ReMarcs Newsletter - July 12, 2025
Cleveland, we’re taking over! Check out our guide as you pack and prep for #NULConf25, including what to wear, special events & more. | Baltimore success story. See how Mayor Brandon Scott’s community-based approach achieves a historic drop in violent crime. | We won’t back down. During Essence Fest, Marc H. Morial moderated a discussion on fighting the Big Ugly Bill, accountability + more. See more. | Celebrating women. Our Women in Harmony Awards Luncheon during Essence Fest was an unforgettable gathering! Take a look at our event. | It’s almost time. Our 2025 State of Black America® Report is dropping soon, highlighting the rollback of civil rights and how we're fighting back. Watch it live. | Level up your business. Register for our FREE entrepreneurship summit during #NULConf25 for tips + resources for seasoned and new biz owners. | Live in the Cleveland area? Join us for our FREE Community & Family Day Expo for fun, games, school supplies, and activities for all ages. Sign up. | Your dream job is waiting. Sign up for our virtual + in-person Career & Networking Fair during #NULConf25 to connect with recruiters + more. | Tune in from anywhere. Can’t make it to Cleveland? No worries! Experience #NULConf25 FREE and online with just one click. Register now. | Start shopping today. Need last minute swag for #NULConf25? Grab your Urban League merchandise via our online store.
Baltimore Success Story: Mayor Scott's Community-Based Approach Achieves Historic Drop In Violent Crime
"After years of investing in violence interrupters, community outreach workers and neighborhood-based prevention initiatives, Baltimore is witnessing the fruits of this focused approach. These programs work because they address violence at its roots, engaging directly with the individuals and communities most affected by crime." -- Maryland Public Defender Natasha Dartigue
How the Principles of Assessment and Accountability are Creating a Roadmap for the Future and a Call to Action to Defend Public Education
On June 10th, the National Urban League and UnidosUS crossed a milestone in their joint journey to reimagine the future of assessment and accountability systems in K-12 public schools. After four years of planning and collecting data from stakeholders, the final event, Defending the Future of Public Education: Culminating Summit of the Future of Assessment and Accountability Project, concluded with the release of a set of policy principles developed as a road map for rebuilding the education system through the lens of students, caregivers, and educators.
What felt like a victory lap for the project at the Washington, D.C. event became a call to action as speakers opened the summit, highlighting the looming threats to public education posed by the current administration.
Peoria Program Gives Back to South Side Neighborhoods One Trash Can at a Time
Clean spaces bring a bright future for neighborhoods on the south side of Peoria, thanks to one program in particular.
The Tri-County Urban League (Peoria, IL) has revived their summer employment program after they previously lost it to federal funding.
This locally sponsored program is the called Tri-County Urban League Summer Youth Employment program, and it is meant to help students within the area build a better future for themselves.
Denise Jackson, a member of the Tri-County Urban League, said it is a way to help the youth in the Peoria School district.
“[We want the program to] not only employ young people during the summer, but also to teach them leadership skills, community service involvement, and to connect the young people with the educational programs,” she said.
Three days a week, students get paid $12 an hour to clean pieces of trash in neighborhoods on the south side.
Black Business Hub to host 11th Annual Urban League of Greater Madison Unity Picnic
The Urban League of Greater Madison (Madison, WI) will hold its 11th annual Unity Picnic on Saturday, July 26, to bring the community together over food, fun and music at the Black Business Hub.
The annual Unity Picnic has been held for over a decade now. This year it will be held roughly a month earlier than last — now back on its regular timing — as the last Unity Picnic was coupled with the grand opening of the Black Business Hub in August 2024.
The Unity Picnic was started initially as a welcoming party for the Urban League’s current President, Dr. Ruben Anthony.
“He said, ’I’d like something that’s really community oriented and sort of grassroots focused instead of some fancy event at Monona Terrace,’” said Ed Lee, senior vice president of the Urban League of Greater Madison. “We ended up doing a community picnic and folks had such a great time. It was a nice addition to the neighborhood that it has stuck.”