The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (St. Louis, MO) is celebrating its team for its “tireless dedication and hard work,” which has enabled the organization to maintain its prestigious Five-Star Status for an incredible 20 years, says Michael P. McMillan, Urban League President and CEO.

This distinction, originally awarded under the leadership of Marc Morial, National Urban League president is measured by the National Urban League’s Standard for Excellence. This includes analysis of 128 key indicators of success that are judged in governance, finances and programs. 

As the first affiliate to achieve this designation, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis is also honored to be the longest-standing recipient of the recognition. 

The countdown is on! Check our guide on where to find a sample ballot, how to get a ride to the polls, who to call to report issues, and more tips and info. | We condemn racism. See how recent comments at a Trump rally about Puerto Rico add to his long list of callous and racist policies toward the island nation. | Will you vote early? Early voting is happening right now in many states and can save you time on Election Day. Check out the options you have in your area. | Protect your vote. If you run into any trouble at the ballot box, the Election Protection hotline has resources to help you on the spot. Find out more. | Don't underestimate the dangers. See how Project 2025 is set to transform the U.S. into an authoritarian government based on racist + oppressive policies. | Your vote matters. It’s time to #ReclaimYourVote, and if you’re still trying to figure out how your vote can make an impact, see what other voters are saying. | Don’t miss the gems. Register now for our FREE webinar on Wednesday for tips on effectively negotiating in the workplace. | The state of Black unemployment. With Election Day so close, see where we stand on inflation, job growth, and the Black/white unemployment gap.

OCTOBER JOBS REPORT: SLOWING INFLATION AND HISTORICALLY LOW UNEMPLOYMENT INDICATE THE U.S. HAS ARRIVED AT A “SOFT LANDING”

By Bernard E. Anderson, Ph.D.
Whitney M. Young, Jr. Professor Emeritus, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and Senior Economic Advisor, National Urban League

Job growth in October was hampered by two hurricanes and two major labor strikes, producing just 12,000 new jobs, but the economy continues to grow at a modest pace.

With inflation slowed to  2.41 percent and unemployment remaining historically low, many economists agree that the U.S. has achieved a “soft landing” – bringing inflation under control without triggering a recession.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“We always knew that MAGA and Trump were racist. We always knew how they had felt about the island. But to say it so grotesquely, in particular to Puerto Ricans who are independent voters and on the fence, I think it has reverberated.” – Camille Rivera, board member of the national Puerto Rican advocacy group La Brega y Fuerza

As a result of the Trump administration’s botched response to Hurricane Maria in 2017, more than 200,000 Puerto Ricans have migrated to the mainland U.S.

His campaign team apparently forgot that they, and the millions of other Puerto Ricans living in the states, are American citizens who can vote.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF DINO BROWNE

A visionary leader, a dedicated servant, a trusted collaborator, and an unwavering champion for underrepresented businesses. Above all, Dino was our brother, and his passion and commitment left a mark on everyone he touched. We will forever carry forward his legacy of resilience, compassion, and empowerment.

May you rest in peace and power, Dino. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

With love and gratitude,
Your Entrepreneurship Center Program Family

NEW YORK (October 29, 2024) -- National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Treasury's new guidance:

“The U.S. Treasury Department's release today of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy marks a historic step towards a fairer financial system. By expanding access to safe, affordable financial services and fostering economic resilience, this strategy lays the groundwork for closing persistent economic disparities and accelerating progress toward a financial system that offers opportunity for more people. The National Urban League worked collaboratively with Treasury to develop this important guidance, and we commend Secretary Yellen and the Treasury for  prioritizing financial equity.”

The Urban League of Middle Tennessee or ULMT (Nashville, TN) is working to improve the quality of life for underserved populations across the region through a new project with Metro Nashville, Nashville Electric Service (NES) and Middle-West Tennessee Clean Fuels (MWTCF). The project will modernize Nashville’s power grid with clean and sustainable energy enhancements that will ensure a cleaner and more resilient future for Nashville while providing community members and visitors with more secure, equitable and cost-effective power.

Born in Anchorage, Alaska, Edith Jones was raised in Kentucky and is married with two adult children. Earlier in life, she served 20 years part-time with the National Guard.

She then had a state government career before going back to school, getting her master's degree and becoming an educator. She retired from work a couple of years ago.

“What I found out along the way, is your plan for retirement, sometimes your plans don’t come out the way you want them," Jones said. "Some things happen within the family in which you may have to make some changes financially. Go into your nest egg, and before you know it, you may have to go back into the workforce. I didn’t plan to come back into the workforce, but I’m glad there’s a program like this.”