Teens and their families were met with a red carpet and photo shoots at a private showing of a documentary about their program.

The Columbus Urban League’s (Columbus, OH) Work Readiness Training University program wrapped up for the summer, and celebrated in style at Lennox Town Center.

“We had over 417 young people participate in the program this summer,” Vice President Charity Martin-King said.

The program began just over 15 years ago, in an effort to provide paid, real-life work experience for teens in Columbus from low-income families and backgrounds.

The Urban League said around 2,000 teens expressed interest in the program this year. More than 600 of them applied, and just over 400 were accepted.

Gabriel Eshun is a senior at Canal Winchester. He said he wasn’t sure about the program at first, but said it’s been a lot of fun getting to do things outside of what he would consider normal.

The Chicago Urban League (Chicago, IL) has chosen 47 of the city’s emerging leaders for the 2025 class of its IMPACT Leadership Development Program The intensive nine-month program works with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business to provide Black professionals with the tools and skills needed to take on greater leadership roles in their workplaces and within Chicago’s civic community.

Since its inception in 2014, IMPACT has drawn fellows from across corporate, government and nonprofit sectors. The Class of 2025 boasts a record number of individuals working with diverse populations across the field of education, in addition to a growing representation of entrepreneurs and founding executive directors. IMPACT applicants are nominated by their employer, and Fellows are selected through a rigorous application process.

Staff from the National Urban League and the Urban League of Hampton Roads (Norfolk, VA) attended the Celebration of Reading event hosted by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. This event featured musical performers, authors, spoken word artists, and activities designed to push back against book bans and inspire kids to read.  

Remembering a trailblazer. Read the Morial family's statement as they mourn the passing of their mother and grandmother, Mrs. Sybil Haydel Morial, a civil rights activist and champion who touched countless lives. | #NeverForget. Wednesday marks 23 years since the 9/11 attacks that changed our nation. We will continue to honor the almost 3,000 lives lost. | Don't underestimate the threat. See how the indictment of Russian propagandists impacts the ongoing attack on Black voters. | Your vote can change lives. There’s less than two months before the next election, and the time is now to get your voting plan ready. Get started now. | Do you need to get vaxxed? The fall surge is coming, and updated vaccines are available to boost your immune system. Find out more. | Meet us in DC! Don't miss our September 12 briefing on how Project 2025 could impact Black college students, race in college admissions, and more. | A reception to remember. Join the celebration as we honor the iconic Erika Alexander & Congressional Black Caucus Executive Director Vincent Evans! | Relive the moments. See how young leaders from across the nation gathered at our Youth Leadership Summit to learn, connect & use their powerful voices. | Workforce Development Month. If you’re looking for a new career or to advance your current skillset, our training programs are for you. Learn more. | 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

NEW ORLEANS  (September 4, 2024) – The Morial family today announced the passing of their mother and grandmother, Sybil Haydel Morial, and issued the following statement.

"Words cannot express our sorrow at the loss of our beloved matriarch and guiding star.  Our grief is tempered by our overwhelming gratitude for her life, her wisdom, and her love.

"Like many women of the Civil Rights Era, she was the steel in the movement’s spine. From the moment she met our late father, Ernest “Dutch” Morial, they were joined in the fight for justice and equality.  She confronted the hard realities of Jim Crow with unwavering courage and faith, which she instilled not only in her own children but in every life she touched.

Saluting workers. This Labor Day, we honor the unwavering commitment of workers everywhere. Thank you for all you do to keep our communities going. | Your vote matters. With restrictive voting laws on the rise, it's clear the John Lewis Voting Rights Act is urgently needed to protect our votes. Read more. | Greetings from Wisconsin! The Urban League of Greater Madison’s newly-launched Black Business Hub offers entrepreneurs financial and mentorship services, and a space to scale their businesses. Check out scenes from the ribbon cutting. | Protect your immune system. Staying updated on your vaccines can protect you from COVID-19, RSV, and the flu. Here’s what you need to know. | How do you feel about AI? Register for our FREE webinar on Wednesday as we discuss the future of AI in the workplace and how it will impact jobs. | Calling all changemakers! The Congressional Advocacy Program is back, and we're looking for the next cohort of leaders. Find out more + apply today. | Catch the gems. Watch as we discuss how you can #ReclaimYourVote, the upcoming election's impact on our nation + more.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“As long as some among us are oppressed--and we are part of that oppression--it must blunt our faith and sap the strength of our high purpose. Thus, this is a victory for the freedom of the American Negro. But it is also a victory for the freedom of the American Nation. And every family across this great, entire, searching land will live stronger in liberty, will live more splendid in expectation, and will be prouder to be American because of the act that you have passed that I will sign today.” – President Lyndon B. Johnson, on signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965

Last week in Chicago, the National Urban League joined with the Brennan Center and Democracy SENTRY for a conversation on voting rights.