Bernard E. Anderson, Ph D
Senior Economic Adviser, National Urban League, and
Whitney M. Young, Jr. Professor emeritus, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

January’s Jobs Report showing 143,000 new jobs shows a strong labor market moving forward in a stable, balanced growing economy.

Employment grew for both Black and White workers, but Black unemployment rose slightly while White unemployment remained little changed. As a result, the Black/White unemployment differential edged up to 1.77, still below the previously persistent 2:1 ratio.  Average hourly wages grew 0.5 percent to $ 35.87.

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (St. Louis, MO) and Regional Business Council are partnering with Home Depot on a “Neighborhood Public Safety Upgrade Initiative.”

The program will help bring advanced technology to the community to address public safety, according to James Clark, Urban League vice president of public safety.

During each quarter of 2025, 100 residents in areas identified as high crime sectors will get Ring doorbell cameras as well as motion sensory lights, adding an extra layer of protection.

The home security program spans St. Louis, St. Louis County, East St. Louis, and Cahokia Heights.

“Law enforcement plays an especially important role. Now, we’re looking at how do we empower neighborhood residents, and asking, ‘what can we do to pull neighborhood residents in?”’ said Clark during a press conference at the Urban League headquarters.

The Greater Washington Urban League or GWUL (Washington, D.C.) is proud to announce GIANT FOOD as the presenting sponsor of its prestigious annual Whitney M. Young Jr. Gala: Honoring Those with Courage Under Fire. The Gala will take place on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 6.30 PM EST at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. This year’s Gala promises an evening of inspiration, and community impact. It will celebrate transformative change makers and commemorate GWUL’s historic milestones.

The Urban League of Broward County or ULBC (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), marking its 50th anniversary of service and community impact, is proud to announce a generous donation from Coca-Cola  Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida), a long-time partner of the organization.

This important donation will give 20 new Chromebooks to the Urban League’s National Achievers Society (NAS) students. This will help them have the tools they need to do well in the upcoming Florida Brain Bowl Competition.

On Thursday, February 6th from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Urban League of Greater Hartford (Hartford, CT) will host the 2025 Black History Celebration: A Legacy Revealed | Expressions of Hope event at the Mark Twain House & Museum on 351 Farmington Ave. in Hartford, featuring vendors, food, entertainment, the 2025 Legacy Honors Awards and music, poetry, and dance.

The annual free event, made possible by Title Legacy Sponsor Liberty Bank and other institutional partners, is in its 10th year of showcasing the achievements and contributions of African American, Afro-Caribbean, and Afro-Latino cultures in the Capital Region through interactive exhibits, inspiring performances, and reflections of history.

Our history is here to stay. As we honor Black America's powerful impact on the very fabric of this nation, see how we're taking a strong stand for diversity. | Contact Congress. There are legal limits to presidential power that must be adhered to. Urge your elected officials to act on behalf of millions of Americans! | Diversity in the NFL. As you prep for the Super Bowl, see how opening the doors of opportunity for athletes of color has raised standards in sports. | #DemandDiversity. Get the key facts you may not know about what DEI is, its role in the workplace, and more. Share with your tribe! | DEI is non-negotiable. Marc H. Morial affirmed during our Demand Diversity Roundtable that America’s strength is its diversity. More on that. | Let’s talk facts. Take a look at how Trump’s recent executive orders about immigration may impact you or your loved ones, compiled by our partner BAJI. | Looking for a new job? Our FREE virtual career fair is right around the corner! Start prepping your resume and register now. | Meet us in Cleveland! Have you registered for #NULConf25? Check out our epic lineup of events and secure your registration today.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“This is the thing people seem to have intentionally forgotten: that discrimination is real and prevents qualified people from getting opportunities that they would otherwise have and the goal of DEI is to prevent that as much as possible. But there are plenty of influential people on the intellectual right who see outlawing this kind of discrimination as a fundamental perversion of what the political order is supposed to be .. which should tell you something about what the crusade against DEI actually was all about. It wasn't about restoring merit. It wasn't about fairness. It was about removing undesirable classes of people from the competition pool for jobs that bring high pay and high status.” – Jamelle Bouie

Of the many lies behind the current assault on racial justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, the most vicious is that DEI policies lower standards.