ReMarcs Newsletter - May 20, 2023

Black Lives Matter. Today, on what would’ve been Michael Brown’s 27th birthday, we are still demanding police reform. Here’s how you can take action. | Justice for Jordan Neely. Fear of mental illness, racial bias, and inadequate healthcare all played a role in Neely’s death. More on his tragic life & killing. | COVID-19 is still here. Staying up to date with your vaccines is still the first line of defense to protect yourself from COVID-19. Find out more. | Congrats, 2023 graduates! Watch as Marc H. Morial shares words of encouragement & wisdom with Southern University’s graduating class. | The price is going up! Secure our current rate for the National Urban League Conference by registering today before the price increases on June 1st. | Don’t miss the gems. Hear community leaders and many others as they discuss solutions to build just, healthy, resourced & restored communities. | Uplifting Black-owned businesses. See how the Houston Area Urban League helped local biz, A D Welding, develop a strategic plan and secure contracts. | Mark your calendars! Register now for our webinar on Wednesday as we dive into how to lead with empathy to empower others in your life.

Submitted by rwilliams@nul.org on Sat, 05/20/2023 - 14:52

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 by cmonteil@nul.org on Thu, 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 by iamempowered on Thu, 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 by rwilliams@nul.org on Wed, 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 by mgenaotemp@nul.org on Mon, 05/15/2023 - 14:03