Civil rights, democracy hits put Black America in 'state of emergency,' National Urban League says

Since taking office Jan. 20, President Donald Trump has issued executive orders that forced businesses, schools, universities and state and federal agencies to dismantle all diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

Describing Black America as in a “state of emergency,” the National Urban League said the directives show the federal government is “determined to sacrifice its founding principles—equality, liberty, and justice—rather than accept the truth of a diversifying nation and deliver equitable opportunity for all.’’

The National Urban League, a civil rights and advocacy organization focused on economic empowerment of Black and other underserved communities, released its annual State of Black America 2025 report Thursday morning at its conference in Cleveland.

In an executive summary, it credits the Voting Rights Act of 1965 with the “true birth of American democracy.” But the federal government under Trump has “set fire to policies and entire departments dedicated to protecting civil and human rights, providing access to an equal education, fair housing, safe and effective healthcare, and ensuring that our democratic process is adhered to across the nation,” the executive summary said.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/07/17/civil-rights-democracy-hits-put-black-america-in-state-of-emergency-national-urban-league-says/