National Urban League Declares "State of Emergency" for Democracy and Civil Rights in the U.S.

On July 17, 2025, during its annual conference in Cleveland, Ohio, the National Urban League (NUL) released its 49th annual "State of Black America" report, declaring a "state of emergency" for democracy and civil rights in the United States. The report, titled "State of Emergency: Democracy, Civil Rights, and Progress Under Attack," highlights a coordinated effort to reverse decades of progress for Black Americans.

The report outlines several key areas where civil rights and democratic principles are under threat:

Erosion of Civil Rights Protections

Since January 20, 2025, executive actions have systematically dismantled policies dedicated to protecting civil and human rights, including access to equal education, fair housing, and healthcare. The report states, "Almost daily, since January 20, 2025, the federal government, at the direction of the White House, has set fire to policies and entire departments dedicated to protecting civil and human rights."

Transformation of the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division

The Civil Rights Division has been repurposed from a guardian of justice into a tool for political retribution. The report notes that within weeks of the new administration taking power, "cases against election deniers who’ve tampered with the election equipment were dismissed and January 6th rioters were pardoned."

Entrenched Economic and Health Disparities

The report highlights persistent economic and health inequalities affecting Black Americans. Black household median income lags approximately 37% behind that of White households. Additionally, Black children have a life expectancy four years shorter than White children. Black women face a 59% higher mortality rate during childbirth, and Black men have a 52% higher mortality rate from prostate cancer.

Criminal Justice Inequities

Black individuals are subjected to police force twice as often as Whites and are incarcerated at three times the rate of Whites.

Intensified Voter Suppression Tactics

The report identifies gerrymandering, voter purging, election sabotage, and intimidation as tactics used to suppress Black voter turnout. In response, the NUL has launched the "Reclaim Your Vote" campaign to combat these suppression efforts.

In light of these findings, the NUL has initiated several strategic responses:

• Equitable Justice and Strategic Initiatives Division: A new division focused on legal challenges and advocacy to protect civil rights.

• 21 Pillars for Public Safety Framework: A comprehensive plan aimed at reforming public safety and policing practices.

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

Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "This is not business as usual. This is an emergency. The National Urban League urges vigilance, mobilization, solidarity, and support."

The National Urban League, founded in 1910, 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 underscores a significant regression in civil rights and democratic principles, posing a threat to the progress achieved over the past six decades. The identified disparities in economic status, health outcomes, and criminal justice highlight systemic issues that require immediate attention. The report serves as a call to action for policymakers, community leaders, and citizens to address these challenges and safeguard the rights and freedoms of all Americans.