Authors/Essays

State of Black America Authors and Essays

Each edition of the State of Black America contains thoughtful commentary and insightful analysis from leading figures and thought leaders in politics, the corporate arena, NGOs, academia and popular culture. Learn more about the dynamic authors who contributed essays spanning from education and entrepreneurship to media and social justice. 

 

We Shall Overcome: HBCUs > COVID-19

Since their establishment 182 years ago, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have provided African American students with the best avenue, and, for some, the only path to a college degree.  Despite this, arguments for and against the existence of HBCUs have been debated since the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Off Track: How COVID-19 Derailed Black Employment Gains

Imagine, for a moment, an old-school freight train. Now imagine that freight train as a stand in for the economy with African Americans relegated to the caboose. When the train speeds up, so does the caboose. And when the train slows down, the caboose does likewise. Unfortunately, no matter how quickly or slowly the train travels, because the caboose is the last car on the train, it perpetually travels well behind the engine.

From the President's Desk

Our rights are under attack by forces that are clever, sinister, diabolical, and intentional; and their allies run from the Supreme Court of the United States, to state legislatures all across the nation and around the globe, to allies inside the Russian Federation.

Getting to Equal

As chairman of the National Urban League’s board of trustees, the board and I are pleased to present to you “Getting 2 Equal: United Not Divided,” the 2019 edition of the State of Black America®.

This year’s report highlights the continuing need of American communities and cities to engage in and prioritize bipartisan solutions to persistent and emerging problems, especially in the areas of civil rights, social justice, and inclusion. While these remain our country’s shared challenges, they also present our nation with transformative opportunities.

Transforming America: A Roadmap for the Future 

In our country, if you work hard, you ought to be able to take care of yourself and the people you love. That should be the fundamental promise of America. This is deeply personal to me because I got a real taste of opportunity: my father ended up as a janitor, but I got to be a public school teacher, law professor, a United States Senator, and a candidate for president. I’m deeply grateful, and I’m running for president because I want every kid to have a chance to build a future.

Protecting the Most Fundamental Right We Have: The Right to Vote

What is the state of Black America?  To answer this often-repeated question, it is vital to assess the state of progress in areas like economic parity, jobs and justice, fair housing, criminal justice reform as well as advances in politics, business and elsewhere.  Ironically, one area that often gets overlooked happens to be one of the most fundamental rights we share as Americans: the right to vote.

To Be in That Number: Black America and the 2020 Census

On the one hand—on an almost daily basis—we are (happily) inundated with stories of the various achievements our people continue to make. Each achievement is a cause for celebration, proof of progress, and another milepost on our march to reshape history. In my own case—at 300 years young—the city of New Orleans elevated a woman to its highest office, making me the first female mayor of the Big Easy. I have often noted that while I am proud to be the first, I take greater pride in knowing that I will not be the last.

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