WASHINGTON, DC (December 12, 2024) - The heads of eight legacy civil rights organizations commend President Joe Biden for his unwavering commitment to racial equity and congratulate him on today’s historic decision to commute the sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals and grant pardons to 39 more. This action reflects his dedication to addressing systemic inequities, a hallmark of his presidency.

From the very beginning of his administration, President Biden has made racial equity a cornerstone of his agenda, with bold efforts to invest in underserved communities, tackle health disparities, and reduce inequities caused by structural racism.

NEW YORK (December 10, 2024) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial released the following statement in response to the acquittal of Daniel Penny, the former U.S. Marine who strangled Jordan Neely on a packed New York City subway car last May:

"We are dismayed by this miscarriage of justice in response to a needless act of violence that not only violated Jordan Neely's civil rights but cut short the life of a gifted dancer. Instead of seeking the help Jordan Neely so clearly needed, Daniel Penny choked him for six long minutes as fellow passengers repeatedly begged him to stop.

"This case sets a dangerous precedent that state-sanctioned violence against those suffering from illnesses like schizophrenia is tolerated in New York City,

Building on insights from our first Phase Two convening in California, where stakeholders emphasized the need for systemic changes, equitable resource allocation, and assessments that reflect the whole child's needs, the National Urban League (NUL) and UnidosUS hosted their second convening Broadening Perspectives from Ohio, on June 22 at the Tri-C Corporate College in Cleveland.

This gathering brought together over 100 students, educators, policymakers, elected officials, researchers, and caregivers to collaboratively envision assessment and accountability systems prioritizing equity, cultural relevance, and real-world readiness. Following the California model, the Ohio convening also broke down participation barriers by offering transportation, lodging, childcare, and translation services, ensuring all voices could contribute meaningfully.

In 2022, the National Urban League (NUL) and UnidosUS began the first phase of a transformative project to reimagine assessment and accountability systems. We hosted 63 listening sessions with 258 stakeholders to hear the voices of those most impacted by assessments and systems—students, families, educators, and community leaders. These sessions revealed systemic gaps in current standardized testing practices.

It’s time to close the gap. COVID-19 has been devastating for marginalized communities. But getting vaccinated is how we fight back. Get up to speed here. | It’s official! Marc H. Morial will serve as one of the keynote speakers for Florida A&M University’s Fall 2024 Commencement. See how you can watch live. | When was your last vaccine? Before gathering with family + friends, boost your immune system with the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Find out more. | Catch up on the gems. Watch the replay of our webinar as we discuss the history of HIV and its impact on communities, support resources + more. | Summertime in Cleveland. Get ready for our annual epic 4-day experience at #NULConf25! Register today to lock in our lowest rate ever. | Project Ready Mentor. See how Brother Jamaal Nelson is inspiring Indianapolis youth through mentorship and cultural advocacy. | 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. | Are you covered? Open enrollment for Medicare ends on December 7. Check out your options and apply today.

New York, NY (December 6, 2024) — The National Urban League and Memphis Urban League are joining the Department of Justice (DOJ) in demanding reform to the Memphis Police Department's policing practices.

“The unlawful searches, arrests, and excessive force identified in the findings from the Department of Justice are not only a violation of civil rights, but of human decency,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “The people of Memphis deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities, and that starts with holding law enforcement accountable.”

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

Inflation, as measured by the personal consumption expenditure (PCE) index, has slowed significantly, declining from a peak of 7.2 percent in June 2022 to just 2.3 percent over the 12 months ending in October 2024. Core PCE, which excludes food and energy, also eased to 2.8 percent, down from a high of 5.6 percent in February 2022. The data suggest continued progress in stabilizing the economy while avoiding the feared "hard landing."

NEW YORK, NY (December 6, 2024) — As the Biden-Harris administration nears the end of its term, the National Urban League reflects on the transformative economic progress achieved under President Joe Biden’s leadership. Taking office in January 2021 amid significant economic challenges, the administration delivered on its promise to foster an equitable recovery and create opportunities for historically underserved communities.