Mollie Moon

Mollie Moon (July 21, 1912 – June 22, 1990) was the founder and president of the National Urban League Guild, the fundraising branch of the National Urban League. She served as president of the Guild for almost 50 years, from its founding until her death.

Early life Moon was born Mollie Lewis in Cleveland, Ohio on July 21, 1907. Her parents were Telious and Beulah (Rogers) Lewis. She studied pharmacy at Meharry Medical College. She also studied in the Teachers College of Columbia University, as well as the New School for Social Research and the University of Berlin.

Career Early career Moon worked as a pharmacist in several states, before moving to New York City to work as a social worker for the Department of Social Services. She founded the National Urban League Guild in 1942 in order to raise funds in support of the League's racial equality programs. Lester B. Granger, then director of the Urban League, challenged Moon personally to help the league become 'financially stable.' The Ball was held in various locations in New York City, starting in the Savoy Ballroom, moving to Rockefeller Center in 1948, and then to the Waldorf Astoria in 1960. Winthrop Rockefeller, also a board member of the National Urban League, signed the invitations to the 1948 event along with Moon, when the move to Rockefeller Center proved controversial.

Personal life and death In 1938, she married Henry Lee Moon, who became the public relations director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Moon died of a heart attack on June 22, 1990, at her home in Long Island City, Queens, New York. Her funeral was held at the Church of Saint Ignatius Loyola in Manhattan.