National Urban League Declares 'State of Emergency' for Civil Rights in the U.S.

On July 17, 2025, during its annual conference in Cleveland, Ohio, the National Urban League (NUL) declared a "state of emergency" for civil rights in the United States. This announcement coincided with the release of their 49th annual "State of Black America" report, which critically examines the current administration's policies and their impact on civil rights advancements.

The report, titled "State of Emergency: Democracy, Civil Rights, and Progress Under Attack," highlights several pressing concerns:

• Dismantling of Civil Rights Protections: The NUL accuses the federal government of actively working to reverse decades of progress for Black Americans by undermining civil rights frameworks.

• Suppression of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policies: The administration is criticized for efforts to suppress DEI initiatives, which are essential for promoting equitable opportunities across various sectors.

• Promotion of a Homogeneous Societal Model: The report warns against attempts to impose a uniform education system and workforce that marginalizes those who do not conform to a narrow, exclusionary mold.

Marc H. Morial, President of the National Urban League, emphasized the gravity of the situation:

"A democracy willing to destroy itself rather than deliver justice is a democracy in crisis."

He further stated:

"This is not business as usual. This is an emergency. The National Urban League urges vigilance, mobilization, solidarity, and support."

Founded in 1910, the National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment, equality, and social justice for African Americans and other underserved communities. The "State of Black America" report, first published in 1976, serves as a critical benchmark for assessing racial equality across various sectors, including economics, employment, education, health, housing, criminal justice, and civic participation.

The 2025 report specifically critiques the administration under President Donald Trump for:

• Downsizing Federal Agencies: The administration is accused of reducing the capacity of agencies responsible for enforcing civil rights policies.

• Suppressing DEI Policies: Efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are highlighted as detrimental to societal progress.

• Promoting a Homogeneous Workforce: The administration's policies are seen as attempts to create a uniform workforce that excludes marginalized groups.

In response to these challenges, the National Urban League has initiated several actions:

• Equitable Justice and Strategic Initiatives Division: This division focuses on legal challenges and advocacy to protect civil rights.

• 21 Pillars for Public Safety Framework: A comprehensive plan aimed at promoting equitable public safety measures.

• Fair Budget Coalition: An initiative advocating for a just and inclusive federal budget for the fiscal year 2026.

Additionally, the NUL, in collaboration with organizations like Lambda Legal and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, has filed lawsuits challenging executive orders that target diversity and equity.

The declaration of a "state of emergency" underscores the NUL's concerns about the potential rollback of civil rights advancements. The report serves as a call to action, urging communities to remain vigilant and mobilized in defense of democratic principles and civil liberties.

While the NUL has previously highlighted challenges in civil rights, the 2025 declaration marks one of the most urgent warnings in recent history. The organization's proactive stance reflects a heightened sense of urgency in response to perceived threats to civil rights and democratic institutions.

The National Urban League's 2025 "State of Black America" report and the accompanying declaration of a "state of emergency" serve as a critical call to action. They highlight the perceived threats to civil rights and democracy, urging collective efforts to safeguard the progress achieved over the past decades.