National Urban League

The League represents the American chapter in the North American Partnership for Equity and Racial Justice, and is a historic civil rights organization advancing economic empowerment, racial equity, and social justice. Since 1910, it has worked across the United States through a network of 90 affiliates in 37 states and the District of Columbia. Rooted in community engagement and policy advocacy, the League drives education, job training, housing, health, and entrepreneurship initiatives that improve quality of life and expand opportunities for African Americans and other historically marginalized communities.  The League spearheads the development of social programs and public policy research, and advocates for policies and services that close the equality gap. At the community level, the National Urban League and its affiliates provide direct services that improve the lives of more than two million people annually.

Here is just some of the League’s ground-breaking work that addresses the urgent issues in today’s America:

State of Black America 2024 – The Civil Rights Act: 60 Years Later (Report) 

Now in its 48th edition, this report reflects on the Civil Rights Act of 1964—a landmark law that began dismantling America’s racial caste system by banning discrimination in employment, housing, and federally funded programs. Sixty years later, civil and human rights have been rolled back or limited. The report analyzes the significance of each title, and it unpacks the threats to the freedoms protected by the law and offers perspectives on strengthening civil rights protections for a future America.

Defend Democracy – Demand Diversity – Defeat Poverty 

The current administration has dramatically accelerated the rollback of civil and human rights in America. Impacted in particular were reproductive rights, voting rights, affirmative action, the right to seek asylum, as well as academic freedom, freedom of the media, and the right to liberty and personal security. The administration’s push to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts continues to threaten and undermine all equity work. At this critical inflection point, the National Urban League’s Defend Democracy – Demand Diversity – Defeat Poverty Initiative offers a framework for collective action grounded in justice, employment, education, housing, and healthcare.

George Floyd – Five Years Later (Report) 

Five years after George Floyd’s murder, the report examines the ways in which government, institutions, advocates, and the business community mobilized in the five years since George Floyd’s death to advance policing reform and racial justice. It also traces how the commitment to accountability subsequently not only dried up but been reversed itself with a vengeance with the rise of political and cultural backlash. And it is posing an essential question at a critical moment: Did we seize the moment to build a lasting movement, or did we squander the chance for transformative change?

Main Street Tax Initiative: A Bold and Equitable Plan 

The policies of the current administration and the chaos of their reckless application threaten to catastrophically derail the American economy and to widen existing income and wealth gaps. In response, the League launched the Main Street Tax Initiative in May 2025: A bold, comprehensive and equitable ten-point plan to reform tax policy, uplift undercapitalized communities and drive inclusive economic growth.