The Many Accomplices To The Killing Of Jordan Neely

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League
 

“His mental illness screamed of profits prioritized over people … His Blackness disquieted the American ideals and sensibilities that proclaim us all equal. His existence, on that train, on that day, exposed just how poorly America cares for her people and how poorly we care for one another.” -- Brittany Packnett Cunningham

One man faces charges of criminal manslaughter, but Jordan Neely’s death had many accomplices.

Ignorance and fear of mental illness.  Implicit racial bias.  A desperately inadequate health care system. Reckless and distorted political rhetoric about violent crime.

Jordan Neely didn’t fall through the cracks. The world where he existed is nothing but cracks.

Submitted bycmonteil@nul.org onThu, 05/18/2023 - 19:59

Marking Three Years Since George Floyd's Murder, Civil Rights Leaders Urge Passage of His Namesake Act

Marking Three Years Since George Floyd's Murder, Legacy Civil Rights Leaders Urge Passage of His Namesake Justice in Policing Act to Bring Accountability to Law Enforcement 

National Urban League, National Action Network, NAACP, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and National Council of Negro Women: “We need police accountability and demand that Congress pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act now.”

Submitted byiamempowered onThu, 05/18/2023 - 16:36

MLK Park: Summer basketball teaching life lessons, reducing community violence

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Two elementary students brought guns to Grand Rapids Public Schools within one week— one of the guns was loaded. The news hits Derrick "Coach O" Owens, Urban League's Director for the Center for Education Innovation and Youth Development, especially hard.
Submitted byrwilliams@nul.org onWed, 05/17/2023 - 13:52

National Urban League Partners with Experian to Launch Financial Literacy Initiative

NEW YORK (May 15, 2023) - A high dollar contract isn’t a slam dunk to a rich life. More than 60% of professional athletes end up broke within five years of their retirement. Financial and credit education, and equitable access to financial tools are the drivers behind the new B.A.L.L. for Life program, a partnership with the National Urban League and Experian, the leading global information services company.

Submitted bymgenaotemp@nul.org onMon, 05/15/2023 - 14:03

Urban League of West Michigan Uses Hoops for Hope

GRAND RAPIDS (May 15, 2023) – The Urban League of West Michigan (Grand Rapids, MI) is hoping to bring hope to youth this summer.

With the news that two elementary school students brought guns to school, one which is loaded, the Urban League is determined to help the community.

Derrick “Coach O” Owens, Director for the Center of Education Innovation and Youth Development at the Urban League, was beyond distressed at the news.

“Disappointing. Adults are not doing their job. Simply put,” he said.

But the Urban League is fighting back.

Submitted bymgenaotemp@nul.org onMon, 05/15/2023 - 14:01