In its most urgent warning to date, the National Urban League has declared a “state of emergency” for democracy and civil rights in the United States. The organization’s 49th annual State of Black America report, unveiled at its conference in Cleveland, Ohio, outlines what it describes as a deliberate, coordinated campaign to reverse decades of progress for Black Americans. “A democracy willing to destroy itself rather than deliver justice is a democracy in crisis,” the report states. “The work is difficult. The road is long,” National Urban League President Marc H. Morial added. “But we know from experience that the arc of history does not bend toward justice on its own—it must be bent by those with the strength and will to see it through.”

The National Urban League is one of five national community development organizations co-hosting the People & Places Conference and Capitol Hill Day. We invite community developers from across the country on October 5–7 in Washington, DC.

Check out the conference sessions, which explore how community developers can continue to provide affordable housing, strengthen local economies, and support communities during these challenging times. Interactive sessions and activities will nurture connection and well being. On Capitol Hill Day, we will deliver a united message to Congress about the need for community development funding and the local impact of federal cuts. Participants will get significant training on how to advocate effectively.

Learn more and register by August 15 for early-bird savings!

 As students in East Tennessee get ready to go back to school, the Knoxville Area Urban League (Knoxville, TN) is getting ready to host their 23rd annual "Shoes for School" event. 

Shoes for School helps make sure that students have what they need ahead of the new school year, offering items like shoes, backpacks and other school supplies. Thanks to local partnerships, the Urban League is able to offer students even more this year.

KAUL has teamed up with Second Harvest Food Bank to provide food for kids. They've also formed partnerships with local barbers to provide haircuts for students, and for the first time, they'll offer dental check-ups this year as well. 

Director of Education and Youth Services at KAUL Carly Hammonds said the event not only gets kids ready for school, it makes them feel good ahead of the new year.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

"Who will try to blend communities of color during a time the administration would like to see it kept apart? A strong combined effort would turn politics and the economy on its head by creating a single voice of people tired of being relegated to society’s second class. Who will step up?" -- Ray Marcano
 
They may not be making as much noise as the extremists who boycott LGBTQ + inclusive brands, but communities of color are quietly flexing their economic muscle against companies who abandon diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.