State of Black America

The National Urban League released its annual “State of Black America” report. Speakers at the event addressed economic equality, education, and criminal justice reform. National Urban League President Marc Morial said black America is moving backwards in terms of equality, comparing current concerns to those in 1976. Mr. Morial introduced a solution called the “Main Street Marshall Plan” that would require a $1 trillion commitment over the next five years, and provide investments in early childhood education, small business, and youth employment programs. He also called for a federal living wage of $15 per hour, saying it would lift thousands out of poverty and inject billions of dollars into the national economy. close