In February 2018, Michelle became the 13th President of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (Seattle, WA).

“I am not anxious to be the loudest voice or the most popular, but I would like to think that at a crucial moment, I was an effective voice for the voiceless, and effective hope for the hopeless” a quote by civil rights leader Whitney M. Young is Michelle’s mantra as she leads the organization towards its 92nd anniversary. Michelle Y. Merriweather joined the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle team in August of 2015 as the Vice President.  Her passion is combining her extensive sales, fund development, event planning and marketing background to better the communities in which she serves.

Written By: Marc H. Morial

Hundreds of members of the Urban League community have embarked on new careers in technology and thousands more are on the path, three years into a major partnership with Google and the Tides Foundation that launched or expanded the Urban Tech Jobs Program in 11 local affiliates. Urban Tech Jobs Program features a multi-layered approach that includes technology awareness, basic skill building, digital literacy, technology job training and upskilling for workers currently in the technology field.   

The Google/Tides partnership, layered over existing workforce, integrated case management, and wrap around services, allowed the National Urban League to launch Digital Training Academies or Tech Academies, depending upon each community’s needs. 

An elderly Griffin Heights resident will soon return to her longtime home that was demolished and rebuilt thanks to a partnership between the Tallahassee Urban League (Tallahassee, FL) and the city of Tallahassee.

Evelyn Jiles Nix, 60, gently held her mother's hand, just as she did as a child. Her two brothers, Fredrick and Leander Jiles, stood nearby Thursday afternoon (March 21st) during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Their 89-year-old mother, Janie Jiles, quiet amid the commotion and excitement swirling around her, listened as her children thanked all those who helped her see this day.

The home Janie Jiles raised four children (one son wasn't present during the ceremony) and lived in since 1961 was no longer safe or suitable. Her son, Fredrick Jiles, 68, called the effort a "blessing of the Lord."

Ramadan Mubarak. Our Urban League family extends the deepest wishes for a peaceful, abundant, and blessed holy month to everyone observing Ramadan. | Funding inequities in higher ed. See how the lack of state funding for HBCUs such as Tennessee State University endangers their existence. | Give your immune system a boost. Your health and wellness should be your top priority, especially if you’re immunocompromised. Get vaxxed now. | Let’s talk facts. Did you know the Biden Administration has appointed more Black judges than any other president? Find out more in our latest report. | What are your summer plans? We’re talking over The Big Easy for #NULConf24. Register today, secure your hotel, and book your flight to join us. | Second Chance Month. Learn more about our Urban Re-entry Jobs Program that helps people transition from prison to productive careers. | What do the numbers tell us? Check out an in-depth look at the state of the economy from Dr. Bernard E. Anderson, our Chief Economics Adviser.

Bernard E. Anderson, PhD
Whitney M. Young Professor Emeritus,
The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
Chief Economic Advisor, National Urban League

Payroll employment rose 303,000 in March and the unemployment rate changed little at 8.3 percent.  The labor force participation rate edged up to 62.7 percent, reflecting increased participation of women and immigrants.

There was a demographic split in the employment experience of two major racial groups: The number of Black employed declined 204,000 while white employment grew 601,000. Similarly, unemployment edged up slightly among Black workers, but declined among White workers. As a result, the Black/White unemployment disparity edged upward to 1.88, still below the persistent 2:1 ratio.

Average hourly earnings rose 0.3% to $34.69; average weekly hours remained unchanged at 34.1, producing average weekly earnings of $1,193.34.

RICHMOND, VA (April 4, 2024) -- Virginia Union University will present National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial with a Lifetime Achievement Award at its 9th annual Legacy Award Gala at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Friday.

“Virginia Union has upheld a renowned tradition of excellence and opportunity for more than a century and a half, and I am honored by this recognition,” Morial said. “The National Urban League is proud to share VUU’s values and a common mission of challenging and empowering young people to become the leaders of tomorrow.”

 The Legacy Awards celebrate exceptional individuals whose contributions have left a profound mark on the community, symbolizing excellence.  The other honorees are:
 

Several employers from various industries attended the second annual Diversity Career Fair hosted by the Urban League of Kansas (Wichita, KS). Employers met with job seekers to discuss career opportunities and job openings in their business sectors.

Wichita State University, Cox, Dillons, Spirit Aerosystems, Emprise Bank, Capital Federal and Vermillion, Inc. were in attendance to speak with anyone interested in potential employment.

The Urban League of Kansas says it strives to provide solutions that assist the urban community in achieving economic self-reliance and an improved quality of life through access to education, resources, and opportunities. The goal of the Diversity Career Fair is to connect potential applicants with employers and decrease the number of people struggling to find work.

A voter registration booth was also available to help residents sign up to vote in the upcoming election.