WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 9. 2025) — As the nation marks Digital Inclusion Week, the National Urban League is calling on U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Assistant Secretary Arielle Roth to reinstate the Digital Equity Act (DEA) grant programs and protect state flexibility to use BEAD non-deployment funds for workforce development, digital skills training, telehealth, and education as Congress originally intended.

“Digital inclusion is civil rights work, economic development work, and democracy work,” said Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League. “Infrastructure is only step one. True digital equity means ensuring that people, especially those in historically underserved communities, have the skills, tools, and support they need to connect, learn, and thrive.”

More than 200 community members, elected officials, and business and non-profit leaders attended the Commission on Racial and Structural Equity’s (RASE) 5th Anniversary Community Update today at the Rochester Educational Opportunity Center.

The event included presentations from community members who benefited from the implementation of the recommendations, highlights from Community Advancing Recommendation Teams (CART) on their work to advance the recommendations, and roundtable discussions to plan the next 5 years of work.

Read more about our partnership with TradeFutures, which helps underrepresented communities access jobs in the construction industry.

Founded in 1910 and based in New York City, the National Urban League (NUL) and National President Marc Morial support 93 affiliates in 36 states and D.C., serving 300 communities. Its programs, research, and advocacy improve the lives of over two million people nationwide.

Two of its most impactful affiliates are right here in Harlem and Newark: the New York Urban League  or NYUL (New York, NY) and the Urban League of Essex County  or ULEC (Newark, NJ). Born out of the Great Migration, NUL has consistently adapted to the evolving needs of Black communities—providing crucial support, advocating for systemic change, and empowering individuals to reach their potential.

From humble beginnings to today’s national reach, the Urban League’s commitment to uplifting underserved populations remains central to its mission.

 Mayor Steven L. Reed and William A. Barnes, President and CEO of the Urban League of Alabama (Birmingham, AL), have announced a significant expansion of Urban League programs into Montgomery. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for residents in workforce development, housing, education, small business support, health and community empowerment.

The Urban League, which has been active in Alabama for over 50 years, served more than 9,500 individuals in 2024 through various programs. The expansion in Montgomery seeks to bridge workforce gaps, promote financial empowerment, support youth and families, and advance equity and inclusion.

"Montgomery’s strength has always come from our people — their resilience, talent, and determination," said Mayor Reed. "By welcoming the Urban League’s expanded presence in our city, we are building new pathways to opportunity for families, entrepreneurs, and young people."

We demand action. Millions of Americans risk losing essential services if Congress fails to end the government shutdown. See what’s at stake. | Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This October, take a moment to check out updated facts, tips, and resources for Black + Brown communities. | Congratulations! Relive the moment as Marc H. Morial received the Vanguard Award from the National Conference of African American Thought Leaders. | What’s your reason for voting? Voting can change the trajectory of how laws are made in your community, future generations + beyond. Take the first step. | Learn, connect & do something. Take a look at our Do Something Reception, where we honored changemakers who inspire and uplift their communities. | Grab new merch! Our online store is open 24/7, allowing you to shop for official Urban League merchandise with just one click. Check it out.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“What is at the center of this fight? … 20 million Americans are going to see their health care costs skyrocket. Fifteen million people are going to be jettisoned from Medicaid. They're going to decimate Medicaid. This is historic. This has not happened in U.S. history. In addition, your hospitals were shut down. Nursing homes shut down, clinics.” – U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro

If the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits are allowed to expire, premium payments for the more than 20 million Marketplace enrollees will more than double in 2026.  At least 4 million Americans could lose health care coverage altogether.

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE DEMANDS END TO SHUTDOWN THAT THREATENS AMERICANS AND DEMOCRACY

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 1, 2025) — As the federal government shuts down, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued a grave warning about the destructive impact on Black, Brown, and working-class Americans and on the stability of our democracy itself.

“This shutdown is not a budget dispute. It is a direct attack on families, workers, and the institutions that safeguard our freedom,” Morial said. “The reckless refusal to govern threatens the very foundation of American life.”