The Urban League of Greater Richmond Young Professionals has helped its members become entrepreneurs and homeowners, engage in the community’s civic affairs and enhance their careers and leadership abilities. Jer’Mykeal D. McCoy, the organization’s incoming president plans to continue that work and increase the number of members. Currently, 89 young professionals between the ages of 21 and 45 hold membership in the organization that views its mission as empowering its communities and changing lives. The 27-year-old Mr. McCoy will take office on July 1, and serve a two-year term. He’s excited about taking the helm of the organization he joined in 2016 after being recruited by outgoing president Antione M. Green. “I’m in a position to lead an amazing group of young people who want to make Richmond a better place,” he says. The Urban League Young Professionals is a part of the National Urban League, a New York City-based, nonpartisan organization that is dedicated to helping African-Americans secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights. While the Richmond Young Professionals group was founded in 1999, it has been under the umbrella of the Hampton Roads Urban League group for the past three years. With Richmond’s membership bouncing back from a low of 20 members just a few years ago, Mr. McCoy hopes to have the Young Professionals chapter back under the auspices of the Richmond Urban League during his tenure.
Re-affiliation with Richmond will allow the organization to receive financial and administrative support from the National Urban League, with the ability to apply for grants for community programming, Mr. McCoy says. The organization has counted on volunteer efforts, philanthropy and its members to be effective. It has held forums, discussions and “meet and greets” for members and the Richmond community with business leaders, community advocates, politicians and other city and state leaders. During the 2017 statewide election, the Young Professionals hosted events for members and the community to meet the Democratic and Republican candidates for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. “If our members don’t know who our representatives or elected officials are, how can we effectively communicate to our community?” he asks. He says members questioned the candidates on how their platforms would affect “the community economically and socially and the mobility of African-Americans in the commonwealth, especially Richmond, and the country.” Plans are in the works for the Young Professionals to host forums for candidates running for election in November, chiefly candidates for U.S. Senate and for the congressional races in the 4th and 7th Districts.
He firmly believes the organization is not about personal success, but about helping people open doors for others. Meet community advocate and president-elect of the Urban League of Greater Richmond Young Professionals, Jer’Mykeal D. McCoy:

Occupation: Business development manager at Schutt Sports.

No. 1 volunteer position: President-elect, Urban League of Greater Richmond Young Professionals.

Date and place of birth: Nov. 9 in East Knoxville, Tenn.

Current residence: Richmond’s Swansboro West neighborhood.

Alma maters: Bachelor’s in mass communications, Tennessee State University, magna cum laude; and master’s in professional studies, Georgetown University.

Mission of Urban League of Greater Richmond Young Professionals: A volunteer auxiliary of the National Urban League that targets young professionals to empower their communities and change lives through the Urban League Movement.

Why I am excited about the YP: Because I’m in a position to lead an amazing group of young people who want to make Richmond a better place.

Vision for YP: To empower our members to better Richmond by growing membership, community engagement and returning the Urban League affiliate.

How to become a YP member: Submit application and $60 membership fee. Membership requirements:

• Age 21 to 45

• Be in good financial standing

• Volunteer at community service events

• Serve on a committee

• Support YP social and fundraising events

YP’s No. 1 challenge: Bringing back the Urban League affiliate to Richmond.

How I plan to meet it: By working with the steering committee to draft a plan of action to re-establish the affiliate.

How I start the day: With gratitude for another day of life, read scripture and recite daily affirmations.

Quality I most admire in another person: Their ability to love and serve others.

Definition of a leader: Someone who inspires others to act based on their character and actions.

Three words that best describe me: Adaptable, compassionate and diligent.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Salsa dancing.

A quote I am inspired by: “But I will say it betrays a poverty of ambition if all you think about is what goods you can buy instead of what good you can do.” — former President Barack Obama.

A perfect day for me is: A tailgate for a Tennessee State University football game.

Best late-night snack: Cereal.

How I unwind: With good friends, music and food.

The top of my “to do” list is: The latest issue at my new home.

Person who influenced me the most: Francis Calloway Parks, my late great-aunt.

Book that influenced me the most: “The Mis-Education of the Negro” by Dr. Carter G. Woodson.

What I’m reading now: “The Color of Money: Black Banking and the Racial Wealth Gap” by Mehrsa Baradaran.

Next goal: To set YP meetings to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.