Six people were honored Wednesday (April 10th) for enriching the lives of others in the Greater Cincinnati community.

The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio (Cincinnati, OH) held its 30th Glorifying the Lions Luncheon.

Each year, the Urban League honors distinguished leaders who have shown a commitment to serving the community and improved southwestern Ohio through their words, actions and deeds.

This year's honorees at the event included:

Your vote can make history. Discriminatory laws have driven Black voters from the polls, and it’s time for a change. Here’s how to #ReclaimYourVote. | Legacy Awards Gala. This week, Marc H. Morial was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Virginia Union University. Find out more. | Are you up to date? The latest COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective and can help to give your immune system a boost. Get vaxxed now. | In her own words. Read what former Secretary Marcia Fudge, who just retired after decades of service, has to say about fair and accessible housing. | Meet us in New Orleans! You don’t want to miss #NULConf24 this summer. Register now for four days of networking, Black excellence + more. | It’s time to get what you deserve. Register for our FREE webinar on Wednesday for tips on maximizing workplace benefits. | Funding our future. Join us in thanking Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for directing $4 million to our Urban Civil Rights Museum. Send a letter today.

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.