Bernard E. Anderson, PhD

Whitney M. Young Professor Emeritus,
The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Chief Economic Advisor,
National Urban League

U.S. employment increased by 254,000 in September, reflecting an economy growing at a stable, balanced rate.

While the overall unemployment rate changed little at 4.1%, the Black unemployment rate fell to 5.1%, bringing the Black/white ratio to 1.54, down from 1.60 in August and significantly down from the previously persistent 2:1 ratio. 

The labor force participation rate was unchanged at 62.7%.  Employment continued to trend up in food services and drinking places, health care, government, social assistance, and construction.  There was little change in employment in other major industries. Average hourly earnings grew 0.4% month over month and 4.1%  year over year.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“Targeting naturalized citizens is the latest move in the playbook for voter intimidation. The state of Alabama illegally took the right to vote away from eligible citizens and must be stopped. We can't allow registered voters to bear the brunt of these dangerous lies that threaten our democracy.” – Celina Stewart, CEO, League of Women Voters of the United States

The law is clear.

According to the National Voter Registration Act of 1992, “A State shall complete, not later than 90 days prior to the date of a primary or general election for Federal office, any program the purpose of which is to systematically remove the names of ineligible voters from the official lists of eligible voters.”

NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, D.C.

Nashville’s unemployment rate has reached a record low of 3%, but a new study from the Congressional Black Caucus shows that career opportunities and economic mobility remain limited for Black Americans.

The Urban League of Middle Tennessee (Nashville, TN) offers programs that help community members with retirement planning, debt reduction and job market strategies. Sterdivante Tolliver — employment services coordinator at the Urban League — plays a key role in assisting job seekers.

“I’m in charge of helping build their resumes, trying to create them a career,” Tolliver said.

On the morning of Tuesday, September 24, Urban League of Northwest Indiana (Gary, IN) hosted the 18th installment of its Annual Scholarship Fair. The fair was once again held in Indiana University Northwest’s Savannah Fitness Center. Over 1500 students from across Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties attended the event. They came from a wide array of schools, including Michigan City’s Marquette Catholic High School, Gary’s Thea Bowman Leadership Academy, and institutions from South Bend, Merrillville, and Valparaiso. 

According to Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud, President and CEO of Urban League, the Annual Scholarship Fair is highly beneficial for local students.

Get ready, women small business owners, to unleash your inner boss and pamper yourself like the queens you are! On Sunday, October 20, 2024, from noon – 5 PM, the New York Urban League (NYUL) Small Business SOLUTIONS Center invites women entrepreneurs to attend the groundbreaking event She Works Hard for the Money—where wellness meets business with a heavy dose of sisterhood! Powered by the NYUL Small Business SOLUTIONS Center, UPS, TD Bank, and the UP Foundation, this day-long experience will inspire, energize, and empower women in business with workshops, wellness treatments, and opportunities to network with fellow trailblazers.  She Works Hard… is a space for women to connect, rejuvenate, and share experiences that help them thrive in business and life.

It’s a celebration! This weekend marks our 114th anniversary of being the premier civil rights organization for social change, advocacy + more. | Her legacy lives on. Read more about Sybil Haydel Morial’s legacy and contributions to the civil rights movement. | A well-deserved honor. Our President & CEO Marc H. Morial received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Center for Workforce Inclusion! Watch as he shares what inspires him to empower underserved communities. | Are you vaccinated? The fall surge is coming in hot, and one of the best ways to protect your immune system is by getting vaccinated. Find out more. | Mark your calendars! Get ready for our town hall as we discuss what’s at stake in the upcoming election + more. RSVP to join the convo. | The countdown is on. Register for our FREE webinar on Wednesday for gems on managing savings, investments, estate planning + more. | Tuning in? Vice presidential candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance are facing off in the first VP debate of this election season! Make a plan to watch and VOTE. | Now's the time for action. And that's exactly what our affiliates did during our Reclaim Your Vote Week of Action! Start prepping for the election now. | Workforce Development Month. See how the Columbus Urban League’s Work Readiness Training University is positively impacting the community.