#100YearsYoung. Today, we celebrate the 100th birthday of civil rights icon + past National Urban League executive director, Whitney M. Young, Jr. | From one leader to another. Whitney M. Young Jr. was a powerhouse to the movement. Here’s how Vernon Jordan described his tenacity. | ReMARCs LIVE. Tune in today at 1:00 PM ET to hear from Marcia Y. Cantarella, daughter of Whitney M. Young, Jr. in a live discussion with Marc Morial. | COVID-19 update. The Delta variant is spreading quickly across the nation. Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to stay safe. Find out more. | State of Black America. Is closing the wealth gap the only way to ensure Black Americans advance in our economy? Watch the replay to find out. | Black Women’s Equal Pay Day. On August 3rd, we are shaking the room and demanding equal pay. Join us for a special discussion at 3:00 PM ET. | The Everyday Entrepreneur. Tap into our webinar on August 4th to gain insight on how to become an entrepreneur + secure the attention of investors.

AURORA ASSAULT, OFFICER’S CRIMINAL PAST, UNDERSCORE URGENCY FOR GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT

NEW YORK (July 29, 2021) – The brutal assault of an unarmed Black man at the hands of Aurora, Colorado, police – one of whom has a prior firearms arrest – has underscored the urgency for a robust George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said today.

The Urban League of Greater Madison (Madison, WI) is receiving a $400,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) for a fund that will provide loans, grants and technical assistance to startups and existing businesses considering moving into the South Madison Black Business Hub.

“The purpose of the hub will create a space to grow and nurture Black and other businesses,” Urban League President and CEO Ruben Anthony said. “It’s critical when you have a hub coming up to have an accelerator and grant and loan program.”

In addition to the WEDC grant, the Urban League also announced another state grant — $185,000 from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development — to support its career training program with Exact Sciences to prepare participants for potential jobs at the growing Madison-based medical diagnostics company.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the United States Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a $1.8 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, Inc. (Cleveland, OH) The grant will be used to administer a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and will provide gap financing to small businesses in Cuyahoga County who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. This grant will be matched with $450,000 in local funds and is expected to retain 300 jobs, create 300 new jobs, and help generate over $3 million in private investment for the community.

Three families officially became homeowners when they closed on their new homes through Invest Newark’s Section 8 homeownership program. The residents were selected via lottery from the program and are now ready to move in.

“I'm in disbelief as to how fast Invest Newark and NACA [Neighborhood Assistance Corporation Of America]  worked together to help me become a  homeowner,” said Hakeemah Neal, one of the new homeowners in the Section 8 program. “In less than eight months, along with the professional and caring staff of both departments,  my dreams came true. I'm so excited to start this journey, this is something I dreamed of for my family, and Invest Newark and NACA have made it come true."

Dear Mr. President. Last week, Marc Morial met with President Biden & VP Harris + other civil rights leaders to discuss protecting our voting rights. | Off the charts. The 2021 State of Black America report is officially here! Take a look at one of the most anticipated sources for assessing Black progress. | Don’t miss the wave. This year’s virtual event was filled with Black excellence centered around building up our communities. Catch up on the gems! | New variant, who this? As COVID-19 continues to spread in unexpected ways, a key way to stay safe is to get vaccinated. Find out more. | Time for change. We’ve been waiting far too long and Congress holds the power. Here’s how we demand action to get justice + accountability in policing.

Let Sha’Carri run! For decades Black + brown communities have faced the brunt of racist application of marijuana policies. Here’s how we can fight back. | It’s official. This week, we visited Philly to announce our $10 million initiative with the PepsiCo Foundation to support Black restaurateurs. Take a look. | Set your alarm. There’s a whole lot of game changers on the lineup for the 2021 State of Black America event. RSVP now to join our virtual extravaganza. | Be the change. Our sons + daughters deserve to live in a world free from bigotry and hate and filled with accountability for injustice. Take action now. | Vaccines matter. With COVID-19 restrictions lifting, one of the most secure ways to stay safe is to get vaccinated. Here’s resources you may need. | YOLO! Now more than ever, U.S. workers are breaking barriers to pursue their dream careers. On July 14th learn how to use LinkedIn to go Beyond the Basics.