Honda of America Manufacturing Inc. (HAM) has supported the Columbus Urban League in a variety of ways over the years, most recently in the development of the Huntington Empowerment Center that broke ground this spring.

Along with several other agencies, Columbus Urban League (CUL) is redeveloping an abandoned property into a hub for workforce development and entrepreneurship in downtown Columbus. The project should be completed next summer, in time for the city to host the National Urban League conference.

The CUL’s mission is to empower African Americans and disenfranchised groups through economic, educational and social progress.

“The Huntington Empowerment Center represents the realization of vision and discipline needed to move people and communities out of poverty,” said Stephanie Hightower, CUL’s president and CEO.

The 6,500-square-foot building will house business-incubation initiatives, a high-tech learning lab, and My Brother’s Closet, the Urban League’s social enterprise and clothing boutique for low-income men.

“We are pleased to be part of this project that supports our local community,” said Bobbie Trittschuh, executive director of the Honda of America Foundation. “This center will be a great asset to Franklin County and Honda is proud to be a part of it.”

Since the early 1990s, Honda has contributed more than $1.6 million to the organization including $150,000 in support of the new building.