National Urban League Sets the Record Straight on Autonomous Vehicle Policy and Advocacy Efforts

NEW YORK (September 24, 2026) — The National Urban League is calling on Axios to retract a statement on deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs) which was inaccurately attributed to our President and CEO, Marc H. Morial.

Contrary to a report in Axios, Morial did not speak with Axios, and the National Urban League did not provide or authorize the use of the quoted statement for the article. The National Urban League has not taken a position on any specific legislation and is in no way involved in a planned rally in Washington, D.C.  The National Urban League was not contacted by Axios prior to publication nor given the opportunity to accurately state our position. 

As a civil rights organization whose mission is rooted in economic empowerment, the National Urban League recognizes the significant potential of AV technology and other emerging industries to improve mobility, create new career pathways, spur investment, and bring meaningful benefits to communities across the country.

Our approach to public policy concerning AVs, as with other emerging technologies, is guided by the principles that have long informed the National Urban League’s work: expanding economic opportunity, supporting workers and workforce development, promoting equitable access to innovation, and ensuring that technological progress benefits all communities. 

The language cited by Axios originated in an internal communication between the National Urban League and another organization and was subsequently released to Axios without our knowledge or approval.  

The National Urban League remains committed to engaging policymakers, community leaders, and the AV industry to help ensure that innovation creates opportunities that are available to all Americans.