A closer look at the damage. See how the first 100 days of President Trump’s second administration have been an unrelenting assault on our civil rights. | Moral Mondays. See as Marc Morial stands with Rev. Dr. William Barber on the Supreme Court steps to demand a federal budget that protects the vulnerable. | Our history cannot be erased. Meet us in D.C. today to protect the National Museum of African American History and Culture and Black museums near you. | The VFEC App. Smart, simple financial guidance is now just a tap away. Learn more! | What’s in store? The schedule for #NULConf25 in Cleveland is live. Take a look, register, and start planning your perfect conference experience. | Mark your calendar! Register for our FREE webinar for tips on fostering a team environment where trust, openness, and innovation can flourish. | Coming to a city near you! Don't miss local gatherings of community leaders, activists, and elected officials to curate solutions to better our communities. | What do the numbers tell us? Dr. Bernard Anderson, our Senior Economics Advisor, shares an in-depth look at the state of the economy. Check it out.

By Bernard E. Anderson, Ph.D.

Whitney M. Young, Jr. Professor Emeritus, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania,
and Senior Economic Advisor, National Urban League

The U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs in April, underscoring the ongoing resilience of the labor market even as new economic threats loom on the horizon. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2 percent, reflecting continued labor market stability. Labor force participation edged up slightly to 62.6 percent, while the employment-population ratio remained at 60.0 percent.

However, long-term unemployment rose by 200,000 to 1.674 million people, now accounting for 23.5 percent of all unemployed workers. The broader U-6 unemployment rate, which includes discouraged and marginally attached workers, ticked between 7 and 8 percent—an indicator of lingering slack in the labor market.

See how our affiliates are working hard nationwide to give individuals a fresh start through our Urban Youth Reentry Program.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

"Trump wants us to be demoralized. He wants his despotic plans to be a fait accompli. They will be if no one stands in the way. But every time we — and especially those with power and authority — make ourselves into obstacles, we also make it a little less likely that the administration’s authoritarian fantasy becomes our reality.” – Jamelle Bouie

The first 100 days of President Trump’s second administration have been an unrelenting assault on civil rights, civil liberties, economic justice, the constitutional separation of powers, and the rule of law itself.

The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg is investing $1 million to address health disparities in South St. Petersburg.

The funding comes as a direct response to a recent health equity profile study conducted by the foundation, which revealed stark contrasts in health outcomes between South St. Pete and the broader Pinellas County. Dr. Kanika Tomalin, President and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, emphasized the urgent need for action.

“This grant is in response to a study that highlighted the inequities in health outcomes for our community,” she stated. The study reported alarming statistics, including significantly higher rates of deaths from violent crime and drug poisoning, as well as chronic diseases, in South St. Petersburg compared to the county averages.

A job training program for people who want to start a career in “weatherization” has launched in Essex County.

The Urban League of Essex County or ULEC (Newark, NJ) and net.America recently announced the expansion of their partnership to support the U.S. Department of Labor's initiative to broaden access to registered apprenticeship programs (RAPs).

The partnership aims to create equitable opportunities for ULEC clients and surrounding communities across high-demand industries, including cybersecurity, health IT, health care and energy. At least 50 percent of the program participants will come from underrepresented and underserved communities, according to the nonprofit.

In March, the ULEC launched a “weatherization” technician program for people who want to start a career in the industry.

The City of Greenville is honoring the founder and first president of the Urban League of the Upstate (Greenville, SC) with a new street name.

Senator Theo Mitchell is an attorney and former lawmaker who established the Greenville chapter of the National Urban League in 1972. The community-based program supports strong and stable communities while advocating for economic equality for African Americans.

Mitchell served five terms in the S.C. House of Representatives before he was elected to the Senate. He was also the Democratic nominee for Governor in 1990.

During his time in the Statehouse, he spearheaded legislation to improve the state’s education system and offer homestead exemptions for the elderly.

To read the full story, click here.

Mourning a trailblazer. The passing of Alexis Herman, National Urban League Trustee & the first Black Secretary of Labor, leaves a deep void. See her impact. | #HandsOffOurHistory. We're proud to be part of the Freedom to Learn coalition to sound the alarm on attempts to erase Black history. Get involved! | Meet us in D.C.! Join us this Monday, April 28th in-person or online to take powerful action against a federal budget that harms millions of Americans. | First stop: Atlanta! We’re gathering with local leaders to build collective power and create actionable steps to better our communities. Take action with us. | Second Chance Month. See how our affiliates are working hard nationwide to give individuals a fresh start through our Urban Youth Reentry Program. | Creating a better future. Join us on July 18 at #NULConf25 for a session on wealth-building solutions to sustain Black businesses + more.