. You will always have a family cheering for you here in Greenville! 🤍✨

08/13/2026

Our hearts are with the family of this young Gaffney High School student and with the entire Gaffney and Cherokee County community.

A young person should be able to walk to a school bus stop and begin the school day safely. This is a heartbreaking loss that touches not only a family, but classmates, teachers, school staff and an entire community.

The Urban League of the Upstate also stands in support of Superintendent, administration, teachers and staff as they work to comfort students, families and educators and guide their school community through this extraordinarily difficult moment.

Keeping our children safe and supported requires all of us families, schools, community organizations and community leaders working together.

We extend our deepest condolences to this young man’s family and all who loved him, and our support to the entire Gaffney community.