Throughout his life and esteemed career, John E. Jacob (BA ’57, MSW ’63), a former National Urban League president, Howard University alumnus, and Board of Trustees chairman emeritus, has found his greatest successes in building coalitions — and betting on himself.

That impulse animates his new memoir, “I Will F.E.A.R. No Evil,” a chronicle of his 90-year journey through segregation, service, and stewardship. Jacob says he wrote it to remind readers, especially Black readers, that the turbulence of the present is not unprecedented.

“We live in some dangerous times,” he reflected. “But we’ve been here before. In my lifetime, I’ve seen cruelty and insensitivity. Black people need to understand that while it is rough and tough, we fought our way through it, and we can do it again.”

Officials from Louisville Urban League (Louisville, KY) and Louisville Branch NAACP are calling for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office to provide answers and launch an investigation into the forceful arrest of a Black girl at St. Joe’s Picnic for the Kids the evening of Aug. 9 that was captured in a widely-circulated video.

In an Aug. 12 letter to Jefferson County Sheriff John Aubrey, Louisville Urban League President and CEO, Lyndon Pryor requested several records from the office related to the incident, including body camera footage, incident reports and details related to the teen's charges. The letter also calls for "a completely transparent, thorough and impartial investigation" that results in disciplinary action, if warranted.

"These actions represent a serious breach of public trust and a profound violation of civil rights, prompting immediate and significant concern within the Louisville Urban League and the wider community," the letter states.

After 41 years in business, Flea Market Tallahassee on the city's southside permanently closed last month. But a number of its former vendors found a new home for their wares over the weekend.

Some of the exhibitors went to the Tool Library on Woodville Highway. Another refuge was the parking lot of the Tallahassee Urban League (Tallahassee, FL) in Frenchtown. That's where Urban League President and CEO, Curtis Taylor gave them and customers a warm welcome.

"We had a great time today and we had people coming through all day. This is all about Tallahassee supporting our local businesses," he explained.

One of those businesses is owned by Kiwanis White.

"Flea Market Tallahassee closed down, so it was nice that they offered this space so vendors and small businesses can move forward."

DeKalb County and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta (Atlanta, GA) are working together to make sure water stays within reach for our most vulnerable residents. The new Water Rate Assistance Program (W.R.A.P.) is designed to help eligible low-income households manage their water and sewer bills, even as a necessary 10% rate increase takes effect.

This year’s adjustment is part of a long-term plan to strengthen and modernize DeKalb’s aging water and sewer infrastructure, with a 10% rate increase scheduled each January for the next decade. These investments will help reduce water main breaks, prevent costly service disruptions, and ensure safe, clean water for decades to come.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“Public safety is people having a roof over their heads, good-paying jobs, strong schools, and accessible mental health care. That’s what safety looks like.” — Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson 

“The status quo has failed. We cannot police our way out of crime. We have to invest in people, prevention, and healing.”
— Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott 

American cities reflect the soul of the nation. From their skylines and cultural institutions to their small businesses and neighborhoods, cities are where American identity is built, tested, and transformed. They are global symbols of innovation, diversity, and resilience, and their leadership is central to the nation’s future.

NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 12, 2025) — National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial and Greater Washington Urban League President and CEO George H. Lambert today condemned the inappropriate federal takeover of D.C. police as part of the Trump administration's dishonest campaign to paint Black-led cities in a negative light.

The leaders issued the following statement:

The National Urban League is proud to share the release of our American Community Survey (ACS) Toolkit, developed to raise awareness and increase participation in this vital survey.

The ACS is more than just data—it’s a roadmap for equity. Conducted annually by the U.S. Census Bureau, the ACS helps determine how over $1.5 trillion in federal funding is distributed across the country. From education, broadband, and housing to healthcare, disaster response, and job training—Black communities deserve accurate representation and equitable resources.

But here's the challenge: Black communities are being undercounted. Undercounting means fewer resources, less political representation, and inaccurate portrayals of our growing and diverse population—including African Americans, Afro-Latinos, and immigrants from across the Diaspora.

NEW YORK and LOUISVILLE, KY — (August 11, 2025) --  As Louisville begins the search for an independent monitor to oversee reforms to its police department, national and local Urban League leaders have offered recommendations for strategies to transform the troubled department into a force that respects all residents and advances public safety. 

The Urban League of Northwest Indiana (Gary, IN) is excited to announce two incredible milestones. The civil rights organization that has been rooted in the community for decades is marking its 80th Anniversary. In addition, President and CEO Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud will be celebrating 15 years of leadership.

An “Oak Jubilee Celebration” featuring a reception and concert gala will be held August 21, 2025 on the campus of Indiana University Northwest, Arts & Sciences Building, 3400 Broadway in Gary at 6:00 p.m. The featured performer is Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Howard Hewett. With popular tunes such as “Say Amen,” “Show Me,” and “Make that Move,” he is sure to be a crowd favorite.

The Lorain County Urban League (Elyria, OH) hosted its fourth annual community block party on Saturday.

The event saw the countywide nonprofit give away 350 backpacks with school supplies and raffle off a dozen donated bicycles ahead of the 2025-26 school year.

Urban League board member Tim Frashure, who works for Bendix, said it was amazing to see the sense of community created by the afternoon’s festivities.

“I feel very honored to be a part of this,” he said.

Lorain County Urban League President and CEO, Parris Smith said this year’s major sponsors were Bendix, Meijer and Walmart, with the bikes donated by area churches and the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office.

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