National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to the passing of civil rights icon Joseph Lowery:  

“We in the Urban League Movement are devastated by the passing of Rev. Joseph Lowery. 

“Rev. Lowery served as a bridge between the civil rights movement of the mid-20th century and the current era, working side by side with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and speaking at the inauguration of President Barack Obama. 

“The loss of a voice of his stature during a time of intense crisis in the nation is especially wrenching.   

“Those of us who serve in the civil rights movement will do our best to take up his mantle and honor his legacy by advocating for the most vulnerable among us during this unprecedented challenge.

“Our prayers go out to his family and friends. “

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League
 

"We're all competing against each other. This should have been a coordinated effort by the federal government, and the national defense authorization that the president has to essentially push this manufacturing really hasn't gone into effect in any way. And, so, yes, we're competing against each other. We're competing against other countries. It's a ... Wild West, I would say, out there." – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker

When I was mayor of New Orleans, I was called upon to lead my city through troubled times. I confronted a crisis of violent crime, I worked to keep my city safe during natural disasters. I often relied on support from the Governor and the President.

Our campaign, Urban League Fights For You,  is a multi-pronged campaign, aimed at getting the most up-to-date and accurate information about the crisis out to the public, and making sure that the vulnerable communities we serve are  protected and prioritized.

The U.S Senate has passed a $2.2 trillion Rescue Plan, the largest stimulus bill in history. Here's what's included in the package: 

By Deborah Barfield Berry, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON – Opal Foster went to work last Wednesday at a small printing company in Rockville, Maryland. By lunchtime, the graphic designer had been laid off. 

The company’s main customers – private schools, entertainment venues and national museums – had closed because of the coronavirus outbreak, so business had nearly come to a halt.

The single mother, who has a son with Down syndrome, will rely on some freelancing to help make ends meet and turn to family and area food banks to help fill her cupboards.

To read the full article Click Here.

By Michelle Bocanegra, Politico.com

Criminal justice advocates pressed Gov. Andrew Cuomo for a comprehensive plan Monday to protect the state's prisons and courts against the coronavirus pandemic.

After dozens in the city's jail system tested positive for Covid-19, advocates demanded that New York state immediately release a strategy to fortify all facets of the criminal justice system against the virus — from those incarcerated to corrections workers and attorneys in court proceedings.

Their call on Monday morning came on the heels of actions from states like Ohio and Kentucky that are releasing inmates from correctional facilities to mitigate the risks of a catastrophic spread.

To read the full article Click Here.

One of the nation’s leading telecom companies is making an eight-figure commitment to distance learning.

AT&T on Friday rolled out a $10 million Distance Learning and Family Connections Fund.

The goal: “to give parents, students and teachers tools they need for at-home learning. The fund also will provide resources to maintain meaningful connections and bonding opportunities for those isolated from family and friends.”

With coronavirus mandating social isolation virtually everywhere, with curfews, shutdowns of mass gathering places, and other nonnegotiable factors inhibiting in-person gathering, the fund is well-timed.

The decision was lauded by Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League.

“Members of our communities face many challenges amid the COVID-19 outbreak, and they need the ability to continue to learn and bond,” Morial said.

As Americans continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Florida Urban League (Orlando, FL) applauds Charter for ensuring that Floridians remain connected.

For the next 60 days, Charter is offering free service and installation for families with children enrolled in Kindergarten through Grade 12 and/or college students who do not already have their broadband service.

Furthermore, to ensure that all service remains uninterrupted, Charter has pledged to:
 

• Not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;
• Waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and
• Open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.

In light of the recent changes and adjustments we have all had to make in response to the COVID-19 crisis, we are happy to announce that the National Urban League Congressional Advocacy Program Spring 2020 Cohort application deadline will be EXTENDED until Sunday, March 29, 2020! There is still time for your affiliate staff members, Young Professionals, and GUILD members to apply!

Now more than ever, we need voices across the country to advocate for the rights and resources our communities deserve!

Remember that this program can be completed entirely virtually and is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders from across the Movement in the social justice advocacy space!

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh’s (URA) Board of Directors this afternoon approved a new program for households at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) who have been affected by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Fund is designed to provide short-term assistance to workers who have experienced a reduction in hours and are facing a financial hardship to pay rent and utilities. 

Beginning Monday, March 23, households in need of rental, mortgage payment, and/or utility assistance, specifically because their work hours were cut due to COVID-19, may call the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA) at 412.227.4163 to be screened for assistance.