From the President’s Desk:
On Wednesday, the National Urban League Washington Bureau and the National Urban League Urban Solutions Council held our post-election forum – ‘A Temperature Check: What Do the Midterm Elections Mean for African-Americans and Other People of Color?’ at The Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Following Election Day, we considered it vital to explore next steps regarding solutions for our communities around issues including housing, workforce and healthcare. During my remarks to our audience, I stressed the three D’s that will be of critical importance moving forward.
First – Defend Democracy. We had a civic exercise in voting this week, and while most of our gains in voting rights took place during the 20th Century, we find ourselves in a 21st Century environment of efforts to create undue restrictions that make it more difficult for people to vote. We cannot be a nation that preaches democracy all over the world, yet seeks to cut back on voting rights and civic and civil rights here at home.
Second, Demand Jobs. While we’ve had 50 months of continuous job creation, in many cities – especially urban inner city communities – Black unemployment rates are above 20%. It is the responsibility of the private sector and the government to be on the side of job creation. In fact, it is all of our responsibility, and we must demand a jobs agenda that touches every corner of every community in every neighborhood. It is insufficient to have a jobs policy that reaches some, yet leaves others behind.
Third, Develop Human Capital. Simply put, from the time children are born – from their earliest involvement in education to their first jobs – we must talk about and put forward policies and programs towards education, jobs, ownership, and healthcare, and foster understanding of how they are all integrated to develop the best individuals and citizenry possible.
When we talk about these issues, our conversation is not around theoretical policy, but helping people get access in a real way…and regardless of what the polls say or who sits in Congress or the White House, we will never stop the work that we do to positively impact the lives of millions of Americans.
Marc H. Morial
President and CEO
National Urban League
Following Election Day, we considered it vital to explore next steps regarding solutions for our communities around issues including housing, workforce and healthcare. During my remarks to our audience, I stressed the three D’s that will be of critical importance moving forward.
First – Defend Democracy. We had a civic exercise in voting this week, and while most of our gains in voting rights took place during the 20th Century, we find ourselves in a 21st Century environment of efforts to create undue restrictions that make it more difficult for people to vote. We cannot be a nation that preaches democracy all over the world, yet seeks to cut back on voting rights and civic and civil rights here at home.
Second, Demand Jobs. While we’ve had 50 months of continuous job creation, in many cities – especially urban inner city communities – Black unemployment rates are above 20%. It is the responsibility of the private sector and the government to be on the side of job creation. In fact, it is all of our responsibility, and we must demand a jobs agenda that touches every corner of every community in every neighborhood. It is insufficient to have a jobs policy that reaches some, yet leaves others behind.
Third, Develop Human Capital. Simply put, from the time children are born – from their earliest involvement in education to their first jobs – we must talk about and put forward policies and programs towards education, jobs, ownership, and healthcare, and foster understanding of how they are all integrated to develop the best individuals and citizenry possible.
When we talk about these issues, our conversation is not around theoretical policy, but helping people get access in a real way…and regardless of what the polls say or who sits in Congress or the White House, we will never stop the work that we do to positively impact the lives of millions of Americans.
Marc H. Morial
President and CEO
National Urban League
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