Building on insights from our first Phase Two convening in California, where stakeholders emphasized the need for systemic changes, equitable resource allocation, and assessments that reflect the whole child's needs, the National Urban League (NUL) and UnidosUS hosted their second convening Broadening Perspectives from Ohio, on June 22 at the Tri-C Corporate College in Cleveland.

This gathering brought together over 100 students, educators, policymakers, elected officials, researchers, and caregivers to collaboratively envision assessment and accountability systems prioritizing equity, cultural relevance, and real-world readiness. Following the California model, the Ohio convening also broke down participation barriers by offering transportation, lodging, childcare, and translation services, ensuring all voices could contribute meaningfully.

In 2022, the National Urban League (NUL) and UnidosUS began the first phase of a transformative project to reimagine assessment and accountability systems. We hosted 63 listening sessions with 258 stakeholders to hear the voices of those most impacted by assessments and systems—students, families, educators, and community leaders. These sessions revealed systemic gaps in current standardized testing practices.

It’s time to close the gap. COVID-19 has been devastating for marginalized communities. But getting vaccinated is how we fight back. Get up to speed here. | It’s official! Marc H. Morial will serve as one of the keynote speakers for Florida A&M University’s Fall 2024 Commencement. See how you can watch live. | When was your last vaccine? Before gathering with family + friends, boost your immune system with the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Find out more. | Catch up on the gems. Watch the replay of our webinar as we discuss the history of HIV and its impact on communities, support resources + more. | Summertime in Cleveland. Get ready for our annual epic 4-day experience at #NULConf25! Register today to lock in our lowest rate ever. | Project Ready Mentor. See how Brother Jamaal Nelson is inspiring Indianapolis youth through mentorship and cultural advocacy. | What do the numbers tell us? Check out an in-depth look at the state of the economy from Dr. Bernard E. Anderson, our Chief Economics Adviser. | Are you covered? Open enrollment for Medicare ends on December 7. Check out your options and apply today.

New York, NY (December 6, 2024) — The National Urban League and Memphis Urban League are joining the Department of Justice (DOJ) in demanding reform to the Memphis Police Department's policing practices.

“The unlawful searches, arrests, and excessive force identified in the findings from the Department of Justice are not only a violation of civil rights, but of human decency,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “The people of Memphis deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities, and that starts with holding law enforcement accountable.”

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

Inflation, as measured by the personal consumption expenditure (PCE) index, has slowed significantly, declining from a peak of 7.2 percent in June 2022 to just 2.3 percent over the 12 months ending in October 2024. Core PCE, which excludes food and energy, also eased to 2.8 percent, down from a high of 5.6 percent in February 2022. The data suggest continued progress in stabilizing the economy while avoiding the feared "hard landing."

NEW YORK, NY (December 6, 2024) — As the Biden-Harris administration nears the end of its term, the National Urban League reflects on the transformative economic progress achieved under President Joe Biden’s leadership. Taking office in January 2021 amid significant economic challenges, the administration delivered on its promise to foster an equitable recovery and create opportunities for historically underserved communities.

KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation proudly announced an investment of $300,000 the Indianapolis Urban League or IUL (Indianapolis, IN) to expand its Entrepreneurship Center Program (ECP).

The ECP was established in 2021 to support entrepreneurs in developing, launching, sustaining, and expanding minority-owned small businesses in Central Indiana and the surrounding counties. This comprehensive program offers both current and prospective small business owners access to in-person and virtual workshops, short-term industry-recognized training credentials, individualized coaching, and resources to help maximize revenue, reduce costs, enhance profitability, and create job opportunities.

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (St. Louis, MO) staff and volunteers distributed over $100,000 in food to families on Tuesday, Nov. 26. 

Urban League's President Michael McMillan said many families are struggling with inflation even with both parents working.

“The cost of food and the cost of what they had been having to survive, whether it's flour, whether it's eggs, milk, cheese, bread, or any number of things–people's income has not matched inflation," said McMillan. "So there are people that are working that are still unable to take care of themselves and their family – People just in general just don't make enough to cover the daily existence – How could we not come together and give something so that everybody can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving holiday?”