National Urban League Declares 'State of Emergency' Over Civil Rights Threats

On October 19, 2025, the National Urban League (NUL) released its 49th annual "State of Black America" report, titled "State of Emergency: Democracy, Civil Rights, and Progress Under Attack." The report declares a "state of emergency" for democracy and civil rights in the United States, highlighting a coordinated effort to reverse decades of progress for Black Americans.

The report outlines several key threats, including the systematic rollback of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the dismantling of affirmative action by the Supreme Court, and state-level actions restricting voting access. It also addresses the transformation of the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division and the rise of digital extremism.

Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, stated, "We are witnessing something more than policy shifts. We are watching an attempt to turn back the clock to an era when the full humanity of all Americans was not recognized—when the idea of true equality was treated as a threat to the social order."

The report criticizes the current administration for repurposing the Civil Rights Division into a tool for political retribution, undermining its original mission to protect civil rights. It also highlights the proliferation of hate speech and misinformation on social media platforms, which has contributed to the spread of digital extremism and poses a threat to democratic discourse.

The NUL underscores the potential regression in civil rights and democratic principles, emphasizing that the current trajectory could lead to increased disenfranchisement and marginalization of Black communities. In response, the organization has initiated legal challenges, advocacy, and community organizing efforts to combat these issues.

Founded in 1910, the National Urban League is a historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization with 90 affiliates serving 300 communities. It provides direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than two million people nationwide.

The NUL's declaration of a "state of emergency" is unprecedented in its history, signaling the severity of the current threats to civil rights and democracy. While previous reports have highlighted challenges, this year's report emphasizes a coordinated and deliberate effort to reverse progress.

The report serves as a call to action, urging immediate measures to counter these threats through legal challenges, advocacy, and community organizing. The NUL emphasizes the importance of defending civil rights and democratic principles to ensure equitable opportunities for all Americans.