FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. [April 23, 2026] — The National Urban League today applauded the introduction of the Improving Access to Financial Coaching Act of 2026, a timely and crucial bill that would provide resources to expand access to free, high-quality financial coaching for working families and underserved communities across the nation to assist them in climbing the economic ladder.

The bill would establish a federal grant program within the U.S. Department of the Treasury to support nonprofit, financial institutions, and community-based organizations in delivering trusted, one-on-one financial guidance, similar to the Housing Counseling program offered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

LOS ANGELES (April 22, 2026) – The 2027 National Urban League Conference, returning to Los Angeles after 25 years, will attract thousands of the nation’s most forward-thinking community, business and political leaders for four days of world-class speakers, informative workshops, dynamic entertainment, and networking events.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

 

Dr. Cerina Fairfax. Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen. Shayla Elkins, 5; Kayla Pugh, 6; Layla Pugh, 7; Markaydon Pugh, 10; Sariahh Snow, 11; Khedarrion Snow, 6; Braylon Snow, 5; and Jayla Elkins, who was just 3 years old. Each of these women and all eight of these children died at the hands of men who were supposed to protect and provide for them in the last month. 

Unfortunately, these murders aren’t happening in a vacuum. Stories of angry, despondent men violently killing their wives, girlfriends, and children are occurring in our community at an alarming rate. And far too often, we’re left asking why. 

NEW YORK (April 22, 2026) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to the federal indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center:

“The National Urban League condemns in the strongest possible terms the indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a deeply troubling escalation in efforts to weaken and delegitimize the civil rights movement.

“Let us be clear: this action is not about accountability. It is about intimidation. It is about silencing organizations that have spent decades confronting hate, protecting vulnerable communities, and advancing justice under the law.

April 22, 2026

Statement from Marc H. Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League:

The National Urban League condemns in the strongest possible terms the indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a dangerous escalation in the Trump Administration’s campaign to target and undermine the civil rights movement.

Let’s be clear: this is not about accountability. It is about intimidation. It is about silencing organizations that have spent decades confronting hate, protecting communities, and advancing justice.

SPLC is a valued member of the Demand Diversity Roundtable, which the National Urban League convenes. Its work, documenting extremism, exposing violence, and defending civil rights, has made this country safer and more just. Targeting that work is a direct attack on the core values we stand for: equal opportunity, racial justice, and the right of all people to live free from violence and fear.

The National Urban League movement and community stand with the Elkins family and the Shreveport community after this weekend’s tragic mass shooting.

Is your mail at risk? Here's how the U.S. Postal Service's financial crisis could leave it without cash in less than a year if Congress doesn't act now. | Greetings from Yankee Stadium! See how Marc H. Morial honored Jackie Robinson Day with a timely event hosted by the New York Urban League. | Why Nashville? See how Tennessee’s civil rights legacy made the Music City the perfect place to host the 2026 National Urban League Conference. | The power of collective action. Check out scenes from our Safe and Just Communities Summit, where we discussed justice reform, public safety + more. | National Volunteer Month. This month + beyond we celebrate our volunteers powering our mission. Get involved today with an Urban League near you.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

There is an institution older than the United States itself that is now fighting for its survival, and too many people in power are watching it happen without lifting a finger.

The United States Postal Service was founded in 1775, a year before the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin was the first Postmaster General. It has survived wars, depressions, technological upheavals, and the death of the handwritten letter. It has never missed a day of service. Today, it is being quietly bled out, and the silence from Congress is its own kind of crisis.