Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“Every day we wake up, we fight battles nobody sees. Be kind. Be accountable. Be human.” – Ryan Clark.

America has a long history of overpolicing Black men, scapegoating them as criminals without due process. The tragic death of rising LSU football star Kyren Lacy is no different. Not only was his death completely preventable, but the Louisiana State Police should be held accountable for an arrest and prosecution without cause, without an investigation, and investigated for discriminatory policing practices. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 9. 2025) — As the nation marks Digital Inclusion Week, the National Urban League is calling on U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Assistant Secretary Arielle Roth to reinstate the Digital Equity Act (DEA) grant programs and protect state flexibility to use BEAD non-deployment funds for workforce development, digital skills training, telehealth, and education as Congress originally intended.

“Digital inclusion is civil rights work, economic development work, and democracy work,” said Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League. “Infrastructure is only step one. True digital equity means ensuring that people, especially those in historically underserved communities, have the skills, tools, and support they need to connect, learn, and thrive.”

More than 200 community members, elected officials, and business and non-profit leaders attended the Commission on Racial and Structural Equity’s (RASE) 5th Anniversary Community Update today at the Rochester Educational Opportunity Center.

The event included presentations from community members who benefited from the implementation of the recommendations, highlights from Community Advancing Recommendation Teams (CART) on their work to advance the recommendations, and roundtable discussions to plan the next 5 years of work.

Read more about our partnership with TradeFutures, which helps underrepresented communities access jobs in the construction industry.

Founded in 1910 and based in New York City, the National Urban League (NUL) and National President Marc Morial support 93 affiliates in 36 states and D.C., serving 300 communities. Its programs, research, and advocacy improve the lives of over two million people nationwide.

Two of its most impactful affiliates are right here in Harlem and Newark: the New York Urban League  or NYUL (New York, NY) and the Urban League of Essex County  or ULEC (Newark, NJ). Born out of the Great Migration, NUL has consistently adapted to the evolving needs of Black communities—providing crucial support, advocating for systemic change, and empowering individuals to reach their potential.

From humble beginnings to today’s national reach, the Urban League’s commitment to uplifting underserved populations remains central to its mission.

 Mayor Steven L. Reed and William A. Barnes, President and CEO of the Urban League of Alabama (Birmingham, AL), have announced a significant expansion of Urban League programs into Montgomery. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for residents in workforce development, housing, education, small business support, health and community empowerment.

The Urban League, which has been active in Alabama for over 50 years, served more than 9,500 individuals in 2024 through various programs. The expansion in Montgomery seeks to bridge workforce gaps, promote financial empowerment, support youth and families, and advance equity and inclusion.

"Montgomery’s strength has always come from our people — their resilience, talent, and determination," said Mayor Reed. "By welcoming the Urban League’s expanded presence in our city, we are building new pathways to opportunity for families, entrepreneurs, and young people."