Executive order on policing. While no substitute for federal legislation, our President & CEO Marc H. Morial witnessed President Biden take a necessary step forward at the White House this week. See the key elements of the order. | Add this to your summer plans. If you haven't already, handle your COVID vaccine and/or booster shot now so you can enjoy this season safely! | Where do you stand on the issues? From student loans and Black health to tech and the upcoming midterm elections, we're diving in. Tune in next week! | Why we must protect Roe v. Wade. Listen in to learn about what's at stake for women's reproductive rights and ways to resist restrictions. | Remembering George Floyd. Watch as we honor his memory, review the current state of policing, and strategize on next steps in the fight for justice. | Start planning now! We can't wait to see you again in person for an unforgettable 4-day experience in our nation's capital. Register today.

Washington, D.C. (May 27, 2022) — Today, Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, released the following statement after the United States Senate confirmed Sandra Thompson to serve as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), making her the first Black woman in the agency’s history to serve in this role:

Washington, D.C. (May 25, 2022) — Yesterday, after an active shooter entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas killing at least 21 people, including 19 children, President and CEO Marc Morial calls for Congress to pass strict gun reform legislation.

“One week after a racially motivated shooter used an assault rifle to target a Black community in Buffalo, New York, another mass shooter used an assault rifle and high-capacity magazines to attack Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The families and communities were changed forever because of these evil acts.

TALLAHASSEE – The Tallahassee Urban League (Tallahassee, FL) is trying to keep high school students away from violence this coming summer.

Partnering with Publix Supermarkets, the Urban League is giving teenagers jobs in Leon County. According to the Urban League, these jobs will hopefully help reduce violence in the surrounding communities.

The President of the Urban League, Curtis Taylor, has commented that giving teenagers can help in reducing crime and violence. He said, “If we have jobs, and I’ve said this over and over, jobs, jobs, jobs, help to combat crime in our community. If someone has a job, they don’t have time to be on the street corner doing something they shouldn’t be doing.”

CHATTANOOGA – The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga (Chattanooga, TN) has partnered with the Tennessee Department of Education and Hamilton County Schools in a new literacy program.

The program, called Connected Literacy, is a 12-week tutoring program will be open to any first, second, or third grade student within Hamilton County Schools that is reading below their grade level. It will also be open to any student that needs assistance maintaining their reading level. The tutors will all have completed the Tennessee Department of Education’s Early Reading Training.

CLEVELAND – In an effort to better help minority-owned construction companies in Cleveland, the Sherwin-Williams Foundation and the Urban League of Greater Cleveland (Cleveland, OH) have partnered to begin a new Construction Accelerator Program (CAP).

The pilot program will have minority-owned businesses access to business resources currently unavailable to them. Resources such mentorship, access to capital, education on processes and construction management tools. Businesses would also be able to qualify for business loans through UBIZ Venture Capital, which operates via the Urban League’s Entrepreneurship Center.

Both sides are excited about the partnership.

BUFFALO – In the wake of the mass killing in Buffalo on May 14th, the Buffalo Urban League (Buffalo, NY) has begun to host mental health sessions to assist the community.

The Urban League partnered with the Erie County Department of Mental Health to hold these sessions, which are free of charge to the public. A free clinic was held this past Sunday, May 22nd at Johnnie B. Wiley, which is located around four blocks from where the tragedy occurred.

The horrific racially motivated mass killing took place at the Jefferson Avenue Tops supermarket. Ten people died, with three wounded.