Mar
13

National Black Justice Coalition Statement on the Introduction of the Equality Act

WASHINGTON, DC-- Today, the Equality Act was introduced by Rep. David Cicilline of Rhode Island and Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, and Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey.  The Equality Act would extend existing civil rights protections to include on the bases of sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex. After months of advocacy in support of the Act, David J. Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), released the following statement:
 
"The National Black Justice Coalition applauds the introduction of the Equality Act. For far too long, too many Black Americans have lacked access to basic legal protections won by the Civil Rights Movement because of who we love, or how we show up in the world. In the absence of clear and consistent federal protections, Black LGBTQ and Same-Gender-Loving (SGL) people remain among this country’s most marginalized. 

Read more >
Mar
8

NBJC Statement In Support of the PrEP Assistance Program Act

WASHINGTON -- After Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) introduced the PrEP Assistance Program Act, David Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition released the following statement:

“The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is proud to support the PrEP Assistance Program Act introduced by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) today, because it supports the critical mission of creating a world where Black people, including Black people living with HIV/AIDS can live healthy, full lives. The PrEP Assistance Program Act will increase funding for programs and resources to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases while also providing resources for counseling and outreach to high-risk populations.

Read more >
Feb
21

National Black Justice Coalition Comments on Jussie Smollett Arrest

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, news broke that Empire Actor Jussie Smollett has been arrested for allegedly filing a false hate crime report. In response to this news, David Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), released the following statement:
 
“It is important for cases to be tried in courts — legal courts, not courts of public opinion. While we know the allegations don’t look good for our brother Jussie, we will not be judge and jury...."

Read more >
Jan
29

National Black Justice Coalition Demands Justice for Jussie Smollett

WASHINGTON, DC-- This morning, news broke that early Tuesday morning, Jussie Smollett, a cast member of ‘Empire,’ was brutally attacked in an apparent hate crime. In response to the news David Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), released the following statement:
"We are deeply saddened, disheartened and devastated that an attack steeped in racist and homophobic hatred could happen to anyone. But we are not surprised. This attack is a sad reminder that none of us — not even our famous entertainers — are safe from the ugly vestiges of white supremacy, anti-Blackness and homophobia.

Read more >
Jan
25

For the Civil Rights Act to do its job, Congress must pass the Equality Act

This year ushered in the most diverse set of Congressional representatives ever. We’ve celebrated historic firsts, like the first Queer woman of color, Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), who is also one of the first two indigenous women in Congress. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) became the first openly bisexual member of the Senate. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.) proudly displays a Transgender pride flag outside her office in support of the Trans community. With representation comes the promise of a voice, the promise of change.

 

Read more >