The Akron Urban League (Akron, OH) hosted the premiere screening of the new documentary “Talking Kids off the Trigger” on Thursday, May 7th. 

The youth-led documentary seeks to address gun violence and its impact on young people, according to a news release. The film was created by Akron Kids Against Gun Violence in partnership with TomTod Ideas’ PREVENT initiative. TomTod is a Canton-based organization that listens to, honors and advocates for middle schoolers, according to the organization’s website. The organization’s PREVENT program focuses on reducing youth violence through education, storytelling and community engagement.

“Talking Kids off the Trigger” is a micro documentary that chronicles real experiences of Akron youth and the community leaders who are working to try to create safer communities. The film aims to transform trauma into messages of hope, resilience and change, according to the release.

The Urban League of Alabama (Birmingham, AL), which describes itself as a longtime champion of economic empowerment and opportunity, announced this week that it is expanding into Montgomery.

“This milestone initiative marks a significant step toward addressing critical housing and workforce challenges in the region,” the organization said in a Wednesday press release.

The Urban League said the expansion is based on data and community input, including a recent regional needs assessment that found urgent gaps affecting under-resourced families, particularly in access to workforce housing and opportunities for economic mobility.

“This expansion is about listening first and acting with purpose,” Urban League President and Chief Executive Officer William Barnes said. “We are committed to working hand-in-hand with Montgomery residents and leaders to co-create solutions that expand opportunity and drive lasting change.”

The Shenango Valley Urban League or SVUL (Farrell, PA) held their annual banquet at Avalon at Buhl in Hermitage, and recognized several members for their hard work in uplifting their communities.

Dr. Erin Houston, the President and CEO at the SVUL, said they were awarded for their contributions with out the expectation of recognition in return.

“I think sometimes we don’t always say thank you as much as we should. So I’m glad we were able to have that opportunity tonight,” Houston said.

Those awarded included two recipients of awards for community service, and a student from Farrell High School, who won the Black History Month essay contest.

Also in attendance were several elected officials, including Republican Pennsylvania state senator Michele Brooks, who said her conversations with Dr. Houston could bring some changes to Mercer county.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

"The consequences are likely to be far-reaching and grave. Today’s decision renders Section 2 all but a dead letter. In the States where that law continues to matter—the States still marked by residential segregation and racially polarized voting—minority voters can now be cracked out of the electoral process."  Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan

Instead of taking an objective look at the state of voting rights in this country that is rooted in its history to exploit rather than provide equality, the Wall Street Journal’s editorial board came together to draft a piece titled “Democrats Have a Jim Crow Fantasy.”

It is with extreme regret and sorrow that we announce the passing of a Giant in the Urban League Movement, Porter G. Peeples, Sr., President and CEO, Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County (KY), on Tuesday afternoon, April 28, 2026, while in his office, “doing the work that he loved.”  “I’ve never had a job. I don’t feel like I’ve worked a day in my life I get to go and do what I love doing to help others”, by his own admission. At the time of his passing, he was the sitting Affiliate CEO with the longest tenure as CEO, having just two years ago been recognized for his more than 50 years of service, and of course was an advocate for members of the Quarter Century Club, of which he was a member.

Black votes are at risk. See how the Supreme Court’s latest decision invites a new wave of aggressive, discriminatory redistricting across the South + beyond.| Honoring a servant leader. Join us in mourning the passing of Porter G. Peeples, President and CEO of the Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County. | A major win. Our Urban League Empowerment Center in Harlem won the Urban Land Institute's Mixed-Use Development of the Year award! More on this. | An urgent moment. Watch as civil rights, state, and local leaders break down the Supreme Court's ruling and how we protect Black and Brown voters.| National Apprenticeship Week. See how the National Urban League is creating pathways to high-paying careers through registered apprenticeships. | It's time to prioritize your mental health. Register for our FREE webinar to learn how to identify burnout and recharge your energy.