NEW YORK and MEMPHIS (May 7, 2025) — National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial and Memphis Urban League President and CEO Gale Jones Carson issued the following statement in response to the acquittal of three former police officers charged in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols:

"It is baffling that anyone could watch the sickening footage of these former officers recklessly inflicting violence for the sake of violence and conclude their brutality was justified.

"This verdict sends a dangerous message that police officers who violate their own departments' code of conduct, not to mention basic human decency, will not be held accountable for their malicious actions. This was not simply excessive force in defense of public safety; it was wanton cruelty and indifference to suffering.

Nearly 50% of Black Middle Tennesseans live below the poverty level according to a new report, but programs like those at the Urban League are helping create success stories like teen entrepreneur Bryan Torain.

For many Nashvillians, affordable and stable housing is just one of many challenges. The Urban League of Middle Tennessee's (Nashville, TN) inaugural State of Black Middle Tennessee report reveals significant economic hardships facing the Black community.

Teen entrepreneur defies odds amid economic challenges for Black Nashvillians.

"I've been with the Urban League since like 7th grade, since then I've been going to the summer camp leadership academy," Torain said.

Clifton Harris, President and CEO of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee, expressed pride in Torain's accomplishments.

"I'm really excited for him," Harris said.

Weekly pop-up markets will kick off at the Black Business Hub this Saturday, May, 3, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., featuring an array of locally made food, jewelry, art and more, plus a live DJ and activities for kids.

The Pop-Up Market offers a unique opportunity for the Madison community to support Black entrepreneurs, discover one-of-a-kind creations, and enjoy a lively day filled with food, shopping, and connection. The market will showcase an array of locally made products, including body and hair care items, customized goods, African jewelry, art, candles, fresh juices, vegan dishes, soul food, tacos, seafood, and more.

Spectrum  awarded the Greater Milwaukee Urban League (Milwaukee, WI) with a $40,000 Spectrum Digital Education grant for its digital literacy programs. Spectrum Digital Education awarded $1.3 million to 66 organizations in 2024. 

Since launching in 2017, Spectrum Digital Education has committed more than $10 million to nonprofits focused on improving digital literacy, workforce development and educational access in unserved and undeserved communities across Charter’s 41-state service area.

“Connectivity is the foundation for meaningful learning, professional growth and human connection,” said Rahman Khan, Group Vice President, Community Impact for Spectrum. “Spectrum Digital Education supports programs that empower community members to enhance their lives with connectivity, which helps build strong, thriving communities.” 

The Louisville Urban League (Louisville, KY) hosted its eighth Derby Gala Wednesday night. The Norton Sports and Learning Complex transformed into a space of celebrating and investing in West Louisville.

“All programs benefit from what happens here tonight,” Lyndon Pryor, Louisville Urban League President, CEO said.

Hundreds of community leaders, philanthropists and Derby week fans came together to raise money for the Urban League’s mission and various programs.

“This is our community,” Carolyn Tandy, Humana Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Equity Inclusion Officer said. “For us to have another opportunity to lay roots and be where we should always be, we should be intentional about uplifting the communities we serve.”

The Chicago Urban League will unveil its 2025 State of Black Chicago report and host a May 6 summit aimed at addressing economic disparities and empowering Black families with actionable solutions.

A closer look at the damage. See how the first 100 days of President Trump’s second administration have been an unrelenting assault on our civil rights. | Moral Mondays. See as Marc Morial stands with Rev. Dr. William Barber on the Supreme Court steps to demand a federal budget that protects the vulnerable. | Our history cannot be erased. Meet us in D.C. today to protect the National Museum of African American History and Culture and Black museums near you. | The VFEC App. Smart, simple financial guidance is now just a tap away. Learn more! | What’s in store? The schedule for #NULConf25 in Cleveland is live. Take a look, register, and start planning your perfect conference experience. | Mark your calendar! Register for our FREE webinar for tips on fostering a team environment where trust, openness, and innovation can flourish. | Coming to a city near you! Don't miss local gatherings of community leaders, activists, and elected officials to curate solutions to better our communities. | What do the numbers tell us? Dr. Bernard Anderson, our Senior Economics Advisor, shares an in-depth look at the state of the economy. Check it out.

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

The U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs in April, underscoring the ongoing resilience of the labor market even as new economic threats loom on the horizon. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2 percent, reflecting continued labor market stability. Labor force participation edged up slightly to 62.6 percent, while the employment-population ratio remained at 60.0 percent.

However, long-term unemployment rose by 200,000 to 1.674 million people, now accounting for 23.5 percent of all unemployed workers. The broader U-6 unemployment rate, which includes discouraged and marginally attached workers, ticked between 7 and 8 percent—an indicator of lingering slack in the labor market.

See how our affiliates are working hard nationwide to give individuals a fresh start through our Urban Youth Reentry Program.