Washington, D.C. (July 1, 2021) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Brnovich V. Democratic National Committee:

“Voting rights are under attack in this country, making it harder for Black and Brown people to exercise their fundamental voting rights granted under the U.S. Constitution,” said Marc H. Morial, President, and CEO of the National Urban League.

“Since the November 2020 elections, state legislatures across the country have introduced hundreds of restrictive voting laws that would prevent voters from casting their ballots freely, safely, and equally.”

#100YearsYoung. Today, we celebrate the 100th birthday of civil rights icon + past National Urban League executive director, Whitney M. Young, Jr. | From one leader to another. Whitney M. Young Jr. was a powerhouse to the movement. Here’s how Vernon Jordan described his tenacity. | ReMARCs LIVE. Tune in today at 1:00 PM ET to hear from Marcia Y. Cantarella, daughter of Whitney M. Young, Jr. in a live discussion with Marc Morial. | COVID-19 update. The Delta variant is spreading quickly across the nation. Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to stay safe. Find out more. | State of Black America. Is closing the wealth gap the only way to ensure Black Americans advance in our economy? Watch the replay to find out. | Black Women’s Equal Pay Day. On August 3rd, we are shaking the room and demanding equal pay. Join us for a special discussion at 3:00 PM ET. | The Everyday Entrepreneur. Tap into our webinar on August 4th to gain insight on how to become an entrepreneur + secure the attention of investors.

AURORA ASSAULT, OFFICER’S CRIMINAL PAST, UNDERSCORE URGENCY FOR GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT

NEW YORK (July 29, 2021) – The brutal assault of an unarmed Black man at the hands of Aurora, Colorado, police – one of whom has a prior firearms arrest – has underscored the urgency for a robust George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said today.

The Urban League of Greater Madison (Madison, WI) is receiving a $400,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) for a fund that will provide loans, grants and technical assistance to startups and existing businesses considering moving into the South Madison Black Business Hub.

“The purpose of the hub will create a space to grow and nurture Black and other businesses,” Urban League President and CEO Ruben Anthony said. “It’s critical when you have a hub coming up to have an accelerator and grant and loan program.”

In addition to the WEDC grant, the Urban League also announced another state grant — $185,000 from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development — to support its career training program with Exact Sciences to prepare participants for potential jobs at the growing Madison-based medical diagnostics company.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the United States Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a $1.8 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, Inc. (Cleveland, OH) The grant will be used to administer a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and will provide gap financing to small businesses in Cuyahoga County who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. This grant will be matched with $450,000 in local funds and is expected to retain 300 jobs, create 300 new jobs, and help generate over $3 million in private investment for the community.

Three families officially became homeowners when they closed on their new homes through Invest Newark’s Section 8 homeownership program. The residents were selected via lottery from the program and are now ready to move in.

“I'm in disbelief as to how fast Invest Newark and NACA [Neighborhood Assistance Corporation Of America]  worked together to help me become a  homeowner,” said Hakeemah Neal, one of the new homeowners in the Section 8 program. “In less than eight months, along with the professional and caring staff of both departments,  my dreams came true. I'm so excited to start this journey, this is something I dreamed of for my family, and Invest Newark and NACA have made it come true."

Dear Mr. President. Last week, Marc Morial met with President Biden & VP Harris + other civil rights leaders to discuss protecting our voting rights. | Off the charts. The 2021 State of Black America report is officially here! Take a look at one of the most anticipated sources for assessing Black progress. | Don’t miss the wave. This year’s virtual event was filled with Black excellence centered around building up our communities. Catch up on the gems! | New variant, who this? As COVID-19 continues to spread in unexpected ways, a key way to stay safe is to get vaccinated. Find out more. | Time for change. We’ve been waiting far too long and Congress holds the power. Here’s how we demand action to get justice + accountability in policing.