UMI Celebrates 35 Years in Ministry

Urban Ministries, Inc. to Celebrate 35 Years In Ministry

The establishment of Urban Ministries, Inc. was the fulfillment of a boyhood dream that Melvin E. Banks had at the age of 12. Soon after accepting Jesus Christ as His Savior, young Melvin gave his testimony on one of the back roads of Birmingham, AL. An old, white-haired Black man heard Melvin's testimony and quoted this verse to him: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). This verse made a great impression on Melvin, and he was determined to yield himself to God so that he could be used to help bring the knowledge of His Word to Black people.

While working at Scripture Press, Melvin realized the need for resources that would appeal to African Americans. In 1970, a Board of Directors was selected and Melvin's boyhood dream began to take shape with the incorporation of Urban Ministries, Inc.

Urban Ministries, Inc. is now the largest African American owned and operated Christian media company. They publish Sunday School and Vacation Bible School curricula designed for African American churches, other Christian organizations, and consumers. UMI products are developed by seasoned Christian educators who have experienced the African and the African American worldview. The result? Scholarly lessons and commentaries infused with those qualities.