Shell Contributes $5 Million for National Urban League HQ in Harlem, New York
As part of its ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, Shell USA, Inc. is pledging $5 million to the National Urban League (NUL) to build a new headquarters in Harlem, New York.
The new headquarters will house The Urban Civil Rights Museum in Harlem, New York City’s first-ever museum dedicated to civil rights.
It will also include a new 20,000-square-foot conference center, which will serve as hub for training and development in numerous fields including science and technology literacy to prepare young professionals to compete in the 21st Century economy. The convening space will also provide a platform for summits to train small business, non-profit, and community leaders in strategies around energy efficiency to promote sustainable approaches that address environmental concerns.
Glenn Wright, Senior Vice President of Shell Renewables & Energy Solutions, retired, and retired NUL board member“This contribution underscores Shell’s deep commitment to social justice, community, diversity, equity and inclusion. We’re proud to be part of development opportunities for young professionals, and I’m excited at the possibility that there are those who will come through this space and pursue careers in the energy sector.”
Shell has supported the NUL for more than 50 years to create opportunities for people in underserved communities. Our relationship spans a gamut of activities from investing in NUL’s annual conference to connect minority suppliers to our development initiatives, and taking part in the NUL Small Business Matters program.
The new $242 million, 414,000-square-foot headquarters will be named the Urban Empowerment Center and will include a community center and affordable housing. Upon completion in 2025, the Urban League Empowerment Center will be one of the most significant economic development projects in Harlem’s recent history. This center will create the opportunity to prepare minority workers across the US for careers in renewable and sustainable energy by developing NUL affiliate leader’s capacity to create and deliver dynamic programs in their communities.
“Shell has long held a vital role within the Urban League Movement and on our Board of Trustees, and has put the principles of justice, diversity, inclusion, and opportunity at the forefront of its work, said NUL President and Executive Officer Marc Morial. “Shell’s invaluable support of the Urban League Empowerment Center is especially meaningful because it was Shell’s former President and the transformational Chair of the National Urban League Board of Trustees, the late John Hofmeister, who was the guiding force behind the project’s conception and development. We are proud and grateful for our partnership.”
About Shell USA, Inc.
Shell USA, Inc is an affiliate of Shell plc, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies with operations in more than 70 countries. In the U.S., Shell operates in 50 states and employs more than 13,000 people working to help tackle the challenges of the new energy future.
About the National Urban League
The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. The National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its 92 local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people annually nationwide.
Story updated 5/7/2025
