Out of Work But Not Out of Hope

Congressional Black Caucus Hearing

The National Urban League "Jobs Surge"

request by NUL President Marc Morial

The Congressional Black Caucus has invited the National Urban League to join it in a national focus on jobs. Government must act now because many Americans can no longer wait while Washington drags its feet and offers up lukewarm solutions to burning crises. Unemployment among African Americans is 15.8% and 42% for African American teenagers as we approach the summer months. Washington must create new jobs now-- a Jobs Surge-- before conditions get even worse.

That is why I am calling upon you and millions of Americans across the nation to share your challenges and experiences during this Great Recession. Your voice must be heard in Washington even if you are not there in person. Next Wednesday, March 17, 2010 on Capitol Hill, the Congressional Black Caucus is hosting a jobs hearing, and I want to share with them and the nation what you are experiencing. I need you to help me tell them just how bad things have gotten for communities.

You can send a personal message via email to mystory@iamempowered.com or post a video on our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/IAmEmpoweredVideo . It is your turn to tell how challenging the economy is for urban communities, the unemployed and their families, teenagers, and minority-owned businesses. This is your chance to have your say. I will present your personal testimony to the media and Members of Congress that morning. This opportunity might never come again for you to testify before Congress. Your voice will finally be heard! You are finally empowered!

I need your testimony by next Tuesday, March 16, 2010 by 12 PM (eastern) so that you can tell the House and Senate that you demand to be heard. I look forward to reading your messages and watching your videos.

I AM EMPOWERED!

Marc H. Morial