PEORIA – Peoria firefighters have saved the day.

On Wednesday, July 6th, the Peoria Fire Department donated $500 to the Tri-County Urban League (Peoria, IL) for their school supply drive.

“Fill the Fire Truck,” is a school supply drive for Peoria public school students. The drive was an idea had by Scott Howard, who is a firefighter of the Peoria fire department. He was the one who reached out the Urban League to make it happen.

Howard is himself a graduate of the Peoria public school system, so he understands the needs of the students. The drive was an opportunity to give back to those that have helped him along the way.

ST. LOUIS – In a measure to help fight soaring inflation prices, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (St. Louis, MO) coordinated a giveaway the morning of Saturday, July 9th.

In partnership with Operation Ten City Tour, the Urban League gave out hundreds of goods to families that are suffering due to rising prices in gas, groceries, and other necessities.

For people like Michael Lacy, the giveaway came at a great time.

“With gas the way it is, every little bit helps,” Lacy said. “Especially when you have to go to the doctor, have to spend money to get that. Every little bit helps.”

Remembering Clifford Alexander, Jr. The nation lost an unsung civil rights hero this week. Here’s more on the architect of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. | T-minus 11 days! Pack your bags + get ready to meet us in DC for #NULCONF22. Register now for an epic 4-day experience. | #EssenceFest. Our President & CEO Marc Morial moderated a timely dialogue with fellow civil rights leaders on the main stage. More on what they covered. | Don’t miss out on the vibes! Register today to join us virtually for workshops, panel discussions + much more at the digital edition of #NULCONF22. | Your health matters. Summertime is in full effect, and before you start your vacation, take the first step to protect your health and get vaxxed. | #ProtectChoiceNow. Here’s how we’re taking action against the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Read more. | What do the numbers tell us? Dr. Bernard Anderson, our Chief Economics Adviser, shares an in-depth look at the state of the economy. Check it out. | It’s time to #ReclaimYourVote. This election season, bring your fight for justice to the ballot box and donate $1 to help us help you protect your vote.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, in an unprecedented move, leaders of eight legacy civil rights organizations have joined together with leaders of national reproductive rights, health, and justice organizations to request a meeting with President Biden, following his Executive Order, to discuss implementation, and the overwhelming impact of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and the need to mitigate harm in the fallout.

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

(July 8, 2022) -- The U.S. economy created 372,000, a strong report showing that the economy continues to move steadily along rising out of the collapse that was generated by the pandemic in February 2020.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“Cliff was an American original—a civil rights trailblazer whose eyes were never shut to injustice but whose heart was always open. He was like a father to me and an inspiration to Barack. We admired the way he fought and learned from the way he led.” – Michelle Obama

The name of Clifford Alexander, Jr., who died this week at the age of 88, is not as well-known today as some of his contemporaries in the Civil Rights Movement. Perhaps no American, however, has done more to combat segregation and discrimination in private employment and the military or leaves as great a legacy.

NEW YORK and CHICAGO (July 5, 2022) -- National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial and Chicago Urban League President and CEO Karen Freeman-Wilson today issued the following joint statement in response to yesterday’s deadly mass shooting in Illinois:

A win for all of us. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was officially sworn in as the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Let's celebrate this milestone! | The magic of #EssenceFest! It’s more important than ever to celebrate Black women and this empowering gathering shines at that. Here's what we mean. | A healthy dose of reality. Take a few steps to keep yourself and others around you safe as you soak up the sun this summer! We're here to help. | The countdown is on. Annual Conference is less than 3 weeks away and features the nation's leading voices on a range of issues. Check out the lineup. | Epic day ahead! Meet us at D.C.'s Walter E. Washington Convention Center on July 23rd for all kinds of fun, from games and giveaways to screenings & more. | Creating a safe space. Pride Month may be coming to a close but the work of fighting for Black LGBTQ+ rights and dignity continues year-round. Take a listen.