Thousands of people could be released from Virginia prisons this year, but opportunities can be hard to come by with a criminal record.

Many formerly incarcerated people grapple with the immediate need to secure housing, employment, income, and healthcare access. Legal restrictions and social stigma limit their access to jobs, homes, and education.

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares said more than 95% of prison inmates will reintegrate into neighborhoods and communities, so it's critical to help them reenter successfully.

"I think that our number one goal should be that if you've paid your debt to society and this is a new chapter in your life and you want to be a productive citizen, let's make sure you have those opportunities," Miyares said.

The Urban League of Greater Madison (Madison, WI) wants to partner with Madison’s Community Development Authority to build on the “South Madison Renaissance,” an effort led by people of color to remake and redevelop parts of the south side with a community focus and without displacing the families that currently live there. 

The Urban League is one of three finalists vying to redevelop the former transit transfer point at the corner of South Park Street and Badger Road. In its proposal, the group says it wants to “collaborate closely with the city of Madison and CDA on a transformational master plan for the [South Transfer Point] area that can serve as a model of racial equity, inclusive economic opportunity, and sustainability.” 

Darlene H. Marlin, Vice President of Education Access and Opportunity (NUL), has received MENTOR's Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to supporting youth through mentoring programs. 

MENTOR’s Excellence in Mentoring Awards recognize outstanding leadership and commitment to supporting youth through mentoring relationships! Presented annually during the National Mentoring Summit, the EIM Awards honor individuals and organizations that have made tremendous contributions to young people and the mentoring field.

Congratulations Darlene!

To read the full story, click here.
 

Whether you're a seasoned voter or looking to participate for the first time, this event is for you.

The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga's (Chattanooga, TN) Young Professionals will host its 2024 Election Kick-Off and General Body Meeting this Tuesday, April 9th at 6:30 PM for an informative session on getting involved in your local and national elections.

This event, presented by Micah Chapman, will provide you with the knowledge and resources to navigate local and national elections, from voter registration to researching candidates and getting involved in your community.

To read the full story, click here.

In February 2018, Michelle became the 13th President of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (Seattle, WA).

“I am not anxious to be the loudest voice or the most popular, but I would like to think that at a crucial moment, I was an effective voice for the voiceless, and effective hope for the hopeless” a quote by civil rights leader Whitney M. Young is Michelle’s mantra as she leads the organization towards its 92nd anniversary. Michelle Y. Merriweather joined the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle team in August of 2015 as the Vice President.  Her passion is combining her extensive sales, fund development, event planning and marketing background to better the communities in which she serves.

Written By: Marc H. Morial

Hundreds of members of the Urban League community have embarked on new careers in technology and thousands more are on the path, three years into a major partnership with Google and the Tides Foundation that launched or expanded the Urban Tech Jobs Program in 11 local affiliates. Urban Tech Jobs Program features a multi-layered approach that includes technology awareness, basic skill building, digital literacy, technology job training and upskilling for workers currently in the technology field.   

The Google/Tides partnership, layered over existing workforce, integrated case management, and wrap around services, allowed the National Urban League to launch Digital Training Academies or Tech Academies, depending upon each community’s needs. 

An elderly Griffin Heights resident will soon return to her longtime home that was demolished and rebuilt thanks to a partnership between the Tallahassee Urban League (Tallahassee, FL) and the city of Tallahassee.

Evelyn Jiles Nix, 60, gently held her mother's hand, just as she did as a child. Her two brothers, Fredrick and Leander Jiles, stood nearby Thursday afternoon (March 21st) during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Their 89-year-old mother, Janie Jiles, quiet amid the commotion and excitement swirling around her, listened as her children thanked all those who helped her see this day.

The home Janie Jiles raised four children (one son wasn't present during the ceremony) and lived in since 1961 was no longer safe or suitable. Her son, Fredrick Jiles, 68, called the effort a "blessing of the Lord."

Ramadan Mubarak. Our Urban League family extends the deepest wishes for a peaceful, abundant, and blessed holy month to everyone observing Ramadan. | Funding inequities in higher ed. See how the lack of state funding for HBCUs such as Tennessee State University endangers their existence. | Give your immune system a boost. Your health and wellness should be your top priority, especially if you’re immunocompromised. Get vaxxed now. | Let’s talk facts. Did you know the Biden Administration has appointed more Black judges than any other president? Find out more in our latest report. | What are your summer plans? We’re talking over The Big Easy for #NULConf24. Register today, secure your hotel, and book your flight to join us. | Second Chance Month. Learn more about our Urban Re-entry Jobs Program that helps people transition from prison to productive careers. | What do the numbers tell us? Check out an in-depth look at the state of the economy from Dr. Bernard E. Anderson, our Chief Economics Adviser.

Bernard E. Anderson, PhD
Whitney M. Young Professor Emeritus,
The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
Chief Economic Advisor, National Urban League

Payroll employment rose 303,000 in March and the unemployment rate changed little at 8.3 percent.  The labor force participation rate edged up to 62.7 percent, reflecting increased participation of women and immigrants.

There was a demographic split in the employment experience of two major racial groups: The number of Black employed declined 204,000 while white employment grew 601,000. Similarly, unemployment edged up slightly among Black workers, but declined among White workers. As a result, the Black/White unemployment disparity edged upward to 1.88, still below the persistent 2:1 ratio.

Average hourly earnings rose 0.3% to $34.69; average weekly hours remained unchanged at 34.1, producing average weekly earnings of $1,193.34.