NEW YORK (June 5, 2024) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals suspension of Fearless Fund’s Strivers Grant Contest:

"Two Trump-appointed judges have made a mockery of the principle of “equal rights” with a ruling that reinforces racial exclusion and upholds white privilege.

"Edward Blum’s sham organization, The American Alliance for Equal Rights, sued on behalf of anonymous white women whom it could not proved were harmed, and achieved a victory for white people under a law intended to protect Black Americans from discrimination.

"The sad fact is Edward Blum has been pitching a tantrum since losing a congressional election to a Black opponent more than 30 years ago, and apparently some people still share his terror of competing on an even playing field.

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Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League
  

“Professional baseball would never allow an umpire to continue to officiate the World Series after learning that the pennant of one of the two teams competing was flying in the front yard of the umpire’s home. Nor would an umpire be allowed to call balls and strikes in a World Series game after the umpire’s wife tried to get the official score of a prior game in the series overthrown and canceled out to benefit the losing team. If judges are like umpires, then they should be treated like umpires, not team owners, team fans or players.” – U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin

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The ‘Grill to Glory’ program returns this year, hoping again to bring churches and neighborhood residents together.

According to James Clark, with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (St. Louis, MO), more than 300 churches will be participating. Churches register for the program and get a grill to have a Saturday cookout.

On Thursday (May 16th), the program held a kickoff rally event, handing out the grills and having a kickoff cookout. “This is a game changer,” Clark explained. “Food is love,” he said.

The Saturday cookouts are meant to help rebuild church communities. The Urban League reports that more than 90% of churches that have participated said they saw an increase in Sunday service attendance.

To read the full story, click here.

For over half a century, Urban League of Northwest Indiana (Gary, IN) has been committed to providing residents of Lake County, La Porte County, and Porter County with a wide variety of social services. Urban League’s programs and services focus on the three main pillars of education, diversity and inclusion, and community outreach. These programs are geared to accomplish Urban League’s ultimate mission to “Defend Democracy, Demand Diversity, and Defeat Poverty.” 

Over the years, Urban League has established fruitful partnerships with numerous companies and organizations throughout the Region. Such prominent entities as Strack and Van Til, NIPSCO, Geminus, and the Hard Rock Casino number among Urban League’s partners. Several figures of note are members of Urban League’s Board of Directors, among them Indiana University (IU) Northwest Chancellor Ken Iwama, Valparaiso University President José Padilla, and Chancellor of Purdue University Northwest Kenneth Holford. 

The Columbus Urban League (Columbus, OH) is continuing to lead the charge to recognize those making a difference in the community.

Thursday (May 16th), the organization held its Hertstory Makers event, honoring emerging Black leaders in Columbus. Honorees took part in a panel discussion at the Veterans Memorial Museum.

The women discussed efforts they're taking part in to help make the community better.

"The advantage really is for young Black women to be highlighted and to be recognized and to be seen," Columbus Urban League president and CEO Stephanie Hightower said. "I think that's really important in this community. It gives our community an opportunity to see the level of talent, and it elevates these young women in their future endeavors."

To read the full story, click here.

The Urban League of Louisiana (New Orleans, LA) kicked off its Listen and Learn Tour in Alexandria on Friday, May 17, where they engaged with residents, community leaders, and elected officials from across the region. Established to advocate for fairness in society and the economy, particularly for African Americans, the organization seeks to support those in Louisiana facing economic challenges, striving for legislative changes and seeking to improve society.

During Friday’s meeting, locals voiced their perspectives on pressing issues in Central Louisiana. Urban League leaders emphasized the importance of transparency and open dialogue to address these concerns. Their objective is to foster consensus and collaboration so that they may enact meaningful change for the betterment of the community.