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.

CHARLOTTE (May 15, 2023) – The Urban League of Central Carolinas (Charlotte, NC) is giving women the chance to expand their job opportunities.

Registration will be open for Environmental Protection Agency 608, a month-long course open to women who are already working within the HVAC, property management, or maintenance. The training is also open for those who would like to learn a new skill.

The Urban League’s Tinzelow Baldwin said, “A certification is the foundation, the basis. You cannot handle refrigerant or Freon or work in the industry without it. One of the things we wanted to do here is for property mangers or people who may already working in the field is to get them excited to open up the door to more women that they can do it.”

DAYTON (May 15, 2023) – The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio (Cincinnati, OH) helped two dozen minority- and women-owned businesses with much-needed financial help.

With the help of the city of Dayton, the Urban League was able to launch a relief fund that awards micro-grants to minority-and women-owned businesses.

The micro-grants are a part of the Dayton Resiliency Fund, which launched in February.

Since that time, the Urban League has been able to award over twenty micro-grants to businesses, ranging from $1,000 – $10,000.

To qualify, businesses had to be six-months old, and had to explain how the pandemic affected their business’ finances.

To our unsung heroes. This Mother’s Day is dedicated to all moms + mother figures whose love, strength, and guidance help sustain our communities. | It’s time to act. Gun violence has claimed 15,000 lives so far this year and police violence is still a major threat. Here’s what we’re doing about the issues. | Are you vaxxed? COVID-19 is no longer considered a national emergency, and vaccine + booster guidelines are changing. Here’s what you need to know. | Prioritizing minority-owned businesses. Watch as our President & CEO Marc H. Morial and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg discuss steps to remove barriers for entrepreneurs of color and expand access and opportunities. | Saving lives through CPR. See how the Urban League of Louisiana helped local Black-owned biz CPR with Mia serve more communities of color. | Catch the replay. Watch U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, mayors & other leaders address violence prevention and public safety strategies. | Register before prices go up on June 1st! Join us in Houston for four epic days of Black excellence, networking, and events you don’t want to miss. | Donate today. Our 2023 State of Black America report shows that our democracy is in peril and we need you to stand with us against extremism.

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: “Together We Stand Against Fearmongers”

Event Description: Failure is temporary, but success can be forever. Remain resilient on and off the clock learn how to stay encouraged with Award-Winning Poet, Educational Consultant & Mental Health Advocate, Frank Brady and Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging Executive and Bestselling Author, Kimberly S. Reed.

Date: May 10th

Time: 12pm EST

Event Registration Link here

LOS ANGELES (May 8, 2023) – The Los Angeles Urban League (Los Angeles, CA) is setting up to host the Annual Whitney M. Young Awards Gala next week.

The gala, which will be held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, will be on Thursday, May 18th.

The honorees this year include Martin Muoto, founder and managing partner of SOLA Impact Fund, who will receive the Trailblazer Award; Sekou Kaalund, executive vice president at U.S. Bank, who will receive the Corporate Partner Award; and Paula Madison, CEO of Madison Entertainment Group, will receive the titular Whitney M. Young,

The gala is the Urban League’s major fundraiser; it has been sold out for several weeks.

LOUISVILLE (May 8, 2023) – The Louisville Urban League (Louisville, KY) kicked off Kentucky Derby weekend in a grand fashion by hosting their annual gala.

The gala, held on Wednesday, May 3rd at the Norton Sports and Learning Campus, is the Urban League’s biggest fundraiser.

Interim President Lyndon Pryor said this event is all about the League.

He said, “This is our major fundraiser, so we are going to talk about the work, and hope people support the work and what we are doing; trying to transform this community and make it a more equable place for everybody.”

COLUMBUS (May 8, 2023) – The Columbus Urban League (Columbus, OH) is leading the effort in supporting Black women making a difference in the community.

The Urban League is celebrating three women in their “HerStory Makers” event. This event honors those individuals who dedicate their lives to service to their community.

According to the Urban League, this year’s honorees are truly community leaders, who serve as inspiration to the city.

This year, the Urban League will honor Vinita Clements, who is the executive vice president and chief human resources officer for Nationwide; LC Johnson, a writer, entrepreneur, and activist; and Maude Hill, with a longtime community activist and social justice advocate.