National Urban League Declares 'State of Emergency' for Civil Rights

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 latest "State of Black America" report, which criticizes the federal government's actions under President Donald Trump, alleging systematic efforts to dismantle civil rights protections, economic equity, and educational diversity.

The report highlights concerns over the downsizing of federal agencies responsible for enforcing civil rights, suppression of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, and the promotion of a homogenous societal model. It also condemns major corporations, universities, law firms, and social media platforms for enabling discrimination or silencing Black voices. In response, the Urban League calls for a "new resistance" to safeguard democratic principles and civil liberties.

Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, emphasized the coordinated nature of these efforts, stating, "It is not random. It is a well-funded, well-organized, well-orchestrated movement of many, many years."

The Justice Department and the White House have defended their actions as constitutional and inclusive. Harrison Fields, a White House spokesman, stated that civil rights groups opposing the administration "aren’t advancing anything but hate and division, while the president is focused on uniting our country."

The NUL's declaration aligns with a series of nationwide protests and actions. On the fifth anniversary of civil rights leader John Lewis's death, tens of thousands participated in protests across the U.S., including in Metro Detroit, Arkansas, and Utah. These demonstrations aimed to honor Lewis's legacy and protest the Trump administration's policies.

In February 2025, the National Urban League, along with other civil rights organizations, filed a lawsuit challenging executive orders issued by President Trump that aimed to eliminate DEI programs and other civil rights protections.

The current civil rights challenges are reminiscent of past struggles. Five years after George Floyd's death in May 2020, the momentum for racial justice has diminished, with many corporate and governmental commitments to equity rolled back or abandoned. The NUL's report underscores the erosion of protections established by the Voting Rights Act, emphasizing the need to reclaim its promise.

The NUL's declaration and the accompanying report signal a critical juncture in the fight for civil rights. The perceived systematic dismantling of civil rights frameworks threatens decades of progress toward racial equality. The call for a "new resistance" reflects a growing movement among civil rights organizations and activists to counteract policies seen as regressive. The rollback of DEI initiatives and other protections disproportionately affects Black communities and other marginalized groups, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities.

The National Urban League's declaration of a "state of emergency" serves as a clarion call for renewed vigilance and action in the face of perceived threats to civil rights and democratic principles in the United States.