National Urban League & Demand Diversity Roundtable Release America 250: A Guide for Defenidng Democracy, A Non-Partisan Tool for Democracy
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 18, 2026) – As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, the National Urban League and the Demand Diversity Roundtable have released a new civic education resource, America 250: A Guide for Defending Democracy, to help Americans navigate an era of profound democratic challenges. The nonpartisan guide equips voters, community leaders, and civic organizations with values‑based and action‑oriented questions designed to illuminate how public officials and candidates understand their constitutional responsibilities.
Developed to support civic engagement, equal opportunity, and democratic participation, the nonpartisan guide provides a structured framework for Americans of all political perspectives to assess how well leaders uphold the nation’s foundational commitments to liberty, justice, and equality under law.
“As the nation marks 250 years, democracy, civil rights, and the rule of law are faced with existential tests,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “Americans need clear, consistent guidelines that help them evaluate public officials and candidates based on constitutional principles—not political affiliation. This project is rooted in a simple belief: when people understand how systems work, they are more confident in using their voices. When they feel connected to their communities, they are more likely to participate. And when participation is inclusive and broad‑based, our public life becomes stronger and more representative.”
The guide was released during the National Urban League’s 23rd annual Legislative Policy Conference, which brings together members of Congress, state leaders, and community advocates from across the country to address the urgent policy challenges affecting Black Americans and historically underrepresented communities.
Morial was joined by members of the Demand Diversity Roundtable, a coalition of civil and human rights organizations, civic engagement leaders, faith voices, business and economic institutions, media, academic leaders, and democracy partners. The National Urban League convened the Roundtable in 2025 to confront the systematic rollback of civil rights protections and equal opportunity policies across government, the workforce, and public life.
The guide is grounded in the Constitution, long-standing civil rights law, and democratic norms that apply to public officeholders regardless of party. They reflect responsibilities leaders routinely assume when they seek office and take an oath to serve, including:
- Upholding the Constitution
- Protecting civil rights and voting rights
- Rejecting discrimination and dehumanization
- Defending truth and the rule of law
- Expanding equal opportunity and fair access
- Strengthening democracy and public trust
- Serving the entire American community
Each section includes both values‑based and action‑based questions that the public can use to learn how leaders approach their constitutional obligations.
Kimberlé Crenshaw, co-founder and executive director, The African American Policy Forum, said:
"This essential guide serves as a vital tool that helps the public identify officials with the moral courage to defend our multiracial democracy. The continued slide into authoritarianism is made possible by the twin assaults on our democracy and the pursuit of racial justice. In this time of crisis, we need elected officials who stand up against efforts to render us without meaningful participation in the democratic process, have our histories censored from our cultural institutions, and be shorn of the protection of our hard-earned civil rights."
Maya Berry, Arab American Institute Executive Director, said:
“As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, there is an increasing recognition that the path to America as a representative democracy did not begin until the major rights secured by the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Today, those hard-won rights demand our active protection as the Constitution’s promise of equal justice and opportunity for all is under attack by an administration advancing a white nationalist agenda. Across workplaces, universities, libraries and other fundamental institutions, the attacks on DEI are about rejecting a multi-racial and multi-ethnic nation and erasing the contributions and experiences of specific communities, including Black Americans, Arab Americans, LGBTQ Americans, and other communities too often excluded from civil life. This guide is an important tool to keep both the discourse and public policy centered on what matters most—protecting an inclusive democracy.
John C. Yang, President and Executive Director, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC, said:
“In the 250 years of America, Asian, Black, and Latino communities have been critical to building the infrastructure of this country, from the railroads to The White House. We have contributed everything from crucial innovations to the civil rights protections that have helped move our country closer to its promise of equal opportunity, fairness, and justice. As we fight our way through these troubling times, one way forward is to bring back civil discourse and ground our actions in the laws of the U.S. Constitution and the foundations of democracy.”
Nadine Smith, Color Of Change President and Chief Executive Officer, said:
"Democracy does not defend itself. Black communities know what is at stake because we have always had to fight to make this country live up to its promise of freedom and equal justice. America 250: A Guide for Defending Democracy gives people the tools to hold leaders accountable to the Constitution and ensure our government serves all of us, not just the powerful."
Virginia Kase Solomón, President & CEO of Common Cause, said:
“Democracy doesn’t protect itself — it requires everyday people to ensure we elect leaders who will stand up for us and reject the influence of powerful special interests. As we head toward a midterm election in the middle of America's 250th birthday, political leaders are trying to weaponize the government against the people and block millions from voting. Our one million members will demand candidates and corporations alike show the public where they stand by committing to transparency, fairness, and accountability to the communities they serve.”
Alphonso David, President and CEO of Global Black Economic Forum, said:
“As we reflect on 250 years of American democracy, we must ask whether our institutions are expanding opportunity or allowing inequality to deepen. Civil rights protections and fair economic access are central to the strength and legitimacy of our democracy.”
Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, said:
“For 250 years, America has been defined by its central promise: freedom and a fair shake for every single person. It’s never been perfect, but we’ve always made it better together. Now, when democracy is under threat like never before, when billionaires and political elites try to divide us by demonizing our differences, it’s up to each and every one of us to defend the promise once again. HRC is proud to collaborate with the Demand Diversity Roundtable on a guide that empowers us all to fight for our communities and shared values.”
Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance , said:
“America’s 250th anniversary arrives at a moment of profound danger for multi-faith democracy – as it comes under threat from authoritarian white Christian nationalism. At a time of deep strain on our fundamental rights and freedoms, this guide offers a clear framework to help Americans hold elected leaders accountable to their constitutional responsibilities. Protecting democracy is both a civic duty and a moral calling – faith communities are ready to show up and ensure that our government upholds the rights and dignity of every person.”
Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, said:
“When our democracy is threatened, all of us are less safe. There is simply no Jewish safety without inclusive, multiracial, multifaith democracy — just as protecting our democracy requires ensuring the safety of Jews and all communities. Amid rising antisemitism and hate targeting so many communities, no leader can claim to care about our security without committing to protecting the rule of law and our core democratic norms and values that are now under dire threat. We are proud to join with our partners in the Demand Diversity Roundtable on this pledge which will help candidates and leaders reaffirm the inherent connections between the safety of our communities and the strength of our democracy."
Damon T. Hewitt, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said:
“Black communities have always pushed this country closer to its promises. History has shown that when we have the tools, protections, and power to participate fully, our democracy is stronger for everyone. At a moment when our country faces an unprecedented crisis, America 250 offers a practical framework for evaluating whether leaders are honoring democratic values, protecting civil rights, and serving the public with fairness, dignity, and integrity. Defending democracy is a shared responsibility, and that work begins with telling the truth about who has carried it forward.”
Sarah von der Lippe, Pro Bono Chief Counsel, Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense and Education Fund, said:
"Our Constitution's commitment to equal protection of the laws is not a shield for the powerful. It is a promise that we seek a nation where every person — regardless of race, background, or zip code — has a fair shot at building something. As our nation nears it's two hundred and fiftieth birthday, that promise is still being litigated in our courtrooms. Minority businesses are not asking for a handout. They are asking America to keep its word. At MBELDEF, we will stand with our colleagues and keep fighting until it does.”
Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO, said:
“Today’s unprecedented attacks reflect years of planning to limit social and racial progress. This nonpartisan tool provides an effective checklist to ensure that candidates listen and respond to the needs of communities. This engagement is critical because democracy depends on all of us.”
Rev. Al Sharpton, President & Founder, National Action Network, said:
"The National Action Network is proud to stand with Marc Morial and the National Urban League for the launch of America 250: A Guide for Defending Democracy. As this nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, we must never forget that the history of Africans in America stretches back much further, to 1619. Our commitment to justice and equity is over four centuries in the making. This nonpartisan guide provides a framework for our communities to evaluate how public officials uphold their constitutional responsibilities. It serves as a resource for those of us working to ensure that the protection of civil rights, voting rights, and the rule of law remains a priority. As a coalition, we are continuing the work to see that the nation’s foundational promises are finally realized for every American."
Bryan C. Lee, President, National Organization of Minority Architects, said:
“We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, where we have the opportunity to collectively rise to the lofty aspirations of our country. Our strength lies in our cultural diversity, and it is imperative that we recognize that diversity and inclusion are the result of justice and equity in action. We bear the responsibility to actively seek both justice and equity in the pursuit of a more just world and to steadfastly uphold our commitment to a more perfect union. America 250: Guide to Defending Democracy serves as a comprehensive roadmap, guiding us towards reclaiming our nation’s collective values.”
Ashley L. Upkins, President, National Bar Association, said:
“For over 100 years, the National Bar Association has stood on the front lines of defending the Constitution and civil rights, ensuring that the promise of equal justice under law is real for every American. America 250: A Guide to Defending Democracy provides a thoughtful, nonpartisan framework that empowers communities to engage public officials with courage and a commitment to constitutional principles. An informed and engaged public is essential to a healthy democracy, and this guide reminds us that safeguarding our democratic institutions is a shared responsibility across generations.”
Melanie L. Campbell, President & CEO. National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, said:
“As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, we must remember that democracy only works when the people are informed, engaged, and prepared to hold leaders accountable. America 250: A Guide for Defending Democracy gives communities a clear, nonpartisan framework to evaluate whether those seeking to lead are truly committed to protecting civil rights, upholding the Constitution, and serving all Americans.”
Gregg Orton, National Director, National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, said:
“In this 250th year of our country, what has become abundantly clear is that this Administration is choosing an America that is inconsistent with reality, and with history. From marching towards a future where our civil rights could be protected, our communities of color have historically fought for freedom, built this country, fortified the economy, and furthered the dream of democracy and justice for all. We will continue forward and fight for a fair and just future. While the current Administration is choosing to ignore history and take away our human and civil rights, I know that our Demand Diversity coalition will work hard to defend our democracy and defend our rights.”
Jody Rabhan, National Council of Jewish Women CEO, said:
“Democracy only works when people have the tools and information they need to hold leaders accountable. As we prepare to mark 250 years since our nation’s founding, National Council of Jewish Women is proud to support the guide to defending democracy, so we can all empower communities to ask clear questions about constitutional principles, equal opportunity, and civil rights. An engaged public is the essential foundation of a strong democracy.”
Shavon Arline-Bradley, National Council of Negro Women President & CEO, said:
"Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the founder of the National Council of Negro Women, believed that the U.S. Constitution is a crucial tool for Black Americans, one that they must understand in its entirety. Today, I remind you that when federal authority is asserted, it also enforces the guarantees of the Bill of Rights and the 14th, 15th, and 19th Amendments. Public intellectuals like Dr. Bethune played a vital role in countering efforts to diminish equal protection and due process, allowing us to reach a point where Black women's votes significantly influence the nation's direction. We see this power reflected in state constitutions as well—such as in Florida, where voters decisively rejected a system of permanent disenfranchisement. Ongoing public pressure can and will change the enforcement of our civil rights. This is why we fully endorse the National Urban League’s guide to fostering an educated electorate."
Brenda Victoria Castillo, President & CEO, National Hispanic Media Coalition, said:
“For 250 years, the United States has stood because of the labor and sacrifice of people of color. This country would not be celebrating this anniversary without the generations whose bodies and work built the foundation of this nation. To deny that truth, and the equity that comes with it, is to deny the very history that made the United States of America possible. That is why acknowledging diversity, equity, and inclusion matters now more than ever, not as a trend or a policy, but as an honest recognition of the truth of how this country was built.”
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, said:
“On behalf of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, we stand resolutely in support of America 250: A Guide to Defending Democracy. The Black Press of America is in strategic solidarity with Marc Morial and the National Urban League and the national coalition of other committed organizations who are engaging and leading the activation and mobilization of millions of Americans to ensure the fulfillment of the promises of the Constitution of the United States this year in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the nation. Fighting for freedom, justice, equality, and equity matters.”
Jocelyn Frye, President, National Partnership for Women & Families, said:
“Women have always been at the forefront of strengthening American democracy—from expanding the right to vote to advancing equal opportunity in every sector of society. At a moment when fundamental freedoms and democratic norms seemingly are under attack every day, a tool like America 250: A Guide to Defending Democracy can help equip the public to play the important role of holding leaders accountable to the promises of our Constitution. We are proud to support this guide as a resource that empowers communities to ask how those seeking power will protect our rights, safeguard democratic institutions, and ensure that every American, especially women and families, can fully participate in our democracy.”
Fatima Goss Graves, President and CEO of the National Women's Law Center, said:“As an organization fighting for equity and justice for women and girls, we deeply understand the connection between a strong democracy and economic opportunity for all. We are proud to support the release of America 250: A Guide to Defending Democracy, which is a powerful new tool to help combat this fascist administration and empower everyday people to hold their government accountable."
Ron Busby Sr., President & CEO, U.S. Black Chambers of Commerce, Inc., said:
"Black business owners have always understood that economic freedom and constitutional freedom are inseparable. The America 250 guide gives our community the tools to hold leaders accountable to the principles they swore to uphold--and to demand that democracy work for everyone, not just some. USBC is proud to stand with the National Urban League and the Demand Diversity Roundtable in this effort."
Janet Murguía, President and CEO of UnidosUS, said:
“It is vital that voters understand how those seeking elected office will uphold the Constitution and defend and protect our fundamental rights. UnidosUS is proud to stand with our partners in this critical moment. As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, we must continue to renew and advance America’s core promise that each of us has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – and we deserve leaders who will work to make that promise a reality for everyone who calls America home.”
Juan Proaño, CEO of League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), said:
"Latino and immigrant communities know a hard truth: when democracy is under attack, our families are often among the first to be targeted. You cannot defend democracy while demonizing immigrants, undermining voting rights, attacking civil rights, and eroding the rule of law. LULAC is proud to support the National Urban League’s America 250: A Guide for Defending Democracy because this guide gives communities a clear, nonpartisan way to hold leaders accountable and to demand a country that lives up to its promise of dignity, equality, and justice for all."