On July 27, 2010, the National Urban League Centennial Empowerment Exhibit was unveiled, commemorating and celebrating 100 years of empowering communities and changing lives. Inspired by the Urban League’s “I Am Empowered” initiative, this interactive experience was designed to promote a message of hope and individual empowerment, while reflecting on the organization. In addition to commissioned music and illustration, custom photography and sophisticated design, the exhibit also features several touch-screen interactives, archival footage from the Civil Rights era, a vintage television set, a vibrant graffiti wall with a purpose, and a sixteen-screen state-of-the-art video wall.

Gaithersburg, Maryland-based Vibrant Design Group LLC captured the history of the organization in a way that is compelling and engaging—in particular to youth—while focusing on the Urban League’s role of empowering future generations and getting attendees to sign the “I Am Empowered” pledge. Divided into Past (I Am Fearless), Present (I Am Powerful) and Future (I Am Bold), it’s a story that layers Urban League history with African American history, and for context, milestones in American history. The design and fabrication of the exhibit involved upwards of 250 talented and committed professionals and took a record-breaking five months to complete (an exhibit like this would normally take 12–18 months). On-site construction took 3 days with more than 40 people working at a feverish pace to lay down carpet, rig electrical, hang banners, install video and program interactives, construct walls and complete installation in time for the opening.

This 4,000 square foot exhibit is a fitting tribute to an organization that has served the community for 100 years and is dedicated to taking its mission into the 21st century.