Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“Why wouldn’t we want to name it after the great heroes that we do have in the U.S. Army? They reflect the best of America. Inspirational people with inspirational stories.”

— Brigadier General Ty Seidule (Ret.), former vice chairman of the Naming Commission

In 2020, as the nation reckoned with systemic racism in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, the U.S. Department of Defense took a long-overdue step: initiating the process to rename military bases that bore the names of Confederate generals—men who fought to preserve slavery and divide the Union.

This was not a symbolic gesture. It was a deliberate act to honor the values of unity, equality, and democratic service over the legacy of white supremacy. That progress is now under threat.

The Greater Washington Urban League (Washington, DC) and collaborator, The United Way of the National Capital Area, are proud to announce the inaugural Black Fatherhood Blueprint program which kicks off in June timed to Father’s Day and Men’s Mental Health Month. The program is focused on not just supporting fathers - but empowering them. The program will provide Black fathers with the tools, community, and resources they need for lasting change. GWUL’s evidence-based program is designed to help fathers reclaim their sense of agency, rebuild their lives, and strengthen their families. More about this program and a link to register is available on the GWUL website: HERE

The Fort Wayne Urban League (Ft. Wayne, IN) cut the ribbon on its newly renovated computer lab on June 11th. 

Teresa Yarbrough, a local artist, has painted a mural in the computer lab and will share her inspiration behind the piece during the event.

The new lab was made possible by a grant from the McMillan Foundation and Google. The Urban League is developing programs to serve youth and seniors in the space.

Aisha Arrington, the Urban League’s President and CEO, shared her excitement about the project.

“I am just thrilled that we were able to receive the support necessary to bring a functioning computer lab back to our building,” she said in a statement. “It’s been a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but the effort is so worth it because of the value it will bring to our educational programming.”

The Urban League of Middle Tennessee (Nashville, TN) is equipping college students with essential financial management skills through their new Path to Purpose program, helping them navigate the challenges of independence.

According to WalletHub, seven in 10 college students feel overwhelmed by their financial responsibilities, reflecting the broader financial stress many Americans experience.

“When you go off to college, you’re all on your own — no parents looking over you,” said Tyler Brown, a University of Tennessee sophomore participating in the program.

The program focuses on a lot — like practical budgeting skills — including a challenge where students had to prepare meals for two days with just $20.

In a move aimed at strengthening the local workforce, the Columbus Urban League (Columbus, OH) has teamed up with the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services to open the gates of opportunity for Franklin County residents seeking careers in skilled trades. The Franklin County Trades Academy, a recently launched initiative, will serve as a bridge, connecting individuals to various in-demand jobs. Funded by a $1.2 million investment from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, the program hopes to enroll at least 85 participants over the next year, as reported by Franklin County's official site.

Celebrating dads! Happy Father’s Day to all fathers + father figures who are the protectors of their loved ones. Thank you for all that you do. | History made. See how the nine Black CEOs on the 2025 Fortune 500 list represent more than 230 years of corporate executive experience + more. | Housing Visionary Awards. Congrats to our President & CEO Marc H. Morial for being recognized by the National Housing Conference! See a few photos. | Ready to level up your biz? Sign up now for our FREE one-day Entrepreneurship Summit on July 19 during #NULConf25. | It’s time to take action. The House passed a “Big Ugly Bill” to strip Medicaid + SNAP benefits from millions of families. Demand the Senate to act now. | #NULConf25 at home. Cleveland not on your summer travel list? Register to get the virtual National Urban League Conference experience for FREE. | Mark your calendars! Join NYCEDC and the Harlem African Burial Ground Initiative on June 17 to honor the work of African burial grounds across NYC. | Shopping at your fingertips! Our online store is open 24/7, allowing you to grab Urban League swag whenever you need it. Check it out.

NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES (June 11, 2025) — National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial and Los Angeles Urban League President and CEO Cynthia Mitchell-Heard issued the following statement in response to civil unrest provoked by ICE raids:

"In recent days, Los Angeles has witnessed powerful protests and painful disruptions in response to immigration enforcement actions and the deployment of the National Guard. These events have sparked deep concern, emotion, and public outcry.

"The National Urban League and the Los Angeles Urban League stand with those raising their voices for justice and affirm the right to peaceful protest. These demonstrations reflect real pain and urgent calls for humanity in our policies and practices.