President's Desk

June 2026

Al Abdallah, President & CEO

Urban League of San Diego County

Unity, Participation, and Progress: Moving Forward Together

As we welcome the summer season, June provides an opportunity to reflect on where we are as a community and where we hope to go together. Across San Diego County, families, businesses, students, seniors, and working professionals continue to navigate an economic climate that presents both challenges and opportunities. Rising costs, housing affordability concerns, workforce transitions, and evolving public policies affect us all, though often in different ways depending on our age, culture, income level, and life experiences.

At the Urban League of San Diego County, we remain committed to ensuring that every individual and family has access to the resources, opportunities, and support needed to thrive. During uncertain economic times, it is more important than ever to focus on practical steps that strengthen household stability and community resilience. We encourage residents to prioritize financial literacy, build emergency savings whenever possible, seek workforce development and educational opportunities, and stay informed about programs designed to support housing stability, career advancement, and economic mobility.

June also follows an important season of civic participation. The recent primary elections have once again demonstrated the power of community engagement and the importance of every voice being heard. Elections can sometimes highlight our differences, but they should also remind us of what we share: a commitment to creating a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future for all who call San Diego County, Inland Empire, and Orange County home.

Now that the primary election ballots have been counted, it is time for our communities to come together. Whether your preferred candidates won or lost, our collective responsibility remains the same. Democracy is strongest when people stay engaged beyond Election Day. Voting is not simply a right—it is a tool for shaping policies, influencing priorities, and ensuring that community needs are represented at every level of government.

For those who participated in the primary election, thank you for exercising your civic responsibility. For those who did not, I encourage you to begin preparing now for future elections. Learn about the issues affecting your family and neighborhood. Research candidates and policies from trusted sources. Attend community forums. Ask questions. Most importantly, recognize that local and regional elections often directly affect housing, education, transportation, public safety, healthcare access, and economic development.

As we approach Juneteenth, we are reminded that progress has always depended upon informed, engaged citizens working together toward a common purpose. The pursuit of economic opportunity, educational equity, and social justice requires participation from all of us. Regardless of political affiliation, cultural background, generation, or income level, we each have a role to play in strengthening our communities.

The Urban League of San Diego County remains dedicated to building bridges, fostering understanding, and creating pathways to opportunity. We believe that our region's greatest strength is its diversity and that our future success depends on our willingness to work together across differences to solve shared challenges.

Let us move forward with respect, compassion, and determination. Let us continue investing in our families, supporting our neighbors, and participating in the civic life of our communities. And let us remember that while elections may end, the work of building a more equitable and prosperous San Diego County continues every day.

Together, we can create a future where opportunity is accessible to all.

In partnership,

Al Abdallah

President & CEO

Urban League of San Diego County Celebrates 216 Outstanding Students at 2026 Golden Pyramid Scholars Program and

College Signing Day

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — May 17, 2026 — The Urban League of San Diego County proudly celebrated the academic achievements, leadership, and future aspirations of 216 exceptional students during its 2026 Golden Pyramid Scholars Program and College Signing Day, held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the beautiful Shiley Theatre on the campus of the University of San Diego.

The annual event recognized high-achieving middle and high school students from across San Diego County who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, community service, and a commitment to their future success. Students inducted into the Golden Pyramid Scholars Program achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher and serve as role models within their schools and communities.

This year’s ceremony marked one of the largest cohorts in the program’s history, with 216 scholars inducted into the Urban League's prestigious academic recognition program.

In addition to honoring student achievement, the event celebrated graduating seniors who announced their college, university, military, and career pathways as part of the College Signing Day tradition. Families, educators, community leaders, and supporters gathered to applaud the scholars' accomplishments and encourage them as they take the next steps toward their educational and professional goals.

“Our Golden Pyramid Scholars represent the very best of San Diego’s future,” said Al Abdallah, President and CEO of the Urban League of San Diego County. “These young people have demonstrated extraordinary perseverance, discipline, and excellence. Their achievements remind us that when we invest in education, mentorship, and opportunity, we strengthen our entire community. We are incredibly proud of each scholar and look forward to witnessing the impact they will make in the world.”

The Golden Pyramid Scholars Program is a cornerstone of the Urban League of San Diego County’s Education and Youth Development initiatives, which are designed to support students as they pursue higher education, career readiness, leadership development, financial literacy, and civic engagement opportunities.

The event also highlighted the importance of family engagement, mentorship, and community partnerships in helping students achieve their academic goals. The Urban League recognized parents, guardians, educators, counselors, mentors, and community partners whose support contributes to student success.

“This celebration is about more than academic achievement,” said Abdallah. “It is about recognizing resilience, honoring dreams, and affirming that our young people have the talent and potential to lead our communities into the future.”

The Urban League of San Diego County extends its sincere appreciation to the University of San Diego, volunteers, sponsors, educators, and community partners who helped make the event possible and continue to invest in the success of local youth.

The Impact of AI on Black Employment, Wealth, and Guaranteed Income Policy

Written By Herman Collins

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the workforce, presenting both significant opportunities and considerable risks, particularly for the Black community. While AI holds the potential to enhance business growth and healthcare, it also threatens to widen existing economic disparities. Black workers are especially vulnerable to displacement because they are overrepresented in service and administrative roles—the very jobs most susceptible to automation. This displacement could worsen the racial wealth gap, with some estimates warning of a $43 billion annual increase by 2045 if proactive measures are not taken.

We would like to refer our community to the following openings in the area:

San Diego Area

• Part- Time Universal Banker (20 Hours)- Mission Valley Branch
• Part -Time Universal Banker (20 Hours), Mira Mesa Branch
• Part -Time Universal Banker (20 Hours), Pacific Beach Branch

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

Just Posted – Explore New County Opportunities!

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and would love your help in sharing these opportunities with anyone in your network who might be interested. For a complete list of current openings, visit our County of San Diego Government Jobs Page.

• Telecommunications Technician Trainee. Anticipated hiring range: $64,604.80 - $78,520.00 Annually. Application closes on 06/14/2026 
• Fire Prevention Specialist I. Anticipated hiring range: $75,878.40 - $93,100.80 Annually. Application closes on 06/15/2026 
• Forensic Autopsy Room Supervisor. Anticipated hiring range: $85,945.60 - $105,580.80 Annually. Application closes on 07/03/2026 
• Group Program Manager-Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. Anticipated hiring range: $135,000.00 - $140,000.00 Annually. Application closes on 06/15/2026 
• Pollution Crisis Chief. Anticipated hiring range: $250,000 to $295,000 Annually. This position is open continuously.

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!

Thursday, December 3, 2026

Annual Awards Dinner, at DoubleTree by Hilton Mission Valley Hazard Center

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.