Kemper Corporation announced that it is donating $500,000 to the National Urban League (NUL) to support efforts dedicated to civil rights and racial justice in America.

“Over the several weeks we have been reminded of a terrible truth, that for generations one of our country’s greatest assets – our diversity – has fallen victim to systemic injustice,” said Kemper President and CEO Joseph P. Lacher, Jr. “Our country was founded on the principle that all people are endowed with certain inalienable rights. This sort of injustice demeans and devalues the very foundation of our nation. In times like these, where our country is already being tested by a pandemic, we must find the strength and will to step up for the ideals and values that will unite us and eliminate intolerance.”

Leading innovator in nutrition and skincare, Le-Vel, tannounced a $100,000 donation to the National Urban League in support of the organization's mission to eliminate equality gaps in education, employment, housing, health, and justice.

"National Urban League is grateful to have the support of committed partners like Le-Vel Brands, who are passionate about expanding economic opportunity and dedicated to good corporate citizenship," said Marc H. Morial, National Urban League President and CEO.

"As the recent tragedies and protests around our country illustrate, we have a lot of work to do as Americans to ensure that the principles of equality are upheld and advanced," said Le-Vel Co-CEOs Jason Camper and Paul Gravette. "The National Urban League has a long history of working at the local level to empower and support African Americans, and our donation in support of their mission is just one step in our ongoing commitment to be part of the solution."

Peoria Public Schools is helping students and recent graduates find summer jobs with the help of COVID-19 related grant dollars.

The Summer Youth Employment Program is designed for 16-to-24 year olds from low-income households. More than 200 young people will be placed with businesses and community partners around the city.

Superintendent Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat said it's meant to help put money in kids’ pockets while also setting them on a career path.

“We’re all aware of the injustices and the inequities,” she said. “This is an opportunity for at-risk youth. We’re going to make sure that the young people who really need this opportunity are going to get it.”

Jobs will be available in healthcare, construction, hospitality, communication, and other fields. Participants will work 20 hours a week, in addition to receiving mentorship and professional training.

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE CALLS SCOTUS DECISION ON LGTBQ RIGHTS “AN END TO AN INHUMANE POLICY” Urges Congress to Pass Equality Act Immediately

NEW YORK (June 15, 2020) -- National Urban League President Marc H. Morial said it’s difficult to calculate how many lives have been transformed because of today’s Supreme Court decision upholding the legal rights of LGBTQ Americans.

“In half the states, it still was legal until now to fire someone simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” Morial said. “Millions of Americans were forced to choose between living a lie and making a living. It was an inhumane policy, and we’re relieved to see it thrown on the ash heap of history.”

Legislative Policy Conference. The 2-day event kicks off this Monday, June 15! Don't miss out on critical conversations and insights. Sign up and tune in. | Police reform. This week, Marc Morial testified in front of Congress alongside George Floyd’s brother and other advocates for change. Here's what he said. | The latest. Marc Morial shares updates around the ongoing fight for police reform, racial justice, and more. Watch now on Facebook Live! | Feeling stuck in your career? Join our session this Wednesday, June 17 to learn the strategies to get to the next level and plan your next promotion. | The power and promise of 5G. How do we ensure Black communities thrive in the digital economy? We'll discuss in Monday's session, presented by Verizon.| New episode! We're back with a riveting conversation about faith, race, and the survival of both in the Black community. Take a listen. | 2020 Census. One way to fight injustice is to fill out your Census form, which helps determine federal funding for policing in your community. Do it today!

Civil unrest. As protests grip cities and towns across the country, Marc Morial shares the latest on the fight for justice. Watch it on Facebook Live. | Police reform. Countless incidents of violence show that much of police culture in the United States is infected with racism. Here are our proposed measures to change that. | Legislative Policy Conference. Check out the lineup for our upcoming convening of the nation's top leaders and advocates, happening June 15-16. | Taking a stand. This week, Mastercard announced a $5 million donation to support our work in underserved communities. More on our partnership. | New unemployment numbers. The May Jobs Report is a shocker and our Senior Economic Advisor Dr. Bernard Anderson breaks it all down. Read on. | The latest. Our Policy team launched a new action alert to honor Breonna Taylor on what would have been her 27th birthday. Do your part to demand justice!

Chairwoman Maloney and Ranking Member Jordan, thank you for allowing me to testify today on behalf of the National Urban League. My long form testimony has been entered into the record.

I would like to pay tribute today to the Africans and their descendants whose labor without compensation built the U.S. Capitol, made possible the Statue of Freedom that sits atop the Capitol Dome, and made possible the rise of the United States as an economic superpower. I’d also like to lift up Ms. Breonna Taylor, an essential worker, an EMT from Louisville, whose life was cut short not by COVID, but by police officers serving a no knock warrant in March. African Americans are, and have always been, among the nation’s essential workers.