The Greater Washington Urban League (Washington, DC) and collaborators, The Palladium Group and Mary’s Center, are proud to announce the second annual Perinatal Mental Health Certification Program taking place May 7-9 in Prince George’s County, MD. This year’s event entitled “Birthing Black: One Healthy Mind at a Time” is focused on offering Postpartum Support International (PSI) curriculum-based training for Black birthing professionals.

The training program is specifically designed to address the national birthing equity crisis. According to the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, almost 50% of Black mothers will experience maternal mental health (MMH) conditions. Studies also show that fathers suffer from prenatal and postpartum depression at similar rates as the mothers, yet their depression is often dismissed or ignored.

The Columbus City Council passed an ordinance that will help the Columbus Urban League's (Columbus, OH) neighborhood violence and intervention program expand its current team who serve the community.

The council voted to fund the program, which began 13 years ago, for another year with $725,000. With the council's approval, the team of four will double to eight people.

Currently, the team of four men are on call 24/7, ready to respond when they are needed.

"They respond to help de-escalate issues, sometimes homicides, gang-related concerns happening in our community," said Vice President Charity Martin-King.

The men are considered "credible messengers" in the city, meaning they are from and live in the neighborhoods they serve.

Rena Shak, executive director of the Office of Violence Prevention, said that relationship is key.

The Lorain County Urban League (Elyria, OH), in partnership with the National Urban League, has launched The Urban Expungement Program (UEP), a new initiative designed to provide record relief and offer individuals a fresh start.

Anthony Body, program supervisor for the Lorain County Urban League, described the effort as an “agent of change” and emphasized the importance of giving people a fresh start.

“A lot of folks whose lives are impacted by the justice system, continue to face challenges even after serving their sentences,” Body said. “Dismissed cases can still show up on their records, affecting their ability to get jobs, go to school, or even chaperone their kids on field trips.

“This initiative is all about giving them a second chance and changing their trajectory.”

The great bait-and-switch. See how Trump’s recent budget cuts to Medicaid and other needed resources impact working-class Americans. | A tariff is a tax on consumers. Watch as our President & CEO, Marc H. Morial, breaks down how tariffs will impact Black America, jobs, and the economy. | NEW: see what's in store! Get ready for the premier social justice + civil rights gathering of the summer and lock in the discounted rate. | Help change lives. As diversity, equity & inclusion programs are dismantled and educational equity is attacked, your donation fuels the fight for our rights. | A must see! Grab your discounted tickets for Macbeth in Stride, starring Obie Award-winning artist Whitney White in a bold mix of rock, soul & Shakespeare.

Coalition Advocates for a Fair, Just, and Inclusive Federal Budget that Reflects the Needs of All  Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 10, 2025) — The National Urban League today launched the Fair Budget Coalition, a new alliance of civil rights leaders, economic justice advocates, and policy experts demanding a responsible federal budget that centers fairness, opportunity, and economic security for all Americans— including people and communities long overlooked and under-resourced.

As Congress prepares for Fiscal Year 2026 budget negotiations and debates on tax policy and spending, the Fair Budget Coalition is calling on lawmakers to protect and prioritize programs that uplift families, promote mobility, and advance racial and economic justice.

The coalition is guided by four core principles:

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

"Donald Trump and extreme MAGA Republicans are doing everything they can to tank our economy, drive us toward a recession and gut the healthcare of the American people by visiting upon them the largest Medicaid cut in history, along with the largest cut to nutritional assistance in American history, all in service of enacting massive tax breaks for their billionaire donors like Elon Musk. It’s a toxic scheme that they cannot hide from because it continues to be on full display on the House Floor and on the Senate Floor for the American people." --  House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries

I call it the great bait-and-switch.

The future of education. See how Trump’s recent crusade to dismantle the Department of Education will impact students, educators, and our nation. | It's a celebration! See highlights from the Greater Washington Urban League’s Whitney M. Young, Jr. Gala, which honored trailblazers like Karine Jean-Pierre. | Second chances matter. See how our Youth Reentry Program is helping to restore rights and justice for young people through mentorship + more. | Protect voting rights. The SAVE Act is a dangerous barrier to the ballot box, requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote. Do your part to put a stop to it. | The price is going up! If you’re planning to attend #NULConf25 this summer, time is winding down to lock in our current rate. Register now. | Monetize your talent. Register for our free webinar on Wednesday for resources on how to package your expertise into a service or product that sells. | This is how we serve you. Watch how the National Urban League works on the frontlines to serve millions of people nationwide and fight for our rights. | What’s at stake? See how crucial funding that individuals, communities & families rely on is on the chopping block to fund tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. | 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.

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