Whitney oversees a full-time staff of 60 and 150 volunteers who provide home assistance to elderly residents, college preparation for teens and job training for single mothers. The Urban League has tackled tough issues like getting parents involved with their children's education. The organization has also created mentoring programs where it matches businesses with school that need more role models.

Whitney has been affiliated with the Urban League for more than 37 years. He spent eight years in state government as one of former Gov. Dick Riley's executive assistants for job training. Whitney has long realized this truth: the key to equality is economic opportunity.

It helped shape one of his greatest accomplishments, the Viola Street project that rebuilt a community nearly in ruin. The project built new housing, made homeowners of people who traditionally rented, sent children to college, got literacy training for adults and directed people with medical needs to providers who could care for them. The revitalization plan is now a national model that other communities follow. It not only address the economic issues, but this project addressed all needs that affect the well being of poor families. WJMZ salutes Bill Whitney for his aggressive, innovative leadership that has impacted the lives of African Americans in this community.