The Urban League of Essex County (Newark, NJ) will host its Annual Gala on Monday, October 21, 2025, at Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville, New Jersey. This year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Building Futures,” celebrates individuals and organizations that exemplify the Urban League's enduring mission to empower communities and change lives through education, employment, housing, and advocacy.

For more than a century, the Urban League of Essex County has been a steadfast advocate for equity and opportunity—helping individuals and families achieve economic self-reliance and access to resources that improve quality of life. Through programs in workforce development, digital literacy, financial empowerment, youth development, and affordable housing, ULEC continues to serve as a catalyst for social and economic transformation in Newark and across Essex County.

The President of the National Urban League said in Memphis that more money should be poured into neighborhoods, rather than the task force or National Guard.

“Could those resources be spent more intelligently, to provide to the Memphis Police, more investigators so that they can investigate murders?” said Marc Morial, President of the National Urban League. “More community support programs, more mental health counselors, more support for the homeless, unhoused people on the street.”

Thursday (October 16), dozens of elected officials and community members gathered for an important conversation, hosted by the Memphis Urban League (Memphis, TN).

The event focused on the current state of America and Memphis, as well as the issues that are plaguing communities, such as poverty.

End the shutdown. See how this manufactured crisis is hurting millions of Americans, from airport delays to potential loss of food assistance and more. | Where do we stand? Get up to speed on the government shutdown and actionable steps you can take to navigate this crisis and urge Congress to end it. | Greetings from Tennessee! See snippets as our President & CEO connects with students and leaders, including the Memphis Urban League. | Meet us in NYC! Grab your favorite sneakers and best gala attire for an evening of empowerment + celebration at #EOD2025. Get your tickets today. | You deserve answers. Why did the shutdown happen, what does it mean for you and your neighbors, and what can be done to bring it to an end? | Grab new gear! Our online store is open 24/7 for you to upgrade your wardrobe with official Urban League merchandise. Check it out.

We’re in the third week of a government shutdown.  Why did this happen, what does it mean for you and your neighbors, and what can be done to bring it to an end?  

Police reform can’t wait. See how Kyren Lacy’s death exposes deep failures in policing and serves as a reminder of the devastating cost of racial bias. | Remembering a life. As we honor George Floyd's memory and legacy, see what's changed and what work remains in the last 5 years since his murder. | The movement in action. We gathered changemakers in NYC for our Get Out The Vote Registration Drive and Civic Engagement Summit. Relive the moments. | Join us this Tuesday! Tune in to our End the Shutdown Virtual Town Hall on October 14 for a critical discussion on the impacts of the government shutdown. | Save the date. It's almost time for our Equal Opportunity Dinner, an evening to celebrate progress and invest in the work ahead. See what's in store this year! | Philanthropy in Action. Watch as the Chairman of our Board of Trustees, Tim Murphy, discusses how philanthropy drives economic empowerment. | Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward. Tap into our FREE webinar on Wednesday to learn how to leverage your personality to level up your career. | Ready to shop? Our online store is the perfect place to shop for official Urban League merchandise. Check it out.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 9. 2025) — As the nation marks Digital Inclusion Week, the National Urban League is calling on U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Assistant Secretary Arielle Roth to reinstate the Digital Equity Act (DEA) grant programs and protect state flexibility to use BEAD non-deployment funds for workforce development, digital skills training, telehealth, and education as Congress originally intended.

“Digital inclusion is civil rights work, economic development work, and democracy work,” said Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League. “Infrastructure is only step one. True digital equity means ensuring that people, especially those in historically underserved communities, have the skills, tools, and support they need to connect, learn, and thrive.”