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The ‘Grill to Glory’ program returns this year, hoping again to bring churches and neighborhood residents together.

According to James Clark, with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (St. Louis, MO), more than 300 churches will be participating. Churches register for the program and get a grill to have a Saturday cookout.

On Thursday (May 16th), the program held a kickoff rally event, handing out the grills and having a kickoff cookout. “This is a game changer,” Clark explained. “Food is love,” he said.

The Saturday cookouts are meant to help rebuild church communities. The Urban League reports that more than 90% of churches that have participated said they saw an increase in Sunday service attendance.

To read the full story, click here.

For over half a century, Urban League of Northwest Indiana (Gary, IN) has been committed to providing residents of Lake County, La Porte County, and Porter County with a wide variety of social services. Urban League’s programs and services focus on the three main pillars of education, diversity and inclusion, and community outreach. These programs are geared to accomplish Urban League’s ultimate mission to “Defend Democracy, Demand Diversity, and Defeat Poverty.” 

Over the years, Urban League has established fruitful partnerships with numerous companies and organizations throughout the Region. Such prominent entities as Strack and Van Til, NIPSCO, Geminus, and the Hard Rock Casino number among Urban League’s partners. Several figures of note are members of Urban League’s Board of Directors, among them Indiana University (IU) Northwest Chancellor Ken Iwama, Valparaiso University President José Padilla, and Chancellor of Purdue University Northwest Kenneth Holford. 

The Columbus Urban League (Columbus, OH) is continuing to lead the charge to recognize those making a difference in the community.

Thursday (May 16th), the organization held its Hertstory Makers event, honoring emerging Black leaders in Columbus. Honorees took part in a panel discussion at the Veterans Memorial Museum.

The women discussed efforts they're taking part in to help make the community better.

"The advantage really is for young Black women to be highlighted and to be recognized and to be seen," Columbus Urban League president and CEO Stephanie Hightower said. "I think that's really important in this community. It gives our community an opportunity to see the level of talent, and it elevates these young women in their future endeavors."

To read the full story, click here.

The Urban League of Louisiana (New Orleans, LA) kicked off its Listen and Learn Tour in Alexandria on Friday, May 17, where they engaged with residents, community leaders, and elected officials from across the region. Established to advocate for fairness in society and the economy, particularly for African Americans, the organization seeks to support those in Louisiana facing economic challenges, striving for legislative changes and seeking to improve society.

During Friday’s meeting, locals voiced their perspectives on pressing issues in Central Louisiana. Urban League leaders emphasized the importance of transparency and open dialogue to address these concerns. Their objective is to foster consensus and collaboration so that they may enact meaningful change for the betterment of the community.

Black Lives Matter. Almost a decade ago, Ferguson police fatally shot Michael Brown, cutting short his life. Help honor him by demanding change.  We demand accountability. Read more about where the nation stands on policing bills that are needed to demand change within our communities. | Free vaccines for everyone. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine has become one step easier through the Bridge Access Program. Set your appointment today. | T-minus 3 days! Register now for our virtual town hall to hear from Marc H. Morial, Stacey Abrams, Hakeem Jeffries + many other leaders in the movement. | National Police Week. We need your help to send a powerful message that we will no longer tolerate policing as usual. Take a minute to urge Congress to act. | New Orleans, here we come! This week, we gathered at the Urban League of Louisiana to share the exciting elements of our July Conference. Watch it here. | Make an impact. As we continue breaking down barriers and opening doors for countless individuals, we need your support more than ever. Donate today. | Save the date. Register for our FREE webinar on May 29th for tips on how to unlock the power of mentorship + more. | Affordable housing matters. Learn more about the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle’s latest partnership to help people become homeowners.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League
  

“If there’s no criminal accountability of police for criminal behavior, then the fox is guarding the henhouse, and we’re the hens, and we’re living in a country that’s becoming a police state.” – Maya Wiley

Since 1994, Congress has appropriated more than $20 billion for the Community Oriented Policing Services grant program, commonly known as COPS.

Has this program made communities safer? We don’t know, because in its entire 30-year existence, it has operated without any oversight, transparency, or accountability measures.

Last month’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing was the first full committee meeting ever on oversight of the COPS Program.