The head of one of America's foremost Civil Rights organizations says "Black America is strong and resilient," but the community must remain vigilant to survive and thrive amid the country's shifting political landscape.

"It's important that people understand we have to fight to protect the progress that's been made," said Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League (NUL). "And at the same time, resist any rollbacks."

Morial spoke to NBC News this morning, hours before the group formally released its annual status report, `The State of Black America.' The National Urban League will officially kick-off its 14th Annual Legislative Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., May 2- 4. There will also be a Town Hall meeting Tuesday with special guests such as Michael Eric Dyson, Angela Rye, and members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).