NEW YORK (May 20, 2026) — National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement on the passing of former U.S. Rep. Barney Frank:

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

"A literacy law is an equity law, so states must make a bold stand and say they want this science-based approach. State education agencies should walk in their authority and ensure that their teachers are equipped, knowledgeable, and empowered to teach children how to read from the first day of class. That way, all states can start to see improvements in reading, the kind which will enable their students to enjoy the lifelong benefits of a quality education." -- Kymyona Burk

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Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“What Alito doesn’t mention is that since 2013, the racial turnout gap around the nation has exploded. It beggars belief that Alito was unaware of this fact. He reached back nearly 20 years to include the only two elections in American history in which Black and white turnout reached parity. Surely, he or one of his clerks checked to see whether they could update the Shelby County argument that racism in American elections was over by using more recent data. But the data is unambiguous: Roberts’s assurances in Shelby County were spectacularly wrong.” -- Kevin Morris, Brennan Center for Justice
What happens when the highest court in the land issues a decision based on faulty reasoning or inaccurate data?

The Akron Urban League (Akron, OH) hosted the premiere screening of the new documentary “Talking Kids off the Trigger” on Thursday, May 7th. 

The youth-led documentary seeks to address gun violence and its impact on young people, according to a news release. The film was created by Akron Kids Against Gun Violence in partnership with TomTod Ideas’ PREVENT initiative. TomTod is a Canton-based organization that listens to, honors and advocates for middle schoolers, according to the organization’s website. The organization’s PREVENT program focuses on reducing youth violence through education, storytelling and community engagement.

“Talking Kids off the Trigger” is a micro documentary that chronicles real experiences of Akron youth and the community leaders who are working to try to create safer communities. The film aims to transform trauma into messages of hope, resilience and change, according to the release.

The Urban League of Alabama (Birmingham, AL), which describes itself as a longtime champion of economic empowerment and opportunity, announced this week that it is expanding into Montgomery.

“This milestone initiative marks a significant step toward addressing critical housing and workforce challenges in the region,” the organization said in a Wednesday press release.

The Urban League said the expansion is based on data and community input, including a recent regional needs assessment that found urgent gaps affecting under-resourced families, particularly in access to workforce housing and opportunities for economic mobility.

“This expansion is about listening first and acting with purpose,” Urban League President and Chief Executive Officer William Barnes said. “We are committed to working hand-in-hand with Montgomery residents and leaders to co-create solutions that expand opportunity and drive lasting change.”

The Shenango Valley Urban League or SVUL (Farrell, PA) held their annual banquet at Avalon at Buhl in Hermitage, and recognized several members for their hard work in uplifting their communities.

Dr. Erin Houston, the President and CEO at the SVUL, said they were awarded for their contributions with out the expectation of recognition in return.

“I think sometimes we don’t always say thank you as much as we should. So I’m glad we were able to have that opportunity tonight,” Houston said.

Those awarded included two recipients of awards for community service, and a student from Farrell High School, who won the Black History Month essay contest.

Also in attendance were several elected officials, including Republican Pennsylvania state senator Michele Brooks, who said her conversations with Dr. Houston could bring some changes to Mercer county.