The Summer of 2020 - destined to be remembered as a season of unrest. In the shadow of a global pandemic that exposed gaping social disparities in economic and criminal justice, citizens across the country took to the streets in response to horrific acts of police violence against Black Americans. For attorney, author, and criminal justice advocate Jonathan Rapping, this conflux of events has produced a new, unprecedented reckoning of awareness.

"The nation has finally turned its attention to just how badly certain lives are devalued in America," says Rapping. "Confined to our homes, we were forced to watch this brutal violence against George Floyd, against Breanna Taylor, against Jacob Blake." 

The CROWN Coalition grows with the National Urban League to showcase corporate responsibility.

Passage of NO HATE Act Essential to Improve Nation’s Ability to Fight Hate Crimes

NEW YORK (September 2, 2020) -- In celebration of the relationship between America’s Black and Jewish communities, and in opposition to antisemitism and racism, the National Urban League and American Jewish Committee  are partnering to designate the week of September 7th Black-Jewish Unity Week. The hashtag #BlackJewishUnity will be used to promote the unity week’s themes and programs to strengthen Black-Jewish understanding and joint advocacy.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 1, 2020) -- National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial today announced the appointment of Jerika Richardson to lead the organization’s work in the area of police reform, criminal justice reform and related areas.

“Jerika has a depth of experience and expertise, particularly around the issues of criminal justice and police accountability, that can creatively shape and inform the National Urban League work on this key pillar of our mission,” Morial said.

Richardson will assume the role of Senior Vice President, Equitable Justice and Strategic Initiatives on September 15. She will be responsible for developing the organization’s strategies, advocacy, and public education in the areas of police reform, criminal justice and related areas.

How to move protest to policy? The shared goals of the organizers from the Commitment March 2020.

Download the Declaration of Principles

Health care strategy was turned upside down in early 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a matter of weeks, the crisis impacted every aspect of care delivery nationwide. Now that months have passed and the field is navigating towards a new normal, the AHA is inviting health care leaders in strategy and innovation to come together to share lessons learned and plans for the future as the field moves from response through recovery and on to rebuilding.

Join the American Hospital Association September 14-16 for a virtual event brought to you by the AHA Center for Health Innovation and the Society for Health Care Strategy and Market Development that will convene the field’s leading thinkers, strategists and doers – including innovators who are shifting traditional business models in this dramatically different environment.

The Urban League of Great Madison (Madison, WI) held its fifth annual Unity Picnic Saturday afternoon, turning it into a drive-thru because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attendees could register to vote, get questions about absentee voting answered and fill out the 2020 census all from the comfort of their cars. Attendees could also pick up a plate of barbecue on their way through.

For organizers, these annual events help encourage civic participation in communities of color.

“This election is more important than ever. We see what’s happening in our country, we need elected officials that will listen to us during these times and create policies that are beneficial to us and all the citizens of this great country,” said President and CEO of the Urban League Ruben Anthony.

To read the full article, click here.

Urban League of Nebraska (Omaha, NE) is running a virtual Career Boot Camp, starting Monday, August 31. The two week program teaches job readiness skills, resume building and interviewing techniques. Participants receive a stipend to complete the program and they're offered assistance in making connections and applying for jobs.

Rozlynn Bredow, with the Urban League, said the pandemic has wiped out some jobs and workers need to be prepared to shift gears. She said there are hundreds of jobs available.

To read the full article, click here.

Small Unites, a national initiative to provide immediate support for American small businesses facing immense economic challenges, launches today. Small Unites is an advocacy program designed to rally consumers and communities across the country to champion the local small businesses they love and uplift them as they look to re-emerge and thrive in the new normal. By visiting smallunites.org, any consumer can make cash donations, buy products and services and promote their favorite business on social media platforms. Consumers can also start their own fundraising initiatives for their preferred small businesses.