At the Urban League of Louisiana (New Orleans, LA), our mission is clear: to build a Louisiana where Black people and other communities of the global majority can achieve economic self-reliance, generational wealth, civil rights and equitable representation.

As a historic civil rights and direct service organization, we recognize that true empowerment is more than individual success; it is about transforming systems to create lasting opportunity.

What sets us apart is our ability to fuse programming with policy. We connect individuals with the tools they need to thrive today, while also advancing reforms that dismantle barriers to success in the future. This dual approach ensures that we are not only responding to immediate needs but also building pathways to sustainable change for generations to come.

Metro United Way (MUW), Dare to Care, Louisville Urban League (Louisville, KY), and the Association of Community Ministries launched the Hardship to Hope Food Relief Fund.  MUW has made an initial donation of $500,000.

Through the fund, families with children under 18 and seniors can apply for a Kroger gift card worth $250 to $350 to buy food, as SNAP benefits may halt starting Saturday.

MUW said this will leave about 60,000 families in Kentuckiana in need.

"We know that in this moment, as families go to bed tonight, wondering how they'll eat tomorrow, we each need to do our part to let them know there is hope and relief in sight," said President and CEO of MUW, Adria Johnson.

A federal judge has ordered the Trump Administration to use contingency funds for SNAP payments during the shutdown. 

The Louisville effort also aims to fight food insecurity across the community.

Mark your calendars — November 8. The 3rd Annual National Urban League STEAM Experience returns, featuring Project Ready youth innovation from the Chicago, Seattle, Rochester, Chattanooga, and Louisiana Urban League affiliates. Get your watch party ready for an immersive journey (Full length movie will be available on YouTube on Saturday, November 8th).

To watch the trailer, click here.

Food assistance is running low. See how the White House is deliberately inflicting avoidable hardship on families by increasing food insecurity. | Tuesday is Election Day! Your voice matters now more than ever. Show up, cast your ballot, and help shape the future of your community. Find out more. | Black power in action. Congratulations to our President & CEO, who received an award from the Maryland Black Caucus after delivering a powerful keynote. | Hunger cannot wait. Millions of families are at risk of losing access to food assistance as the government shutdown deepens. Urge Congress to act now. | Don't miss #EOD2025! Grab your tickets for an unforgettable evening of live entertainment featuring Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, Shanice. | How can AI help you? Sign up for our free webinar on Wednesday for tips on integrating AI tools in your professional journey. | Get the facts. Watch as public health experts discuss how to support people experiencing addiction, inequities in drug policies + more. | Upgrade your gear! Check out our online store for exclusive apparel and accessories that celebrate empowerment, unity, and progress.

The Los Angeles Urban League (Los Angeles, CA), a leading civil rights and economic empowerment organization, convened prominent leaders, advocates, and community partners for the third annual gathering of the State of Black Los Angeles on October 16, 2025, at the University of Southern California’s Town and Gown Ballroom. Themed “Solidarity in Action: Black and Brown LA,” the event united influential voices from political, civic, business, and academic sectors to spotlight racial equity, health, economic empowerment, and immigration—creating a powerful platform for collaboration and solutions across Los Angeles.

Laurie Shanderson Evans has her sights set on the future of the Knoxville Area Urban League (Knoxville, TN), but the nonprofit’s new leader knows she has to start with what her community needs right now.

"My primary goal is to get to know the community," said Shanderson Evans, who began her role as president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League in July. "The needs of the community, the challenges that the community is facing right now, given all the federal changes and all the other administrative changes that will impact families in our community, it's really important to know what they need so we can prioritize it properly."

Shanderson Evans was selected after an 11-month national search. She brings to Knoxville from Nashville an extensive education and health management background.

The Knoxville Area Urban League's (Knoxville, TN) Equal Opportunity Awards Gala has been honoring the community's changemakers for 35 years, and this year, it's lifting up some of Knoxville's most notable movers and shakers.

“This year’s Equal Opportunity Awards Gala was a success, honoring the tremendous achievements of each awardee,” Laurie Shanderson Evans, President and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League, said in a news release. “The carefully selected recipients exemplify the mission of our organization, advocating for empowerment, equality and community uplift."

The event's theme, "Celebrating Resilience," recognized the nonprofit's consistency and constancy over the last 57 years in carrying out its mission to help minority groups and underserved communities in Knoxville reach social and economic equity.

The Tallahassee Urban League (Tallahassee, FL) held a press conference Friday (October 24th) to discuss how they’re helping the children left without a daycare as Tallahassee Head Start programs end Friday due to the government shutdown.

The Tallahassee Urban League wrote in a press release that Tallahassee has five centers that serve 378 students.

Tallahassee Urban League President and CEO Curtis Taylor said it was the organization’s duty to step in and help.

“We cannot stand on the sideline and not have a place for our young kids to go come Monday morning,” Taylor said in an interview.

The Washington Bureau is pleased to welcome the 2025-2026 Cohort to the National Urban League Congressional Advocacy Program! This diverse group of leaders from across the Urban League movement share a common goal and common commitment to empowering communities and changing lives through advocacy and grassroots outreach. Over the next six months, cohort members will expand their knowledge of congressional and grassroots engagement through curated training with policymakers, thought leaders, and political influencers, while developing core leadership competencies to become effective catalysts for change in their communities and respective professions.