It’s back-to-school season in central Ohio and families in Columbus are getting their students ready for the first day of classes.

This time of year can be expensive for families, so the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals (Columbus, OH), in partnership with Things That Matter, is helping out with a Back-To-School Block Party on Sunday. 

Families were given free supplies, backpacks, wellness kits, and free haircuts to help with the start of the school year.

Pearce McDaniel brought his six-year-old niece to make sure she was ready for her new journey to the first grade.

“This is definitely something that came in clutch because it helps us save a little money because I do have 10 nephews and nieces total,” he said. “When having to take them out to appointments and things like that times 10, it can get a little bit more costly. Events like these definitely do help out.”

31 people graduated from the Youth Builders STL program on Saturday (August 22nd).

The Youth Builders STL program at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (St. Louis, MO) gives young people hands-on experience for jobs in construction and the trades. The program was launched in response to last year’s May 16 tornado.

One speaker had a passionate message for parents in the crowd.

“The best gift that you can give them is not the latest phone. It’s not the latest kicks. The best gift that you can give your child is an example,” said James Clark, Vice President of Public Safety at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

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Applications are officially OPEN for the 2026-2027 cohort of the National Urban League Congressional Advocacy Program!

All active members of the Urban League Movement, including national staff, affiliate CEOs, affiliate staff, and auxiliary members are invited to apply. This interactive six-month virtual certification program equips leaders with the tools to master policy engagement with elected officials and drive change in their cities, states, and beyond. Participants will join a vibrant community of change-makers, connect with policy influencers, and elevate their advocacy skills to the next level!

Submit your application by September 21st and help us spread the word!  Application link 

For more information, please contact Toni Wiley, Senior Director of Congressional Advocacy at awiley@nul.org

NEW YORK, NY (August 24, 2026 ) – The National Urban League and Marc H. Morial mourn the loss of Jerome “Big Duck” Smith, a Civil Rights Movement champion who fought segregation and kept the movement’s legacy alive through teaching younger generations. 

Our politics are too often consumed by division and distraction, while the everyday concerns of working families are pushed aside.

NEW ORLEANS (August 21, 2026) – The National Urban League, the Isaiah Institute of New Orleans, and Dillard University's Center for Racial Justice today announced a strategic partnership to sonaltrengthen voter engagement, civic participation, and advocacy efforts throughout the 2026 election cycle.

Wednesday was supposed to be Nolan Wells’ 19th birthday. Instead, hundreds of people gathered for a prayer vigil mourning the beloved Ocean Springs teen’s death and celebrating his life at Greater St. John AME Church in Biloxi.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going; if there's shouting after you, keep going. Don't ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going.”
― Harriet Tubman

There is no group in America today for whom this quote resonates more than Black women. 

On January 20, 2025, as the first Black woman to serve as Vice President ended her last day in office, the White House issued an executive order terminating diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and related contracts across the government.

The National Urban League Washington Bureau is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026-2027 Cohort of the NUL Congressional Advocacy Program!