There is a vacancy at the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh.
A big one.
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned exclusively that Carlos T. Carter is no longer the President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh. The Courier has learned that Carter’s final day was May 13.
The Courier reported the hoopla around Carter becoming President and CEO of the iconic organization on Nov. 10, 2021. He took over for the Urban League mainstay, Esther Bush, who was the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh President and CEO for 27 years.
Carter left his post as executive director of the Homeless Children’s Education Fund to join the Urban League, saying at the time that he “felt called” to the position at the Urban League.
As recently as May 8, Carter sent out the Urban League’s newsletter, called “The Voice,” in which he thanked those who made the 2025 Ronald H. Brown Leadership Awards a rousing success with over $500,000 raised. He said more than 400 people attended the yearly event at the Westin Hotel, Downtown, in March.
Five days after that newsletter was released online, Carter said goodbye to the Urban League, though it wasn’t made public at the time.
Reached by the Courier Tuesday afternoon, June 10, Carter provided a written statement about his departure: “After an incredible three-and-a-half-year journey, my time with the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh has come to a close. I’m stepping away to explore new opportunities — and I’m excited to see what unfolds next.”
Carter continued: “It has been an absolute honor to serve this historic institution and the vibrant community it uplifts. Together, we made meaningful strides — from completing a bold strategic plan to securing transformational investments, including $6 million from MacKenzie Scott, $1 million from The Heinz Endowments, $400,000 from the Eden Hall Foundation, and many others.
“I’m especially proud of our work to strengthen our organizational culture, expand tech programs that open doors for underserved communities, revitalize our family support centers, and modernize core systems. And I’ll never forget the energy and pride of our recent gala, where we raised over $500,000 in one unforgettable, inspiring night for Pittsburgh.
“To everyone who supported this journey — and to the Urban League team — thank you. Your unwavering commitment to empowering communities and transforming lives continues to inspire me.
“This movement is bigger than one person. Please continue to throw your support behind the important work of the Urban League.
“While this transition is bittersweet, I leave with immense gratitude and optimism for what’s ahead. Whatever comes next, I remain committed to leaving people and places better than I found them — and to inspiring others to lead with purpose, unlock their greatness, and realize their full potential.”
Carter was outspoken about a number of issues as Urban League President and CEO, most recently about how DEI policies were being rolled back by President Donald Trump. Carter said during a March 2025 news conference at Freedom Unlimited on Wylie Avenue that DEI initiatives were helping not just Black people, but all people of color, including the LGBTQ community.
“There is no credible evidence that these (DEI) programs are discriminating against anyone. It’s just not true,” Carter said back on March 17, 2025. “It’s about having goals, measuring them, and moving towards a more diverse country where everybody has opportunity.”
Carter was a monthly contributor to the “Pitt Health Page,” a feature in the Courier print and online editions where he discusses a certain topic, in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh. With Father’s Day on the horizon, Carter happened to discuss in his January 2025 column about how Black fathers are supported by the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh.
“Each of our Family Support Centers has developed a Men’s Support Group that encourages men to come together and discuss issues,” Carter wrote. “The groups are guided by the men themselves, ensuring that discussions are relevant and reflective. While the overarching themes are similar across centers, each group tailors topics to address the specific needs of their community. Examples include the Duquesne Group whose members come together to share a meal and discuss how they can make an impact in their community…The Northview Group discusses topics like the challenges of being a single father and political engagement, including helping people get to the polls. There are moments of deep emotion, laughter, and even debates (including who’s the greatest basketball player of alltime). The common thread among all the groups is trust! These men have created a space where they can be vulnerable—something we’re not often allowed to be as Black men. As these groups grow, we aim to explore what good health looks like for Black men and develop plans to help them achieve it.”
The President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh is a high-profile, impactful position. In its 2023 annual report, the organization reported a revenue of $10.8 million, including the gift from Scott, and expenses of $5.5 million.
Its stated mission is to enable African Americans to secure economic self-reliance, parity and power, and civil rights. But what’s not stated is who will now lead the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh to make sure the mission continues to be carried out.
About Post Author
