Statement by the National Urban League Regarding the Events of September 11, the Aftermath, and...

Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 2001

The staff of the National Urban League, its more than 100 affiliates and their constituents, extend their deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the American citizens who lost their lives or remain missing

We also extend these condolences to the passengers and crews aboard the aircrafts involved in this tragedy.

"We urge our constituents and all Americans to bear in mind that patriotism should not give way to vigilantism, and that hate crimes perpetrated against Arab Americans or American citizens of Muslim faith are not an acceptable way to express our pain and anger," said National Urban League executive vice president and chief operating officer Milton J. Little, Jr.

"Such senseless acts of violence against innocent Americans only defile the memories of those who perished, and perpetuate the type of hatred and intolerance that inspired the attacks."

All of the staff of the National Urban League is safe and accounted for, and the building which houses our office, located just blocks away from the World Trade Center at 120 Wall Street, was not damaged in the attack and will reopen for business on Tuesday, September 18.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those no longer with us, those who are grieving, and those who have been otherwise touched by the events of September 11, 2001.

Founded in 1910, the National Urban League is a nonprofit organization that, through its 114 affiliates in 34 states and the District of Columbia, provides direct services and functions as an advocate to generate policy reforms that empower African-Americans to achieve economic, academic and racial equality. The League's headquarters is located at 120 Wall Street in New York City.