August 1963

Written By: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement calling our present activities "unwise and untimely." Seldom, if ever, do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas. If I sought to answer all of the criticisms that cross my desk, my secretaries would be engaged in little else in the course of the day, and I would have no time for constructive work. But since I feel that you are men of genuine good will and your criticisms are sincerely set forth, I would like to answer your statement in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms.

The Columbus Urban League and the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals (Columbus, OH) are calling for a blackout protest, asking people to voluntarily call off work. The peaceful protest tactic is meant to get their message across for racial justice.

Other demands include police reform, and an independent prosecutor to investigate police use of force in Columbus.

The organization says by calling off work, they can have a multi-prong approach to their protest. It’s an additional way to fight against racial inequality by limiting productivity in the workplace.

To read the full article, click here.

Stephanie Byrd agonized over temporarily laying off nearly the entire staff at her family's trio of Detroit businesses when the coronavirus pandemic hit.

But she's not just concerned about the impact on their bottom line.

She's worried other black-owned businesses will struggle to withstand another wave of economic uncertainty, following decades of inequity that made it hard for many to flourish in the first place.

"Most of the people I know who have businesses and are black are terrified right now," said Byrd, whose family owns Flood's Bar & Grille, The Block restaurant and the city's Garden Theater. "There could be a new wave of black businesses that are able to reinvent themselves post-pandemic, but black businesses could also be wiped out for the most part within a black city. What would it look like without black-owned businesses?"

Diversity matters and inclusivity is necessary. Join us for this important discussion exploring the concept of "belonging" as a foundation for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, with guest speaker Dr. Janice Gasman. Dr. Gasman is the Creator of BWG Business Solutions, and helps individuals and businesses grow through inclusive strategies and techniques.

Event Date: June 3rd, 2020 – Wednesday

Event Time: 12 PM EST – 1 PM EST

To register, click here: http://bit.ly/DCSS_Belonging

Click Here to read the Urban League response letter.

Justice for George. The tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers sparked mass outrage this week. Here are our demands for justice. | Mark your calendars. We're bringing the Legislative Policy Conference to your phone & computer screens next month! Stay tuned for details about the 2-day virtual event. | Facebook Live with Marc Morial. Our president and CEO is back with the latest updates on the pandemic and top news items. Watch it now. | Free career webinar. Join us for a discussion exploring the concept of "belonging" as a foundation for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Sign up! | Have you filled out your Census form? The 2020 Census is SO important for communities of color. You matter. Your family counts. Do it now! | Inside scoop. Our D.C. office has the latest on the unrest in Minneapolis, COVID-19, and more. Plus, an interview with Senator Marco Rubio. Read on!

By Victor Garcia, Fox News

National Urban League CEO and president Marc Morial joined "America’s News HQ" and addressed George Floyd's death, saying the other three officers involved in his death who have not been charged should be arrested.

"I believe the other three officers should have been arrested. They should be detained, and it's not explicable to me as to why there have been no charges nor an arrest with respect to those three officers," Morial said Sunday.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“Those who commit the murders write the reports, and hence these lasting blots upon the honor of a nation cause but a faint ripple on the outside world. They arouse no great indignation and call forth no adequate demand for justice.” – Ida B. Wells

The casual brutality of a white officer’s knee squeezing the life from a helpless Black man in handcuffs, caught on a gruesome video, underlies Amy Cooper’s smug tone as she announces her intention to lodge a false police complaint against a Black man who’d inconvenienced her.

National Urban League Demands Prosecution of Officers Involved in George Floyd's Death, Examination of Their Records 

NEW YORK (May 27, 2020) -- National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police:

"The National Urban League joins the Urban League of the Twin Cities and champions for justice across the nation in calling for the arrest and criminal prosecution of the former Minneapolis police officers involved in the brutal death of George Floyd.