ReMARCs and More: Reforming "Shoot First" Laws

Opening ReMarcs:

Another study has confirmed that “Shoot First” laws, like the one in Florida that contributed to Trayvon Martin’s death, serve to increase violence and homicide. “Shoot First” laws have resulted in an additional 500 to 700 homicides per year across the 23 states where they’ve been enacted.

The National Urban League has joined with other civil rights organizations, elected officials, law enforcement professionals and other Americans to raise awareness about Shoot First and other unsafe, reckless gun laws. The Second Chance on Shoot First campaign supports responsible gun policies that will make our country safer.

To Be Equal:

Life Expectancy Gap Between Blacks and Whites Narrows to All-Time Low

“Understanding the causes of black-white differences in mortality has important consequences for interventions to reduce health inequalities in the United States.”

- Sam Harper, PhD; McGill University, Montrea

In recent weeks, we’ve shared with you the news that the birth-rate for people of color now exceeds the rate for whites, and that African American deaths from prostate cancer are declining. This week we got more good news about the health status of African Americans when the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that the racial gap in life expectancy has narrowed to an all-time low.

Hot Job:

Hot Job: Market Development Manager, Elekta

The Market Development Manager is responsible for initiating and managing business development activities that strengthen, expand and drive market penetration in oncology. The Market Development Manager is directly accountable for strategies and tactics in conjunction with regional marketing and sales teams and medical affairs to drive increased adoption of oncology product portfolio with an emphasis on brachytherapy market development.

Washington Updates:

Florida Reviews Stand Your Ground Law

Central Florida Urban League President Allie Braswell testified earlier this week at the first public hearing on the Stand Your Ground laws in Florida. Braswell also participated in a press conference organized by the Second Chance on Shoot First coalition, for which the National Urban League is an anchor organization. The Coalition used the gathering to present 375,000 petitions urging Governor Rick Scott to support a review of the current statute.

Urban League Events:

2012 Annual Conference Features Project Ready College Fair

More than 600 youth will participate in the National Urban League’s 3rd Annual Project Ready College Fair on Saturday, July 28, during the 2012 Annual Conference in New Orleans. The event is free and open to the public, offering information on academic opportunities for parents and graduating high school students to assist in financial and academic preparedness. For more information, click here.

Book a stay with any Marriott brand hotel and a portion of the proceeds benefit the National Urban League

Search for availability at hotels worldwide with live map filters.
Get real-time pricing and instant confirmation reservation links.

Choose from over 3,500 locations to explore and experience. Book today!

What Do You Think?:

Life Expectancy

A recent study finds that the life expectancy gap between African Americans and whites is at an all time low, mostly because of declines in HIV death rates and improvements in preventing and treating heart disease.

Do stories like this affect your habits?

A) Yes, I have adopted healthier habits in response to news about life expectancy.

B) No, I don’t believe changing my habits will affect my life expectancy.

C) I have always lived a healthy lifestyle, so stories like this don’t affect me.

D) I think changing my habits would affect my life expectancy, but I haven’t done it.

Success Stories

Women in Business Challenge Pitch Highlights Five Female Entrepreneurs, Awards $10K to DyverseCity

The Urban League of Greater New Orleans Women in Business Challenge is focused on educating and empowering women entrepreneurs in the city. The Challenge Pitch that took place (March 21) is the...

Jean Fernandes Gets a Second Chance

I Am Empowered - I am the National Urban League