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.

“By underfunding public HBCUs and denying the value of Black students on non-HBCU campuses, these extremists are making very clear the kinds of students they do and don’t want to succeed.  They also are the same ones waging war on the teaching of our nation’s full history. But if we studied that history they seek to quash, we would know that the news out of Tennessee is just the latest example of conservatives rejecting the notion that Black people possess the capacity for self-governance.” – Gevin Reynolds

RICHMOND, VA (April 4, 2024) -- Virginia Union University will present National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial with a Lifetime Achievement Award at its 9th annual Legacy Award Gala at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Friday.

“Virginia Union has upheld a renowned tradition of excellence and opportunity for more than a century and a half, and I am honored by this recognition,” Morial said. “The National Urban League is proud to share VUU’s values and a common mission of challenging and empowering young people to become the leaders of tomorrow.”

 The Legacy Awards celebrate exceptional individuals whose contributions have left a profound mark on the community, symbolizing excellence.  The other honorees are:
 

In an exclusive sit-down, Kevin E. Hooks unveils Dino Browne’s transformative path from his Bronx, New York, beginnings to business brilliance

Business owner Terrell Dillard said his two companies "were busting at the seams" when he went out for a six-figure loan in 2022. The former banking executive knew the commercial lending landscape but didn't take the usual route. Instead, he turned to the Urban League of Greater Cleveland and its UBIZ Venture Capital fund.

Several employers from various industries attended the second annual Diversity Career Fair hosted by the Urban League of Kansas (Wichita, KS). Employers met with job seekers to discuss career opportunities and job openings in their business sectors.

Wichita State University, Cox, Dillons, Spirit Aerosystems, Emprise Bank, Capital Federal and Vermillion, Inc. were in attendance to speak with anyone interested in potential employment.

The Urban League of Kansas says it strives to provide solutions that assist the urban community in achieving economic self-reliance and an improved quality of life through access to education, resources, and opportunities. The goal of the Diversity Career Fair is to connect potential applicants with employers and decrease the number of people struggling to find work.

A voter registration booth was also available to help residents sign up to vote in the upcoming election.

NEW YORK (April 2, 2024) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial today commended Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand for directing $4 million in Community Development Funds to the Urban Civil Rights Museum in Harlem, scheduled to open next year in the League’s new headquarters.

“Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have been among the National Urban League’s most valuable allies from the inception of the Urban Empowerment Center complex,” Morial said. “This investment not only helps to create permanent, family-sustaining jobs and transform an underserved community, it will help us tell the often-neglected story of the Civil Rights Movement in the North.”

The allocation will cover the both the final phase of interior construction for the museum as well as the creation of the museum’s exhibits, including media production and installation.

The rhetoric surfaced on social media almost immediately.  “Is this another preventable accident or was this intentional act due to a DEI hire?”

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Several employers from various industries attended the second annual Diversity Career Fair hosted by the Urban League of Kansas. Employers met with job seekers to discuss career opportunities and job openings in their business sectors.

The Urban League of the Upstate has partnered with the Upstate Area Health Education Center and chosen its inaugural cohort for its McClaren AHEC Scholars program.