Since 1968, the Shenango Valley Urban League has been a “light on the hill” for the downtrodden of the area.

The league is “still fighting the battle,” today, said Michael Wright, the league’s president and chief executive officer.

“We just try to make a small dent in a big problem,” Wright said.

The league will mark its 40th anniversary with a dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at The Radisson of Sharon in Shenango Township.

The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Felecia Pearson-Smith, administrative director of Community Church, Atlanta. Rev. Pearson-Smith is the former president and chief executive officer of the Urban League and will speak on its history.

Tickets are $30 a person. For reservations or more information call 724-981-5310.