National Urban League Declares 'State of Emergency' for U.S. Democracy and Civil Rights

In July 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 concerted effort to reverse decades of progress for Black Americans.

The NUL's report criticizes the federal government's actions under President Donald Trump, accusing it of undermining civil rights protections, economic equity, and educational diversity. It underscores concerns over the systematic rollback of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the transformation of the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, and the rise of digital extremism.

One of the primary concerns detailed in the report is the systematic dismantling of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The NUL expresses alarm over legislative actions that suppress and minimize Black voices and votes, emphasizing the need for vigilance and mobilization to defend voting rights.

The report also highlights the transformation of the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, stating it has been "hollowed out and repurposed" from a guardian of justice into a tool for political retribution. This shift raises concerns about the enforcement of civil rights protections and the impartiality of the justice system.

Additionally, the NUL warns of a rise in digital extremism, noting that during the 2024 election cycle, accounts supporting progressive candidates were blocked and shadow-banned without explanation. This trend mirrors rights rollbacks occurring in courts and legislatures, posing challenges to free speech and the safety of marginalized communities online.

The report also highlights a coordinated backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Far-right extremists have reframed these policies as "woke" and anti-American, leading to lawsuits against organizations with diversity and equity programs. This backlash threatens to reverse progress made in promoting inclusivity and equal opportunity.

Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, stated, "A democracy willing to destroy itself rather than deliver justice is a democracy in crisis." He emphasized the need for vigilance, mobilization, and solidarity to defend rights and democratic principles.

The report references Project 2025, a conservative blueprint coordinated by The Heritage Foundation, advising approaches to federal worker layoffs, immigration enforcement, and legislative strategies similar to the Trump administration's current policies. The NUL condemns this as part of a deliberate effort to dismantle civil rights frameworks.

This is not the first time the National Urban League has declared a "state of emergency." In 2022, the organization issued a similar warning, highlighting efforts to undermine democracy by disenfranchising and intimidating voters, especially targeting Black and brown communities. The 2025 report, however, presents a more urgent and comprehensive critique of current federal actions.

The National Urban League's 2025 "State of Black America" report serves as a critical alert to the nation, emphasizing the need for collective action to protect and advance civil rights and democratic principles in the face of current challenges.