New York, NY, December 23, 2005- Today, the National Urban League announced a new job training initiative designed to expand the League's current extensive workforce development efforts targeted to African-Americans and communities of color across the nation -- particularly those who are unemployed and under-employed.

"Through our vast network of Urban League affiliates, this employment initiative will to help us build upon our capacity and 95-year-old tradition of providing economic opportunities for Americans at all rungs of the economic ladder, and ultimately strengthen our community," said Marc H. Morial, National Urban League President and CEO. "Just last year, the Urban League network assisted almost a quarter of million Americans secure jobs, job training, access to capital for new businesses, and other economic empowerment opportunities -- and our work is just beginning." Morial said.

This new initiative will partner the prominent civil rights organization with Wal-Mart, the nation's largest employer. "Because Wal-Mart is the nation's largest retailer, this partnership will enable us to ensure that the company is reaching and including in their employment opportunities all segments of our communities, including those residing in our vital urban centers," Morial said.

Wal-Mart has made a multi-year financial commitment to the National Urban League to support this initiative, and Thomas D. Hyde, Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., recently joined the League's Board of Trustees. Wal-Mart has also committed to participate in the Urban League's Black Executive Exchange Program, a visiting professorship program at historically black colleges and universities, and other Urban League activities.

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