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Bank of America recently announced the Buffalo Urban League (Buffalo, NY) as a Neighborhood Champion, a recognition that includes both grant funding and leadership training. The Neighborhood Champions program supports the role strong nonprofit leaders play in advancing economic mobility, and is an extension of the bank’s signature philanthropic initiative, Neighborhood Builders®, the largest corporate philanthropic investment in nonprofit leadership in the country. 

As part of the program, the Buffalo Urban League will receive $50,000 in grant support and an opportunity for engagement in virtual leadership training delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector. The Buffalo Urban League has recently named a new President/CEO, Thomas Beauford Jr., who is looking forward to utilizing the leadership training during his transition. 

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert and a constant presence on TV during the coronavirus pandemic, was asked a blunt question during a forum hosted last week by the National Urban League: "Can you talk about the input of African American scientists in the vaccine process?"

Fauci did not hesitate when giving his answer.

"The very vaccine that's one of the two that has absolutely exquisite levels -- 94 to 95% efficacy against clinical disease and almost 100% efficacy against serious disease that are shown to be clearly safe -- that vaccine was actually developed in my institute's vaccine research center by a team of scientists led by Dr. Barney Graham and his close colleague, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, or Kizzy Corbett," Fauci told the forum. "Kizzy is an African American scientist who is right at the forefront of the development of the vaccine."

The Louisville Urban League (Louisville, KY) is seeking $50 million dollars from area leaders in hopes of getting Black people integrated for success into the community.

It just received a grant for $8 million from a New York philanthropic group, Blue Meridian Partners, to fund programs to help integrate ‘Black Louisville’ for success.

Sadiqa Reynolds, the Louisville Urban League President & CEO, says the grant shows the organization that the voices of protesters, Black families and business owners have been heard.

“It is really good news,” Reynolds said. “It’s exciting to have people from outside your community say ‘We see you, we see the work, we want to make sure help move it forward.’ That’s what it’s all about.”

Reynolds says the money will be invested in Louisville’s Black community. The CEO says the money will transform lives, allowing Black people to learn how to be a business owner, homeowner and get educated.

The Greater Stark County Urban League (Canton, OH) has been awarded $50,000 to start a workforce development program for underserved residents. 

Diane Robinson, President and CEO of the urban league, said LaunchPoint will offer "low- or no-cost training" and job placement. A key part of the program is connecting clients to community services, such as transportation and childcare, to enable long-term employment.

"LaunchPoint will help the unemployed and underemployed obtain education and training that will move them into middle-skills jobs that pay living wages and also provide a path for career advancement," Robinson said.

There are no eligibility requirements, but the program is intended to serve African American and Latino or Hispanic residents, she said. In addition to partnering with employers and community services, the urban league uses "emotional intelligence, cultural competence and trauma-informed practices" to overcome societal barriers.

By Nolan D. McCaskill, Politico 

Leaders of several civil rights groups laid out their recommendations on Tuesday for the type of attorney general President-elect Joe Biden should nominate to head the Justice Department.

The virtual conclave between seven civil rights leaders and Biden, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.), an incoming senior adviser to the president, comes as the president-elect continues to fill out his government.

Biden introduced members of his health team earlier on Tuesday, and POLITICO reported that he intends to nominate Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development and former Gov. Tom Vilsack of Iowa to run the Department of Agriculture.

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