The Dream

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, Alabama. 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 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, which 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.During its first 12 years, UMI operated out of the basement of the Banks family’s home. In the spring of 1996, UMI completed construction and took occupancy of a new headquarters facility in the Chicagoland area.

The Reality

Today, UMI is the largest independent African American-owned and operated religious publisher. UMI materials include Sunday School curriculum, Vacation Bible School resources, books, videos, and music, all of which depict or speak to people of color in the context of their culture.

Driven by Dr. Banks’s unique vision and passion to see Christian education resources made available to the African American audience and contextualized to address their spiritual, social, and educational needs, UMI has grown to become a multifaceted media company that reaches not only African American churches, but other organizations and individuals who seek a diverse, Christ-centered perspective on the issues of faith and life.