Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“You faced insults here that were shocking to me. Well, actually, not shocking. But you are here because of that kind of love, and nobody is taking this away from you … It is not going to stop. They are going to accuse you of this and that. In honor of the person who shares your birthday, you might be called a communist. But don’t worry, my sister. Don’t worry. God has gotten you. How do I know that? Because you are here, and I know what it has taken for you to sit in that seat.” – Sen. Cory Booker

As Lee Atwater famously described the evolution of race-baiting in politics, “You start out in 1954 by saying, ‘N**ger, n**ger, n**ger’. By 1968 you can’t say ‘n**ger’—that backfires …  So, you say stuff like forced busing, states’ rights and all that stuff ...” 

This week, Joi Chaney, our Executive Director and Senior Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, sits down with Jocelyn Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families, an organization that works to improve the lives of women and families by achieving equality for all women. Together, they discuss the National Partnership's recent report, Housing Justice is Gender Justice, a comprehensive outline which breaks down the current barriers in place that prevent women from becoming homeowners which include racial wage and wealth gaps, homelessness, economic instability and the formation of single family homes. This report outlines key takeaways and recommendations that would alleviate these issues and create opportunities for minority women to attain home ownership.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6V9lGA4TJszKHr3C3rNL6U

This week, Joi Chaney, our Executive Director and Senior Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, sits down with Kim Tignor, Co-leader of She Will Rise, as they discuss the historic significance of the first Black woman to be nominated to the United States Supreme Court – Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Together, they discuss Judge Jackson’s Senate hearing and confirmation process, SCOTUS mobilization efforts lead by She Will Rise and ways our listeners can help amplify Judge Jackson’s confirmation.  Discussed in this episode: Ketanji Brown Jackson, Judge Jackson, Supreme Court Justice, United States Supreme Court, SCOTUS, She Will Rise, SistaScotus, Black women, history, nomination, President Biden, Community, State of Black America, For the Movement, National Urban League, Urban League Movement

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3fIHu6ykmo83J00JG4E4bB

Washington, D.C. (March 29, 2022) – Today, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement applauding President Biden for signing the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act, the nation’s first anti-lynching bill, into law:

On Behalf of the Black Coalition Against COVID

We commissioned this two-year assessment because we believe it is essential to examine the consequences of the pandemic for Black America.

Read the report above, or download a PDF copy.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The Urban League of Broward County was awarded a $50,000 grant to assist help small business in South Florida.

The PNC Foundation, an organization with a focus on early childhood education, community and economic development, gave the grant to support the Urban League’s uBiz Co-Lab program, which is cohort learning model that offers business owners access to personalized business coaching in various areas.

PEORIA, ILL – The Tri-County Urban League (Peoria, IL) is trying to get people back to work.

In a job fair hosted by the Urban League on Thursday, March 24th, the Urban League hosted local Peoria businesses that are actively looking to hire new employees.

According to President and CEO Dr. Dawn Harris Jeffries, there are many companies that are looking to fill positions, including her very own.

She said, “Even the Urban League is hiring, for example, so not only are we telling people what we do, but we are also hiring for some positions as well.”

BINGHAMTON, NY – The Broome County Urban League (Binghamton, NY) is reminding small business owners that there are tools available to help them succeed.

In a recent roundtable organized by the Urban League, several small business representatives along with government officials spoke about the needs and concerns for small business owners. County executive Jason Garnar was one of the attendees.

The roundtable is part of a series of roundtables called “Let’s Make Small Business a Big Deal.”

COLUMBUS, OH – In an effort to stop violence in the city, the Columbus City Council approved a measure that will give funding to four different non-profits.

Including on that list is the Columbus Urban League (Columbus, OH), and their anti-gang initiative, the Neighborhood Violence Intervention program.

The program is meant for young adult, 12 through 24, and seeks to help them stay away from gangs and street violence. Over the past 12 months, the program has helped 40 people find employment, assisted with 19 peace agreements and quelled over 80 violent situations. With the City Council’s funding, the Urban League said that they will now be able to expand their outreach.