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.

Save our youth. Here’s why we’re urging cities to protect our youth from crime and violence through summer jobs funded by stimulus aid. | Building economic sustainability. Learn more about our partnership with Fifth Third Bank to expand career opportunities in our communities. | Save the date. On July 15th we want you to have a seat at the table for our State of Black America virtual event + report release. Stay tuned! | CROWN Day. Today we celebrate how far we've come since the first signing of the CROWN Act to ban hair discrimination! Tune in at 7PM ET on Facebook. | Justice NOW. The Justice in Policing Act is sitting in the hands of the Senate and we need action NOW. Here’s how you can demand change. | COVID-19 update. As the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus surges, we want you + your loved ones to stay safe. Here’s how to get vaccinated in your area. | New jobs report. Dr. Bernard Anderson, our Chief Economics Adviser, shares an in-depth look at the state of the economy. Here’s what the numbers tell us.

State of Black America® report. Here’s how our latest report serves as the blueprint for Black communities as the nation emerges from “three pandemics.” | Catch up on the gems. Can cancel culture be viewed as modern day white supremacy? Watch the full segment from the #StateofBlackAmerica event. | New podcast. If you loved the For the Movement podcast, join us as we relaunch it as the State of Black America podcast! Subscribe + tune in. | Vax facts. COVID-19 cases are on the rise all over the nation. Getting vaccinated gets us one step closer to reclaiming our lives. Here’s how. | If not now, then when? It’s time to uproot injustice and reimagine public safety. Here’s how we get justice for George Floyd and many others. | #AmplifyBlackVoices. We’ve partnered with Doritos to support Black innovators nationwide and our entrepreneurship programs. Find out more.