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.”

The third and final statewide convening of the Broadening Perspectives Project concluded in New York, marking the end of a journey that began in California and continued in Ohio. This event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders — including educators, policymakers, community leaders, and families — all focused on the future of assessments and accountability in education. Over the course of the day, participants engaged in deep discussions that highlighted the need for systemic changes to ensure more equitable, transparent, and supportive educational practices for all students, especially those from historically marginalized communities.

Level Setting and Welcome Remarks

Uplifting our history. This Memorial Day, we honor the Black soldiers who served with grace and dedication, even as they faced injustice. | Honoring a legend. See how Alexis Herman channelled the trauma of the KKK brutally beating her father not into bitterness but a life of extraordinary service. | On set at MSNBC. Marc Morial joined Morning Joe to break down the findings of our newly released report about George Floyd. Watch the segment here. | A moment or a movement? Watch as our President & CEO Marc Morial vows to double down on the fight for racial justice alongside Urban League leaders. | Must-read report. Five years after the tragedy that shook the nation, where does America stand on police reform and racial justice? Check out our findings. | Discounts available now. Register by June 1st to lock in our current rate for the premier civil rights and social justice gathering of the summer. | Champions of Equity & Justice. Check out the inspiring changemakers we honored at #EmpowermentSummit2025 for their dedication to The Movement. | Reimagine the U.S. tax system. See how our ten-point equity-centered plan to correct historic tax inequities and close the racial wealth gap will impact you. | Your one-stop shop. Grab your Urban League swag today to help support our mission of empowering communities + changing lives.