Accessing Good Jobs, Wealth, and Economic Prosperity

The Covenant is in action all over the country. Under the extraordinary leadership of black leaders, organizations—for years and sometimes decades—have been advancing the goals identified in the best-selling book, the Covenant with Black America.

Opportunity Agenda exemplifies the spirit of the Covenant with Black America.

Opportunity Agenda believes that true opportunity requires a commitment to a core set of values. These values are integrally related to the principle of human rights. Equal treatment, a voice in societal decisions, a chance to start over, and the tools to meet our own basic needs are not just good policy ideas. They are the right of every human being simply by virtue of his or her humanity. Their 6 Core Values are Mobility, Equality, Voice, Redemption, Community, and Security.

Opportunity Agenda

Excerpt from the Covenant with Black America

“If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen,” so it has been said. But for Black America, what if it is hot in every room?

There is no hiding place from the realities, hardships, and challenges that reflect the complexity of black economic progress since the civil rights movement 50 years ago. At that time, many assumed that the hard-fought victories for voting rights, access to education, and economic opportunity would become the gateway to economic parity and the elimination of urban poverty. However, as the painful images of Hurricane Katrina have revealed, there remains a significant wealth gap between blacks and whites in this nation―one that must be closed if America is to thrive in the 21st century.

This is our hour: We have seen the challenges ahead of us and know that we have a long way to go. We have also seen that our economic progress sometimes stands on shaky ground. But, our resolve must be solid as a rock. We must take ownership of our own economic destiny as well as urge our leaders to develop policies to help working families. Let our generation’s commitment to equality and economic opportunity be our guiding force. We must stand together―steadfast and unmovable―in this new century to become an America that truly reflects justice, equality, and opportunity for all people and for generations to come.

- excerpt from Marc H. Morial’s essay in the Covenant with Black America

To read the rest of this essay, please click here to buy the book.

MARC MORIAL is the eighth President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York-based National Urban League, the venerable civil rights and community-based organization. Since his appointment in 2003, Morial has worked to re-energize the organization’s diverse constituencies by building on the strengths of its nearly century-old legacy and increasing its profile both locally and nationally. Prior to his League appointment, Morial served two terms as the Mayor of New Orleans; during his last two years in office, he also served as President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. For more information: http://www.nul.org.

Below are links to organizations working on issues relating to jobs, wealth, and economic prosperity. We will continue to add organizations, publications, and other resources to this list.

National Urban League

NAACP

SEIU

National Youth Employment Coalition

Expanding Economic Opportunity