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

With 390,000 jobs added in May, the latest Jobs Report reflects a “Goldilocks” labor market; not too hot, not too cool.   

The economy is humming along at a moderate pace driven by high consumer demand… however, if trends continue in the direction reflected in the May report, and there is little relief from supply chain bottlenecks, it’s likely that additional Fed interest rate increases will spark a mini recession in 2023.  

The U.S. has never had a situation in which inflation exceeded 4%, the unemployment rate was less than 4%, and the Federal Reserve raised interest rates without sparking a recession.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“Racism [in Buffalo] there comes not only in the form of a teen-age white supremacist murdering Black people at a grocery store. It is also evident in the policies that encourage disinvestment from public schools attended by Black students, in the annual failure to develop affordable-housing policies, and in the continued use of fees and fines that disproportionately impact Black residents.” Princeton Professor of African American Studies Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor

Before the nation could fully process the horror of the May 14 mass murder at a Buffalo supermarket, we were battered with the heartbreak of another, even deadlier attack at an elementary school Texas.

NEW YORK (June 1, 2022) -- As part of the ongoing mission to confront racial hatred and gun violence, the National Urban League has designated this Sunday, June 5, “Sound the Trumpet Sunday.”

Inspired by the Bible verse Joel 2:1, “Blow ye the trumpet in Zion and sound and alarm in my holy mountain,” faith leaders around the country will preach a message of racial unity and urge elected officials to support strong gun safety legislation.  

Executive order on policing. While no substitute for federal legislation, our President & CEO Marc H. Morial witnessed President Biden take a necessary step forward at the White House this week. See the key elements of the order. | Add this to your summer plans. If you haven't already, handle your COVID vaccine and/or booster shot now so you can enjoy this season safely! | Where do you stand on the issues? From student loans and Black health to tech and the upcoming midterm elections, we're diving in. Tune in next week! | Why we must protect Roe v. Wade. Listen in to learn about what's at stake for women's reproductive rights and ways to resist restrictions. | Remembering George Floyd. Watch as we honor his memory, review the current state of policing, and strategize on next steps in the fight for justice. | Start planning now! We can't wait to see you again in person for an unforgettable 4-day experience in our nation's capital. Register today.

Washington, D.C. (May 27, 2022) — Today, Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, released the following statement after the United States Senate confirmed Sandra Thompson to serve as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), making her the first Black woman in the agency’s history to serve in this role:

Washington, D.C. (May 25, 2022) — Yesterday, after an active shooter entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas killing at least 21 people, including 19 children, President and CEO Marc Morial calls for Congress to pass strict gun reform legislation.

“One week after a racially motivated shooter used an assault rifle to target a Black community in Buffalo, New York, another mass shooter used an assault rifle and high-capacity magazines to attack Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The families and communities were changed forever because of these evil acts.