January-February 2026 — Urban League of San Diego County

As we step into a new year, January and February invite both renewal and reflection. The promise of 2026 reminds us that progress is not automatic—it is intentional. At the Urban League of San Diego County, we begin this year grounded in purpose, inspired by history, and committed to shaping an equitable future for all who call our region home.

January is marked by our observance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose birthday calls us not only to remember his words, but to recommit to his work. Dr. King challenged us to build what he called the “Beloved Community”—a society rooted in justice, equal opportunity, economic fairness, and mutual respect. His message remains as urgent today as it was during his lifetime.

Throughout this season, the Urban League President’s Office has had the honor of sharing reflections with faith leaders, civic partners, business leaders, and community members across San Diego County. In recent speeches and messages, we emphasized that Dr. King’s vision demands action—action to close economic gaps, action to strengthen families, and action to bring people together across differences. We invite you to review the links included in this newsletter to revisit those remarks and join us in carrying their message forward.

Economic opportunity remains central to our mission in 2026. From workforce development and small business support to housing stability and financial empowerment, we understand that strong families build strong communities. As economic pressures continue to impact working families, the Urban League remains focused on practical solutions that promote stability, dignity, and upward mobility for everyone.

Unity is not a slogan—it is a responsibility. In a time when division can feel louder than collaboration, we choose to lead with bridge-building. San Diego County’s strength lies in its diversity, and our progress depends on our willingness to listen, learn, and move forward together. The Urban League will continue to serve as a convener and catalyst, bringing together partners across sectors to address shared challenges and seize shared opportunities.

As we honor Dr. King and begin this new year, let us remember his reminder that “the time is always right to do what is right.” May 2026 be a year where we turn reflection into resolve and hope into action.

Thank you for standing with the Urban League of San Diego County. Together, we will continue to build a region where opportunity is not limited by zip code, income, or background—but shared by all.

In unity and service,

Al Abdallah

President & CEO

Urban League of San Diego County

Four local organizations receive a total of $710,000 in the second round of rapid-response housing grants as federal cuts increase housing strain on seniors and families across the region

The Urban League of San Diego County was one of the four organizations. The San Diego Foundation (SDF) and the Urban League of San Diego County (ULSDC) are introducing the Housing Financial Assistance Program (HFAP) to support residents who are at imminent risk of homelessness due to rental arrears or delinquent mortgage payments.

Through this program, we provided a one-time payment of up to $10,000 directly to the landlords or mortgage companies on behalf of eligible San Diego County residents.

This initiative is designed to promote housing stability, prevent homelessness, and help residents regain financial self-sufficiency. Please click here to review the release for more information.

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The Housing Financial Assistance Program (HFAP) is no longer accepting new applications at this time due to the high volume of applications and available funding.

If you have submitted an application and have not yet spoken with a case manager, a case manager will contact you no later than Friday, February 13, 2026, regarding your application status.

Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or financial assistance.

Residents are encouraged to continue paying their rent or mortgage, if able, to avoid eviction or foreclosure proceedings.



Please continue to check our website for updates on when the portal will reopen to accept applications.

The organization received $350,000 from the San Diego Foundation’s San Diego Unity Fund to support renters and homeowners at risk of homelessness through its Housing Financial Assistance Program.

Yasmeen Ludy

Multimedia Journalist

Email: yasmeen.ludy@10news.com

I was diagnosed with two different disabilities when I became pregnant last year, which caused me to have to take time off work to get infusions twice a week. Due to my being on intermittent LOA, I fell behind on bills, rent being one of them. My friend told me about this program that provides rental assistance (Urban League). Thanks to this program, I was able to become current on my rent and manage my bills while on Maternity leave. It feels good to be able to focus on my newborn with no worries until I go back to work. I want to thank them so much for helping me, with out this program there is no telling what situation i would have been in. 

TG

Medical Assistant

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Hi Jackie and Hector, 

Thank you so much for reaching out. I'm emailing you with wonderful news. I received a great job offer and will be starting a new position next week. I figured I would not qualify for the housing assistance we discussed because it will be another 2-3 weeks before I start earning stable income again. 

Although I didn't receive assistance, I am so grateful for your organization helping our community face financial hardships. I am so looking forward to getting back on my feet.

I was also approved for a loan modification from my mortgage company, and the payments (trial) will resume in February. I will reach out if I have questions or need further HUD counseling.

Thank you again for the work that you all do.

Warm regards,

DC

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Hello everyone,



I wanted to take a moment to share how much of a blessing it is to finally have my accessible bathroom completed. This upgrade has already made a meaningful difference in my daily life, and I can’t express how grateful I am for the comfort, safety, and independence it brings.

Thank you to each and every person who played a part in making this possible — whether through planning, approvals, construction, coordination, or support along the way. Your hard work and dedication didn’t just build a bathroom; you helped improve my quality of life in a very real way.

Please know how deeply I appreciate everything you’ve done. This project will have a lasting impact, and I’m truly thankful for all of you.

With gratitude,

Happy New Year 2026!

Bill

Help Us Recognize our New Board Members

Modern Immigration and DEI Policies: Progress in Name, Regression in Practice

BY HERMAN C. COLLINS, Public Affairs Consultant

URBAN LEAGUE OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Recent changes in immigration policies and the reduction of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives indicate a shift in ideological priorities: limiting access and reconsidering equity measures. These developments raise important discussions regarding national identity, civil rights, and the balance between security and inclusion within American society.

While America is often regarded as a progressive nation, current approaches to immigration and DEI sometimes conceal persistent systemic disparities under the guise of fairness. Although promoted as inclusive frameworks, these policies may emphasize perception over meaningful change, potentially restricting opportunities and impacting the country's economic growth.

Immigration: A Missed Economic Opportunity

Restrictive immigration policies have slowed labor force growth at a time when the economy needs workers. Lengthy visa backlogs, rigid quotas, and punitive enforcement measures harm families and deprive industries of essential talent. Historically, immigrants have powered U.S. growth—contributing trillions in economic activity and filling critical roles in technology, agriculture, and healthcare. Yet current policies favor elite, high-income applicants while excluding those who sustain everyday industries. This selective approach mirrors Jim Crow-era logic: legal frameworks that appear neutral but perpetuate systemic disadvantage. The result? Labor shortages, rising costs, and lost innovation.

DEI: Symbolism Without Substance

Corporate DEI programs promise inclusion but often deliver tokenism. Many initiatives serve as compliance checkboxes rather than transformative strategies. Hiring quotas without pathways to leadership or pay equity fail to dismantle structural barriers. When marginalized employees lack mentorship and advancement opportunities, businesses lose the diverse perspectives that drive creativity and competitiveness. Research consistently shows that companies with genuine inclusion outperform peers, yet progress remains slow because accountability is rare.

The Economic Cost of Regression

Both restrictive immigration and superficial DEI frameworks hinder workforce development and entrepreneurial growth. Immigration slowdowns reduce consumer spending and productivity, while performative DEI efforts waste billions without closing wage gaps or improving representation. These failures perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality—costing the economy innovation, talent, and resilience.

A Blueprint for Real Change

To reverse this trend, America needs bold, structural reforms:



• Modernize Immigration: Streamline visa processes, expand pathways for essential workers, and protect immigrant labor rights to stabilize industries and fuel growth.
• Enforce DEI Accountability: Tie diversity initiatives to measurable outcomes—leadership representation, pay equity, and retention—not just optics. Require transparent reporting and link progress to incentives.
• Invest in Talent Pipelines: Support mentorship programs, vocational training, and education for marginalized communities and immigrants to close skills gaps.
• Promote Inclusive Entrepreneurship: Offer grants and tax credits to minority-owned businesses and immigrant entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and job creation.

Genuine progress requires more than just symbolic actions; it calls for policies that ensure everyone can fully participate and access economic opportunities. Without such reforms, current systems may end up resembling modern versions of Jim Crow—officially sanctioned practices that undermine social justice and the nation's well-being.

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Herman C Collins, Public Affairs Consultant

Disclaimer: This Commentary is a segment of Urban Beat a publication of the

 San Diego County Urban League. While its content aims to foster discussion of current events, it does not represent the views or policies of the management of the Urban League, nor does it constitute an endorsement of any political opinions expressed herein.

Are You a Senior Living in San Diego and

 Need Help Finding Resources?

Finding the right senior programs should not feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Not sure where to start—or tired of getting the runaround?

The Urban League of San Diego County (ULSDC) Elder Multicultural Access & Support Services (EMASS) Team is here to help you!

We proudly serve as advocates for San Diego residents aged 60 and older, connecting you to the resources you need and deserve.

While we do not provide direct senior programs or financial aid, our mission is to identify services tailored to your age, income, and personal or family needs.

We may be able to connect you with trusted programs that offer:

• Home food delivery (free or at a minimal cost)
• Transportation to and from appointments
• In-home senior services (cooking, cleaning, etc.)
• In-home health care providers
• Veteran services

Tell us what you need—we will do the legwork for you. This assistance is provided at no cost to you. We are your partner and your advocate.

You are not alone on this journey. We are here to support and stand by you every step of the way.

Once we find the right program(s) for you, we can also:

• Help you complete any required application(s)
• Attend appointments with you
• Speak with program representatives on your behalf
• We'll follow up with you to make sure that the selected program is meeting your needs.

Our EMASS team, led by Jackie Stanley, is available to help you. You can reach Jackie by email at Jackie@sdul.org or by phone on 619-266-6285

The Community Health & Resource Fair will go dark in January and resume on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Mark your Calendars!

2026-2027 Common Scholarship Application is Open

California consistently ranks among the top states for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) submissions, showcasing the dedication of our students to pursue higher education.

Now, students can take the next step by completing our simple and accessible 2026-2027 Common Scholarship Application (CSA). Your encouragement can make a difference in helping students seize this opportunity.

Why Apply?

Our online application gives students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Some scholarships are renewable for up to 4 years, providing ongoing financial support throughout a student's undergraduate journey.

Who Can Apply?

Our scholarships are open to a wide range of candidates, including:

• Graduating high school seniors 
• Current undergraduate or graduate students
• Adult re-entry students 
• Career/technical school students
• Students with financial need (including middle-income families)

How to Apply

Access the Common Scholarship Application at SDFoundation.org/CSA. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 4 at 2:00 p.m. PST.

Access the Application



View Scholarships Criteria

Guidance Summit

To help your schools and students prepare, we will be hosting a second Guidance Summit webinar on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. This session will equip counselors, advisors, and teachers with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the CSA process successfully. If you have any questions about the application, this webinar will be a great opportunity to get answers! Sign up here. Access a recording of the first webinar here.

National Rainbow College Fund Scholarship Application is Open

Powered by San Diego Foundation, the National Rainbow College Fund (NRCF) supports efforts to reduce educational disparities for those who have faced barriers related to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression and is open to all applicants and allies who support these principles.

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Spread the Word!

Please share this information with students, parents, colleagues and anyone else in your network. Together, we can help more students unlock their potential! Thank you for supporting the dreams of students in our community.

For questions about the Common Scholarship Application, please contact the Scholarships team at scholarships@sdfoundation.org or (619) 814-1343.

For questions about the National Rainbow College Fund, please email nrcf@sdfoundation.org.

San Diego BCE 2026

Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026

Hours: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

REGISTER HERE

Get ready for the 8th Annual San Diego Black College Expo™ presented by the San Diego County Office of Education, Get Accepted, Scholarships

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NOTICE OF FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHY

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Win a scholarship by entering here today! Deadline: Coming Soon

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SUBMIT ESSAY HERE

San Diego Alumnae Chapter Scholarship Application

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., San Diego Alumnae Chapter recognizes and honors female students who are committed to academic excellence, positive leadership, and community service. 

Scholarships are limited to African-American female high school seniors who reside in San Diego Alumnae Chapter’s Service Area. The applicant must demonstrate the following:

• Academic achievement (minimum 2.75 G.P.A. on a 4.0 scale or 3.5 G.P.A. on a 5.0 scale in all classes)

• Leadership ability as demonstrated by participation in extracurricular activities, community service, and/or holding positions in various organizations.

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter has awarded academic scholarships to San Diego County high school graduates since its chartering in 1949. Funding for these scholarships was originally generated through the annual Fashionetta Fashion Shows until 1955, when the EXO Debutante Ball became the primary fundraising event.

Today, our annual Scholarship Program is a collaboration between The Ebony Pearls Foundation of San Diego Incorporated® and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter. Through this collaboration, we are proud to offer Pearls of Promise Scholarships to young women each year. In addition, both females and males are eligible for scholarships directly funded by members of Epsilon Xi Omega through the Ebony Pearls Foundation. In total, our scholarship program provides more than twenty scholarships worth $1,000 - $3,000 each to San Diego college-bound seniors each year.



Scholarships are offered to female and male graduating high school seniors in the San Diego area. Most scholarships require a minimum GPA of 3.0, with a 2.5 GPA minimum for select awards. Proof of enrollment at an accredited institution of higher learning is required and may include 2-year community colleges, 4-year colleges or universities, and trade schools. Scholarship recipients will be recognized at a Scholarship Reception jointly sponsored by The Ebony Pearls Foundation of San Diego Incorporated®, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,  Incorporated® in June of each year.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 2026 Scholarship Opportunities - Qualified African American female and male high school seniors in San Diego County are invited to apply. Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $3,000. Scholarship eligibility varies depending on the specific award. Please see the flyer and application form for complete details.

The application deadline is March 15, 2026.

To apply, email the completed application form by midnight on March 15, 2026.

2026 Zeta Sigma Lambda Scholarship Application

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS: up to $1,500 each (deadline: March 29)

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African-American men. The Fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell University. The Jewel founders and early leaders of the Fraternity succeeded in laying a firm foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha's principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity. The San Diego Chapter has awarded academic scholarships since its chartering in 1957. These scholarships are available to males from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups who permanently reside in the San Diego, North County San Diego, or the Temecula-Murrietta-Lake Elsinore area.

 Part 1: Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicant must be a male from an underrepresented racial/ethnic group.
• Applicant's permanent residence must be in the San Diego, North County San Diego, or Temecula-Murrieta-Lake Elsinore area.
• The applicant must be in good academic standing and on track to graduate by June 2026.
• Applicant must hold a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher, on a 4.0 scale.
• Applicant must be a high school senior or graduating from junior college with acceptance to and intent to transfer to a four-year college/university for the Fall 2026 school year.  

Part 2: Application Requirements: Incomplete applications are subject to automatic disqualification. Completed application packages must include the following:

• Completed electronic application (handwritten applications will not be accepted)
• Two (2) letters of recommendation written by the applicant’s current Academic Advisor, a teacher, coach, community leaders, minister, or employer, etc. At least one letter must be written by a school official. All letters of recommendation shall be emailed directly to the email address below.
• Unofficial transcript (Please upload to this Google Form)
• Upload a “Landscape” (i.e. horizontal orientation) photo of yourself in a dress shirt and tie.

Part 3: Applicants must submit a minimum 500-word essay discussing their goals, career ambitions, and the reasons they believe they should receive the scholarship. The essay should be written in Times New Roman, 12-point font, 1” margins. (Please upload to this Google Form).

Part 4: Finalists will be interviewed for up to thirty (30) minutes via zoom. Attire for your interview will be a dress shirt and tie, at minimum.

Part 5: Applications will be evaluated based on completeness, thoughtfulness, and clarity. Completed applications must be submitted no later than Sunday, March 29, 2026, 11:59pm.



Questions or concerns should be emailed to scholarship@sandiegoalphas.com.

Welcome to this year’s ASIST Scholarship opportunity,

I am pleased to attach a link to the application for the San Diego Chapter of Executive Women International’s 2026 Adult Scholarship Program (ASIST).

https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/program/Asist2026

Executive Women International®(EWI) is pleased to announce that our San Diego Chapter is again participating in the Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) scholarship program. The ASIST Scholarship is a non-discriminatory educational scholarship program for non-traditional students. The goal of the ASIST Program is to help recipients improve their self-esteem and positively impact their personal lives, employment, family, and community.

Application Criteria:

• Past high school age and who are entering college, university, or trade school, and/or workforce for the first time.
• Non-Traditional students are already in college, university, or trade school programs.
• Re-Training due to changes in the workplace.
• Applicants must reside within the boundaries of our San Diego Chapter.

The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, March 30, 2026, at 9:59 p.m. Only one applicant from each institution in San Diego County

The San Diego Chapter of EWI will award one $2,500 scholarship and will also submit it to our corporate scholarship, ASIST, which could provide additional scholarship funding.

Please call me at the number below if you have any questions. We look forward to your participation.

Colette Morel

Executive Assistant & Property Manager Manpower West

C: 619-395-2906

Email: cmporel@manpowerwest.com

EWI President Elect and Co-Chair of ASIST

Al Abdallah, the President and CEO, for the Urban League of San Diego County sits on the board for the USS Midway Musuem. Each year the organization host its annual MLK Dinner. Below are photos from the dinner that include our president and various leaders in the community.

Are you passionate about the health and wellness of our community? Do you work in the health wellness industry? Do you have a skill that can benefit the advancement of health and wellness equity in our community? If so, we need you! Our community needs you! Sign up today using the link below. If you have questions, please send an email to info@sdul.org.

We want to help you with tools to "Thrive in 2026"!

Do you have a business that provides health and wellness for individuals and families in the County of San Diego, Orange County, or the Inland Empire?

We are creating a Health & Wellness Directory housed on the Urban League of San Diego County website. This will include a behavioral health directory and a general health and wellness directory. According to the attendees of our Fireside Chats, areas in our communities lack health resources and need more urgent care facilities, especially ones open after 5 p.m. Our young families need a directory and a resource toolkit that includes accepted insurance information and medical professionals with cultural sensitivity training for diverse community members. This will be an online business list versus a case management site. Individuals will be directed to contact hotlines if they need to speak to a live person or need case management services.

This can be mental health, medical health, doula professional health, promotoras/ community health worker, physical health, fitness, or nutritional health businesses. This can be small, extensive, private practice, or consulting businesses.

These are some important dates to mark on your calendar!

Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 2 p.m.

Golden Pyramid Scholars Program & College Signing Day

Do you have an upcoming event that should be shared with our community? Please use the link below, and we will review and add it to our website calendar.

The Urban League of San Diego County uses specific image sizes to maintain consistency across all viewing platforms. Any event submissions with images not properly cropped will result in immediate rejection.

Submitting your event does not guarantee that it will be posted on www.sdul.org.

Becoming a member of the Urban League of San Diego County does qualify your event to appear on the website. For more information about becoming a member of one of our auxilaries contact info@sdul.org or call 619.266.6265.