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

The July employment situation report, released a day early due to the Independence Day holiday, confirms that the U.S. labor market remains stable, though it continues to reflect signs of deceleration amid a clouded economic outlook. Unemployment remains low, and layoffs are modest, yet the momentum in hiring is slowing as businesses contend with persistent policy uncertainty and the looming expiration of a critical tariff pause.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

Montgomery City Councilmember Marche Johnson teamed up with Trustmark and the Urban League of Alabama (Birmingham, AL) to host a first of its kind home ownership summit.

The event, which is planned to be hosted annually from here on out, focuses on building a foundation for the vision of becoming a homeowner.

Around 100 people came to the inaugural summit to learn anything from credit management to how the real estate industry works.

“I was looking to get started getting a new home because I was kind of displaced from my house earlier in the year,” said attendee Shakeira Howard. “I learned about appraisals, I didn’t know about that. Debt to income ratio when trying to get a house, how important having a realtor is.”

It’s no secret: the price of a house in the United States is on the rise and affordable housing units are struggling to keep up.

The Los Angeles Urban League (Los Angeles, CA) hosted the 50th Anniversary of its prestigious Whitney M. Young Jr. Awards & Celebration on June 11, honoring five decades of social progress and community impact inspired by the enduring legacy of civil rights leader Whitney M. Young Jr.

Held at the Skirball Cultural Center, the gala was an extraordinary gathering of changemakers, corporate leaders, elected officials, and entertainers who came together to celebrate individuals committed to equity, justice, and economic empowerment.

The evening was highlighted by the presentation of four distinguished honors to leaders whose work continues to shape Los Angeles and beyond.

Jenifer Lewis received the Visionary Award. The beloved actress, bestselling author, and mental health advocate is known as “The Mother of Black Hollywood.” She was honored for her decades of activism, philanthropy, and cultural impact across generations.

As a continuation of his Lakeside Chats, Mayor Brandon Johnson appeared before the Business Leadership Council (BLC) for a “State of Black business” address and assured African American small business owners they will not be left behind. 

During a June 23, late-night panel discussion at 317 N. Clark Street, Johnson not only listed the many human investments his administration has made but assured small business owners of his commitment to honor and practice Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of Black businesses which in the past have been left behind. 

The “State of Black Business” was convened by Business Leadership Council (BLC) CEO Keiana Barrett in partnership with the Chicago Urban League (Chicago, IL), headed by Karen Freeman-Wilson, President/CEO. 

Johnson was accompanied by panelists who provided information about the different city portals and services available to help Black businesses open and expand. 

Bright and early Saturday morning, cars lined the streets at the University Preparatory Academy in West Palm Beach.

That's where volunteers and the WPTV team were hard at work filling bags with fresh fruit, produce, and veggies.

For the last four years, WPTV and the Urban League of Palm Beach County (West Palm Beach, FL) have teamed up to help fight food insecurity during the summer months.

Soulan Johnson with the Urban League of Palm Beach County says this event plays a crucial role in our communities.

"There is over 173,000 people that are food insecure. That means 1 and 5 children and 1 and 9 adults. We know that there is over 200 thousand kids in the school district. Half of those kids are Title 1 and also face food insecurity."

With the help of WPTV viewers, nearly $40,000 was raised to help feed 1500 families across Palm Beach County.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 27, 2025) -- The Fair Budget Coalition,  a broad alliance of civil rights organizations, policy experts, and advocates for under-resourced communities, expressed to Senate leadership their strong opposition to the House passed budget reconciliation bill and any similar proposals under the Senate’s consideration.  

The House bill and Senate cuts released to date would inflate the historic harm on working families, deepen inequality, and undermine civil rights protections, the coalition warned.