NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES (June 11, 2025) — National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial and Los Angeles Urban League President and CEO Cynthia Mitchell-Heard issued the following statement in response to civil unrest provoked by ICE raids:

"In recent days, Los Angeles has witnessed powerful protests and painful disruptions in response to immigration enforcement actions and the deployment of the National Guard. These events have sparked deep concern, emotion, and public outcry.

"The National Urban League and the Los Angeles Urban League stand with those raising their voices for justice and affirm the right to peaceful protest. These demonstrations reflect real pain and urgent calls for humanity in our policies and practices.

 

Key Latino and civil rights leaders, will host a virtual press conference to denounce the recent federal government overreach abuse of power and militarization of our communities, seen in the recent Los Angeles immigration raids and protests. The event will address the ongoing militarization targeting Latino communities, particularly longtime residents who are vital contributors to our nation’s economy and social fabric.

 

The organization initially placed more than two dozen families in hotels across the St. Louis area for two weeks following the storm.

WASHINGTON, D.C.  (June 9, 2025) - - Leaders of eight legacy civil rights organizations today issued the following joint statement in response to the current administration’s immigration raids and the responsive protests in the Los Angeles area:

The Urban League of Rochester (Rochester, NY) celebrated the academic achievements of 800 students at its 46th annual Black Scholars Award ceremony.

The Urban League of Rochester has provided students with college and career readiness resources for over four decades through the Black Scholars program. The organization also provides financial assistance for low-income college students through an endowment fund.

The theme for this year’s ceremony was “DREAM: The Blueprint to Purpose”.

The event included remarks from community leaders, presentations, and a keynote address given by Rochester native and recording artist Danielle Ponder.

Rochester Prep celebrates college acceptances, $3.2M in scholarships

The Urban League of Union County (Elizabeth, NJ) is proud to announce a growing partnership with Power Home Remodeling ("POWER"), highlighted by a generous $200,000 grant awarded through the company's POWER for Good initiative. The funding will directly support the Urban League's mission-driven community services, including youth programs, workforce development, and other essential resources aimed at building opportunity and equity throughout Union County.

More than just financial support, this partnership represents a shared commitment to community impact and meaningful engagement. In recent months, both organizations have connected through site visits, volunteerism, and forward-looking collaboration.

The Louisville Urban League or LUL (Louisville, KY) will use more than $1 million to help tackle childhood obesity in the city's west end.

The nonprofit said Kentucky ranks third in the nation for childhood obesity. Obesity also impacts poorer communities at a higher rate.

LUL was awarded a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to launch a program called "A Healthy Path Forward." Through it, six community "innovators" will get $200,000 each to come up with solutions for kids in west Louisville. 

The best solutions will also be eligible for additional grant money later on. 

"This grant represents a powerful opportunity to tackle one of the most pressing health challenges facing our city, childhood obesity," Lyndon Pryor, Louisville Urban League CEO, said during a news conference Wednesday.

The Chicago Urban League (Chicago, IL) is sounding the alarm on the widening racial wealth gap in its new report, “The State of Black Chicago.”

It draws from research from the New School’s Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy, which found that in 2024 the median net worth for Black Chicago-area households was zero dollars — compared to $210,000 for White households.

The Urban League is now calling for a plan of action to help Black communities build wealth. The report recommends additional grants and funding opportunities for small businesses, workforce development and training programs, homeownership assistance, and expanded health access, among other things.

Read the full report.