The Chicago Urban League (Chicago, IL) is sounding the alarm on the widening racial wealth gap in its new report, “The State of Black Chicago.”

It draws from research from the New School’s Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy, which found that in 2024 the median net worth for Black Chicago-area households was zero dollars — compared to $210,000 for White households.

The Urban League is now calling for a plan of action to help Black communities build wealth. The report recommends additional grants and funding opportunities for small businesses, workforce development and training programs, homeownership assistance, and expanded health access, among other things.

Read the full report.

Celebrating Pride Month! All month + beyond we honor the Black LGBTQ+ visionaries who have long stood at the intersection of resistance and liberation. | From opportunity to abandonment. See how the Trump Administration's decision to shut down Job Corps centers will harm countless young people. | Igniting Our Future. Check out a few photos from New York Urban League's Frederick Douglass Awards Gala, a special night celebrating visionaries. | Don't be fooled by the name. Watch as Marc H. Morial breaks down how the "Big Beautiful Bill" will disinvest in local communities + harm Black America. | Career & Networking Fair. #NULConf25 is your one-stop shop to network with recruiters who can help you to secure your dream job. Register now. | The Big Ugly Bill. The House passed a bill to strip Medicaid + SNAP benefits from millions of families for billionaire tax cuts. Tell your Senators to reject it. | Ready to lead? Register for our FREE webinar to gain insight and tips on effective leadership, how to manage a team + more. | What do the numbers tell us? Dr. Bernard Anderson, our Chief Economics Advisor, shares an in-depth look at the state of the economy. Check it out. | Did you hear the news? Urban League swag is just a click away! Grab shirts, bottles, keychains, and more to represent the movement.

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

The May jobs report shows that while the labor market continues to expand, its pace is slowing under the weight of growing economic uncertainty. Employers added 132,000 jobs in May—less than in previous months—but enough to signal continued economic activity. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.2 percent, and while average hourly wages rose by 15 cents—an 8.4 percent increase over the past year—the overall employment picture is showing signs of softening.

The labor force participation rate ticked down to 62.4 percent, and the employment-to-population ratio fell to 59.7 percent. These declines suggest that fewer people are working relative to the size of the population, and that some individuals may be stepping away from the labor force altogether.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“We want to give every child a place to grow and learn—a chance to be proud of themselves and their country.” – President Lydon B. Johnson, on launching Job Corps in 1964

A war has been declared on our young people.

Government funding for protections against epidemics has been stripped from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services. Institutions of higher education are on pins and needles as National Institutes of Health funding cuts threaten their operations and their ability to retain faculty and staff. The U.S. Department of Education is actively undermining public schools’ ability to build inclusive, diverse teaching workforces that reflect the rich fabric of this nation.

The Shenango Valley Urban League (Farrell, PA) hosted its 57th anniversary banquet Wednesday evening at Avalon at Buhl Park — a night that brought together community leaders, first responders, and supporters for both celebration and reflection.

It was the organization’s first return to the traditional in-person banquet format in five years.

"We're excited to be together in community with our friends and family, and looking forward to a great evening," said Dr. Doug Decker, Board Chair of the Shenango Valley Urban League.

The League also presented Community Service Awards to a number of emergency service providers, including STAT MedEvac, AHN LifeFlight, and local ambulance services across Mercer County.

But the evening's focus extended well beyond the awards. Leadership emphasized the need for continued community engagement, equity-driven programming, and advocacy — especially in the years following the nationwide calls for justice in 2020.

The New York Urban League or NYUL (New York, NY) marked a significant milestone on Jackie Robinson Day by hosting its inaugural Equity Summit at Yankee Stadium, a testament to the enduring legacy of Jackie Robinson's courage and commitment to breaking barriers. The landmark event brought together influential leaders and advocates to address pressing challenges and drive meaningful change for a more inclusive and equitable future.

For over a century, the NYUL has championed civil rights and worked tirelessly to advance equity for African Americans in New York City. This Summit built upon that powerful legacy, providing a critical platform for connection, collaboration, and action.

The Washington Bureau is pleased to introduce the 2024-2025 Graduates of the National Urban League Congressional Advocacy Program! This diverse group of leaders from across the Urban League movement came together to complete an intensive six-month learning experience with a common commitment to empower communities and change lives through advocacy and grassroots outreach.

Please join us in congratulating this year’s graduates who have successfully earned their certification!

Anthony Baise | Greater Washington Urban League Young Professionals

Michael Coleman | Indianapolis Urban League Young Professionals

Armon D. Cook | Greater Stark County Urban League Affiliate

When Lexington activist Harry Sykes first heard a speech from the National Urban League executive director at the University of Kentucky in the late 1960s, he knew he wanted to bring the organization to Lexington.

In his speech, Whitney Young said the Urban League was an organization focused on economic improvements. “It was clear in the beginning that it wasn’t just another protest organization,” Harry Sykes said, according to the Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County (Lexington, KY). “It had very sound ideas of what was appropriate for the people: education, housing and employment.”