Dear Urban League Family,

I returned from the 2025 National Urban League Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, inspired, motivated, and deeply grounded in the urgency of our mission. This year’s gathering was more than a conference — it was a call to action. From dynamic youth voices to veteran civil rights leaders, we were reminded that our work in education, economic equity, health, housing, and justice is more relevant than ever.

Cleveland’s historic roots in Black innovation and labor movements served as a powerful backdrop to our collective focus: building power, purpose, and progress in uncertain times. Across panels, workshops, and community forums, one message rang clear — we are in a defining moment. Nationally, the economy remains unstable for too many families, particularly Black and Brown communities. While job numbers may suggest recovery, the reality on the ground — rising costs, housing insecurity, and stagnant wages — tells a different story. We cannot afford to be distracted by surface-level wins when systemic disparities persist.

Globally, human rights are under assault — from refugee crises and environmental injustice to attacks on women’s, the elderly, and healthcare rights. The Urban League stands in solidarity with global movements for justice and equality. We understand that our fight is not isolated to American soil. It is interconnected — and it demands courage, clarity, and community.

As we enter another critical election cycle, political education and awareness must remain at the forefront. Too many of our neighbors remain misinformed, under-registered, or disengaged. That is no accident. Voter suppression, misinformation, and apathy are strategic barriers to our power. It is on us — each of us — to change that. This fall, the Urban League of San Diego County will launch a renewed Civic Engagement Campaign to ensure our communities are informed, mobilized, and empowered.

We left Cleveland, reminded that we are part of a powerful legacy. But more importantly, we are responsible for shaping its future.

Let’s get to work — together.

In solidarity,

Al Abdallah

President & CEO

Urban League of San Diego County

San Diego students participating in the Project Ready program attended the 35^th Annual Youth Leadership Summit, hosted by the National Urban League (NUL). 

“Project Ready students engage with our education team and volunteer mentors regularly throughout the year on various activities such as our college and career readiness, leadership development, academic support, and civic engagement,” said Al Abdallah, President and CEO of the Urban League of San Diego County. “We are proud of our students and their growth in social development as they prepare for the real world!”

During the annual Youth Leadership Summit, students come together for a transformative, action-packed, inspiring, and powerful five-day experience at John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio. The National Urban League’s Youth Leadership Summit engages up to 400 middle and high school students and chaperones from over 30 Urban League affiliates, immersing them in a unique educational and developmental experience over five days. During this program, participants have the chance to interact with influential figures from the Urban League movement, as well as representatives from diverse local and global organizations. Additionally, students have the opportunity to live on a college campus for five days, allowing them to experience college life firsthand.

One of our San Diego youth, Antonio Torres, received awards and recognition for his outstanding service as an outgoing senior serving on the National Youth Council, who went above and beyond the call of duty, never missing a meeting or step. He led a flawless nationwide online program presentation as a moderator via Zoom after receiving training from the National Urban League and the local Urban League of San Diego County.

The Youth Summit runs concurrently with the NUL Annual Conference. It is the most significant civil rights program of 2025, advancing the U.S.’s conversation and learning about justice, economic opportunity, and the future of democracy. If you know of youth or prospective mentors interested in participating in activities like this, please contact our Urban League office via email at brittni@sdul.org.

“The function, the very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being” – Toni Morrison

Every day, we are bombarded with news that America is being remade by someone and for someone that does not look like me. On November 7, 2024, I “woke” up to fear that America has regressed some 75 years into an abyss, “like nobody has ever seen,” giving reassurance to some, but creating fear in all that America is moving towards autocracy.

To America’s chagrin, the country is becoming the bastion of white grievances against diversity, equity, and inclusion. This goes further than DEI. The Trump administration portrays itself as the archangel of white grievance to preserve white supremacy and privilege worldwide.

If you know of high school youth struggling with multiple barriers, especially some form of homelessness, unhoused, please reach out to the Urban League of San Diego County at 619.266.6265 or kea@sdul.org. We want to invite them to join our network of high school and college students, which supports college and career readiness. We aim to empower the next generation of young leaders to succeed in education, career paths, and local community civic engagement opportunities.

We are partnering with Doors of Change and other local partners to help youth reach their highest potential for success.

If you know of students between 8th and 12th grade who want to join a program that helps them prepare for college and careers, encourage them to apply.

This program focuses on Mentorship, Leadership Development, College Tours, College Preparation, the National Case Competition, and Career Preparation, all in partnership with the National Urban League.

Scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who complete the program from start to finish, complete more than 88% of required activities, are active in the KUDER online platform, actively engage in activity discussions, and attend the necessary Golden Pyramid Scholars Program in May.

Participation is required in the Annual Golden Pyramid Scholars Program held on Sunday, May 17, 2026 (held on the 3^rd Sunday of May each year).

On Saturday, July 12, 2025, the Urban League of San Diego County participated in the annual Backpack Giveaway and Family Resource Fair with Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson, California State Senator, District 39. Families in the community received back-to-school resources and supplies.

Special thanks to Dr. Weber for inviting our organization to participate in this worthy cause! It allowed us to share information about the Urban League and the services that we provide individuals and families.

Helping Educators Achieve Homeownership 

HOPE, Housing Opportunities for Public Educators, is a unique opportunity provided by Lennar Home Construction Company and Councilmember Marni von Wilpert, designed to help certified educators teaching in San Diego Council District 5 achieve the dream of homeownership in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, mandatory counseling, and guidance through the homebuying process, this program ensures that teachers can focus on building their futures while contributing to their communities and living in the communities that they serve.

Dear Candace

Message from a housing client

“I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You were the first person I connected with through the ULSDC program, and your guidance and support made all the difference. From helping me understand what I could afford to encouraging me through the process, you helped turn what felt like a distant dream into a real possibility. Your background in real estate is second to none, and it shows in the way you made everything feel clear and achievable.

I’ve shared this with Rick, but I also want you to know that I’m the first person in my family ever to own a home. This is a massive moment in my life, and it would not have happened without you. This home will be where I grow, rest, and one day raise a family. Thank you for being such a meaningful part of that journey."

With Love,

MA

You might think that you could never become a homeowner, but contact the Urban League, make an appointment, and begin making a plan. Candace@sdul.org

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
• Follow up with you to ensure that the selected program is meeting your needs.

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

Calling all jazz lovers!

Calling all of D-9!

Calling all of HBCUs!

Calling all of the Community Colleges, CSUs, and UCs!

Calling all Patrick Henry, Mores, Lincoln, Crawford, Sweetwater, Madison, Mt Miguel, Kearny, San Diego, Point Loma, and Monte Vista High School Alumni!

Calling all Labor Unions!

Calling all current Military and Veterans!

Calling all community-based organizations!

Calling all Community Leaders!

Calling all of Southern California!

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend at the 2025 Jazz at the Creek!

For more information about the concert or to secure your space, please use the link below.

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 2025"!

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.

The UC San Diego Black Alumni Scholarship Fund offers eligible students a four-year $10,000 scholarship renewable at $2,500 annually. This scholarship program provides financial, academic, and personal support to over 200 students currently attending UCSD. Steps to follow to apply for the BASF Scholarship are: (1) apply to UCSD before the 11/30/25 deadline; (2) if you are offered admission to UCSD, you will receive a link to the application from BASF; (3) complete and submit the online application.

Please review a list of openings!

Please refer candidates to our website: https://jobs.citi.com/

Once you go to this site, you will see a search bar. You can then type in the position you are interested in and apply. You just need to create an online profile and attach a resume. 

San Diego Area

• 25887416-Head Universal Banker- El Cajon Branch
• 25885130-Universal Banker- San Marcos Branch
• 25887416- Head Universal Banker- Mission Valley

• City of Austin is hiring for two roles.
• Homeless Strategy Deputy Officer
• Deputy Director, Office of Police Oversight
• The Bancorp Bank, N.A. has several openings.
• Learn more here: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.thebancorp.com/company/join-our-team/__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!A4iZWPSx5M2ZYbMO9FyTBNZmjOlmA8lbdYwPT9_Emg-X0j27MGB8RdaREtcYVGXEPJBiIa-Fjq31sGruSO2B5OkZ1T6QK0_S$
• City of West Sacramento has open career opportunities.
• Learn more here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/westsacramento
• CDW is hiring a Sr Consulting Engineer.
• The Sr Consulting Engineer will integrate and deliver a wide range of technology solutions, providing high-quality content deliverables, ensuring the solution is implemented as designed to the client’s satisfaction and approval.
• Leads the planning, design, and implementation of solutions such as computer, networking, storage, security, identity, and monitoring and management. 
• Requires in-depth conceptual and practical knowledge in the primary job family and knowledge of related technical job families. 
• Works as a consultant to our customers, understanding their technical and business requirements. Recommend the appropriate Client Virtualization or Modern Management solutions to meet their requirements and deliver the best possible user experience. Gain knowledge of technologies that support Workspace solutions, such as DEX, endpoint, and authentication technologies. 
• Conducts advanced and complex engineering-related studies researching current and emerging technologies, evaluates alternatives, makes recommendations, and presents reports to management. 
• Regularly interface with technical and business staff of customers, including the project sponsor and stakeholders of projects in more complex engagements. Mentors other engineers to apply engineering background knowledge for project design, analysis, and project coordination of services or products. 
• Pay range: $ 95,000 - $ 148,190 depending on experience and skill set 
• Learn the other roles of the position and apply here: Careers
• RESOURCES FOR UNEMPLOYED FEDERAL WORKERS - Click here to learn more: https://thejobhopper.substack.com/p/special-edition-resources-for-unemployed?fbclid=IwY2xjawKTimhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnNVpuSGc3SkZHUXd1OWV6AR7EOCbpREM0cHFVBgU1o4_tTYJ7COlHlLCn1KkP-Rc6K5qx82hQRsSVIz3fvA_aem_kP5-3jIHO5LTlAS-iJ8

• Verizon Skill Forward provides you with the skills to pave your path to new career opportunities with job-relevant programs from edX, part of Verizon’s goal to make quality education accessible for all. 
• The Verizon Skill Forward program is a collaboration between edX and Verizon aimed at providing career-enhancing online courses focused on high-demand skills to facilitate long-term career growth. The Skill Forward effort is part of Citizen Verizon, Verizon’s responsible business plan to prepare 500,000 individuals for in-demand jobs by 2030.
• Earn certificates in high-growth fields: Artificial Intelligence, Coding, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Project Management, and Leadership.
• No cost to you. Skill Forward is free for any participant during the 12 months of the program. 
• You will not be asked for your banking information or a payment by Verizon or edX at any time during the 12 months.
• Learn more here: https://partnerships.edx.org/verizon/?direct

These are some important dates to mark on your calendar!

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Urban League of San Diego County Equal Opportunity Day

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

Golden Pyramid Scholars Program

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.