Today the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) – America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for LGBTQ+ people – awarded a grant to the Urban League Young Professionals of Metro Denver (ULYPMD).

The grant will support nonpartisan efforts to mobilize voters in Colorado, including voter education, voter registration and early voting efforts.

ULYPMD provides access and a community of support to young Black professionals in four main areas: political advocacy, community service, health and wellness, and professional development. Their nonpartisan political engagement mobilizes community members in the Metro Denver area to show up at the polls.

Human Rights Campaign Associate Regional Campaign Director Brandi Hardy released the following statement:

“Every family, every child and every Coloradan – no matter what they look like or who they love – deserves the same protections as everyone else: to live their lives with safety, dignity, privacy and free from discrimination. We are so proud to partner with ULYPMD – a trusted organization with a proven track record of mobilizing Coloradans to the polls. It is our privilege to partner with them to create a more inclusive state for all Coloradans.”

President of Urban League Young Professionals of Metro Denver Ashleè Wedgeworth released the following statement:

“Participation in our democracy is a key goal of the Urban League Young Professionals, and we need strong community partners to achieve our goals. I express my deepest gratitude to the Human Rights Campaign for recognizing the value in our organization and funding our civic engagement initiatives.”

Urban League Young Professionals Political Chair Kara Powell released the following statement:

"Every time we vote, our community's hard-won civil rights and freedoms still to win are on the ballot. That's why ULYPMD is proud to partner with the Human Rights Campaign to help inform and mobilize underserved voters in the critical days leading up to the 2022 Midterm Elections, and for future cycles. We’re grateful for HRC’s funding as we turn our shared vision for equality into lasting empowerment at the ballot box.”