Urban League condemns the police shooting death of Rayshard Brooks calling for Systemic Change

June 13, 2020 (Atlanta, GA) – Nancy Flake Johnson, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, issued the following statement today in response to the shooting death of a black man who was fleeing police in a Wendy’s parking lot on June 12, and the subsequent resignation of Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields:

“We are deeply saddened yet again by another senseless shooting death, this time of Rayshard Brooks. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, the people who loved him, and our communities that live with the daily trauma of brutality and violence. Our anguish runs deep through our souls, and we ask how many more lives will be lost before the killing

"The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. " - General Order No. 3 as read by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, Galveston, Texas, June 19, 1865

Nationwide protests in the wake of George Floyd’s killing while in police custody have sparked conversations in the wealth management industry about racial injustice, as well as public statements from companies and industry groups.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today announced a five-year, US$1.6 billion commitment to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to deliver lifesaving vaccines to the world’s poorest countries. The commitment was announced at the Global Vaccine Summit 2020, hosted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom.

Funding secured today for Gavi’s next strategic period will help the Alliance reach an additional 300 million children in the world’s most vulnerable communities and save up to eight million lives, bringing the total number of children immunized with Gavi support to more than one billion since its inception in 2000.

In addition to supporting the continuation of routine immunization services during the current COVID-19 crisis, Gavi will play a vital role in efforts to end the pandemic, leveraging its two decades of experience in vaccine delivery to deploy potential COVID-19 vaccines to low income countries when they become available.

The UPS Foundation is contributing $3.2 million to civil rights organizations including the NAACP and historically black colleges and universities including Morehouse, Spelman and Clark Atlanta University.

The Sandy Springs-based shipping giant said the funding will also go to the National Urban League, the Executive Leadership Council, 100 Black Men of America, the education fund of the Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, United Negro College Fund, National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the National Black Child Development Institute.

Kemper Corporation announced that it is donating $500,000 to the National Urban League (NUL) to support efforts dedicated to civil rights and racial justice in America.

“Over the several weeks we have been reminded of a terrible truth, that for generations one of our country’s greatest assets – our diversity – has fallen victim to systemic injustice,” said Kemper President and CEO Joseph P. Lacher, Jr. “Our country was founded on the principle that all people are endowed with certain inalienable rights. This sort of injustice demeans and devalues the very foundation of our nation. In times like these, where our country is already being tested by a pandemic, we must find the strength and will to step up for the ideals and values that will unite us and eliminate intolerance.”

Leading innovator in nutrition and skincare, Le-Vel, tannounced a $100,000 donation to the National Urban League in support of the organization's mission to eliminate equality gaps in education, employment, housing, health, and justice.

"National Urban League is grateful to have the support of committed partners like Le-Vel Brands, who are passionate about expanding economic opportunity and dedicated to good corporate citizenship," said Marc H. Morial, National Urban League President and CEO.

"As the recent tragedies and protests around our country illustrate, we have a lot of work to do as Americans to ensure that the principles of equality are upheld and advanced," said Le-Vel Co-CEOs Jason Camper and Paul Gravette. "The National Urban League has a long history of working at the local level to empower and support African Americans, and our donation in support of their mission is just one step in our ongoing commitment to be part of the solution."

Peoria Public Schools is helping students and recent graduates find summer jobs with the help of COVID-19 related grant dollars.

The Summer Youth Employment Program is designed for 16-to-24 year olds from low-income households. More than 200 young people will be placed with businesses and community partners around the city.

Superintendent Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat said it's meant to help put money in kids’ pockets while also setting them on a career path.

“We’re all aware of the injustices and the inequities,” she said. “This is an opportunity for at-risk youth. We’re going to make sure that the young people who really need this opportunity are going to get it.”

Jobs will be available in healthcare, construction, hospitality, communication, and other fields. Participants will work 20 hours a week, in addition to receiving mentorship and professional training.

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE CALLS SCOTUS DECISION ON LGTBQ RIGHTS “AN END TO AN INHUMANE POLICY” Urges Congress to Pass Equality Act Immediately

NEW YORK (June 15, 2020) -- National Urban League President Marc H. Morial said it’s difficult to calculate how many lives have been transformed because of today’s Supreme Court decision upholding the legal rights of LGBTQ Americans.

“In half the states, it still was legal until now to fire someone simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” Morial said. “Millions of Americans were forced to choose between living a lie and making a living. It was an inhumane policy, and we’re relieved to see it thrown on the ash heap of history.”