National Urban League Commends Maryland Gov. Moore for Marijuana Pardons

NEW YORK (June 17, 2024) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial today commended Maryland Governor Wes Moore for his mass pardon of low-level marijuana convictions.

"Governor Moore has established himself as a leader in both equitable justice and economic development," Morial said. "It is a welcome acknowledgement of the racial disparity in prosecutions and the long-lasting social and economic damage that the disparity has caused.

National Urban League is a staunch advocate of the marijuana legalization effort to lift constraints that have criminalized Black and Brown people disproportionately and to lift barriers that have blocked opportunity and social parity for marginalized communities.

Submitted byiamempowered onTue, 06/18/2024 - 10:50

Urban League Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Block Party and Resource Fair

The Greater Baltimore Urban League (Baltimore, MD) celebrated 100 years in the community on Saturday (June 8th).  

WJZ's Miana Massey was in Seton Hill this afternoon as the organization hosted a block party, and announced renewed efforts to invest into Baltimore 

Established in 1924, the Greater Baltimore Urban League celebrated a major milestone.  

"The Urban League for the last 100 years has played a tremendous role in this community surrounding economic development, housing, health, education, crime, you name it," Ricky Smith, chairman of the Greater Baltimore Urban League, said. 

The organization is now launching their Centennial Campaign, a century of impact, a future of promise, which signifies a transformative journey aimed at amplifying impact.  

To read the story, click here.

Submitted byihall_11 onMon, 06/17/2024 - 16:48

Meagan Good Featured as Honorary Co-Chair at NYUL Awards Gala

Meagan Good's years of advocacy are evident in her latest accolade.

On Thursday (June 6), Meagan Good served as an Honorary Co-chair at the New York Urban League's (New York, NY) 58th Annual Frederick Douglass Awards Gala. This esteemed event, held at the Ziegfeld Ballroom and hosted by DeMarco Morgan, celebrated notable individuals who have significantly advanced equality and justice.

The Frederick Douglass Medallion was awarded to Aurora James, founder of the 15% Pledge; George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East; and Renee McClure, a social justice and racial equity advocate, for their remarkable contributions to economic equity, workers' rights, healthcare accessibility, social justice, and racial equity, each making a significant impact in their respective fields.

Submitted byihall_11 onMon, 06/17/2024 - 15:02

Urban League of Essex County Presents Free 2024 Summer Tech Camp

The Urban League of Essex County (Newark, NJ) is thrilled to announce their annual free 2024 Summer Tech Camp, offering an exciting and educational experience for students in grades 6, 7, and 8.

The extensive summer session will take place at Tech House, 152 Littleton Avenue, Newark’s West Ward, from July 8 to August 16.

The camp will run Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Urban League officials have curated an impressive lineup of activities at Tech House, including Sound Engineering, 3D Printing, Building a Computer, Filmmaking, and a Mathematics Camp.

These programs are designed to inspire and educate young minds, equipping them with valuable skills for the future.

Participants will also enjoy complimentary breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack each day.

To read the full story, click here.

Submitted byihall_11 onMon, 06/17/2024 - 14:34

Urban League Calls for a 'Reimagined' Canton City Police Department

The Greater Stark County Urban League (Canton, OH)  is calling for a “reimagined” Canton City Police Department.

Thomas West, President and CEO of the Greater Stark County Urban League, said a Canton police officer's use of a police dog  to bite a city resident who already was lying face down with his arms crossed behind his back demonstrates a need for changes within the department. In a June 3 letter to city leaders, West wrote the reimagined department would be where “integrity and respect for fellow citizens and our city are paramount.”

Separately, the Urban League and the Stark County NAACP also are working together to create the framework for a new police oversight commission that would have subpoena powers and be independent of city government. The agencies’ recommendations are expected to be given to city leaders within the next couple of weeks.

Submitted byihall_11 onMon, 06/17/2024 - 13:06

ReMarcs Newsletter - June 15, 2024

Celebrating dads! This Father’s Day, we honor all fathers + father figures who are the protectors of their loved ones. Thank you for all that you do. | Freedom Day. Juneteenth represents a day of freedom that our ancestors fought tirelessly for. Take a look back at the history and cultural legacy. | Give your immune system a boost. Free COVID-19 vaccines are available for you and your loved ones in one click. Set your appointment today. | Ready to level up your business? Join us on July 27 for our FREE one-day Entrepreneurship Summit during #NULConf24. Sign up now. | SB-17 must go! Help give Texas' diverse students the freedom to succeed by signing our petition to repeal a law that bans campus DEI programs. | Relive the moments. Take a look at scenes from our Urban Expungement Program Cleveland event, where we celebrated second chances & opportunities.

Submitted byrwilliams@nul.org onSat, 06/15/2024 - 11:40

Bush Lands $750,000 Grant for Urban League Plaza

Many St. Louisans lament the fact that residents of underserved neighborhoods often must travel miles to find services, stores and dining opportunities.

Among them is Michael P. McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (St. Louis, MO) President and CEO.

“Why do people have to shop all over the region for things we should be able to buy right here?” McMillan asked during a May 31, 2024, press conference with Congresswoman Cori Bush.

“If we do more of that, we can also create more Black-owned businesses.”

Bush announced a $750,000 federal outlay for the renovations of capital improvements of the Urban League Plaza, just east of the Urban League headquarters at 1408 N. Kingshighway and saluted the work of the organization.

“The Urban League has been a pillar of strength and support for the St. Louis community,” she said.

Submitted byihall_11 onSun, 06/09/2024 - 02:45