Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“I look at it this way: anybody can carry a picket sign, but I think you should be able to articulate what that sign means … Don’t get me wrong. I believe in the same things that all those people demonstrating believe in, but I just look for plays or movies that say the same thing and play characters in them.” – James Earl Jones

America lost two Black icons of the entertainment industry in recent days.

James Earl Jones was a generation older than Tito Jackson, but both hit the peak of their fame in the 1970s and played a major role in shifting perception of Black culture and history.

Jones’ distinctive bass voice, which brought him his greatest fame in roles where his face was not even seen, brought a remarkable gravitas and dignity to characters whose race was of pivotal importance.

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The Urban League of Rochester (Rochester, NY) is proud to announce its 5th annual INTERRUPT RACISMTM Summit, presented by ESL Federal Credit Union. This year’s event, the area’s premier anti-racism conference, will be held in-person on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

The theme, "Honoring From Whence We Came," holds special significance as it marks several pivotal milestones in our nation’s history: the 70th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act, and the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Unrest in Rochester, NY—events that were catalysts for the founding of the Urban League of Rochester in 1965.

Two events in Columbia are shining a light on faith and investing in the youth in our community.

United House of Prayer celebrated its 98th Annual Holy Convocation, emphasizing youth involvement in the marching band and awarding scholarships for academic achievement.

At Trinity Baptist Church, the Columbia Urban League (Columbia, SC) called on parents to advocate for their children as they navigate the educational system.

“We want to help our parents; we want them to feel empowered; we don’t want them to feel like they are going through this journey alone but they have support," said Felisa McDavid, principal investigator with the Columbia Urban League.

McDavid says some parents who came in wanted to expand their knowledge of special education and the resources available to help their kids with autism.

Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts's (Boston, MA) YODA (Youth Opportunity Developing Achievers) works to ensure that minority students with the talent, intelligence, and capacity to excel in STEM fields receive the training and preparation required to develop their skills and build confidence.

With access to high-quality academic experiences at an early age, these students will grow into STEM leaders and help ensure that the future workplace is diverse and reflects the unique strengths of people from various backgrounds.

On Saturdays during the school year, in the camp format during the summer, and with programs throughout the year – we motivate, expose, and prepare students for futures in STEM fields. Youth learn from minority engineers, college students, and other STEM professionals.  

To read more and sign up, click here.

Saluting Latino culture. From September 15 - October 15, we’re celebrating our Latino brothers + sisters and their influences on our history & advocacy. Stop the lies. Read more about the dangerous implications of Trump and Vance’s continued pursuit of spreading racist lies about immigrants. | Mark your calendars! Tap into our movement-wide week of events to engage, register, and energize our communities about the upcoming election. | Defend Democracy. See how Marc H. Morial energized the crowd during his speech at Lorain County Urban League’s Diversity and Inclusion Conference. | Happening Monday! What's at stake for young voters in this election? A whole lot. Tap in via Instagram Live as young Black professionals break it down. | What’s your work style? Register for our FREE webinar on Wednesday to gain insight on how to boost your career with intrapreneurial leadership. | Your donation can change lives. Your vote and your support are crucial in defending our democracy and ensuring equal opportunities for all. Take action.