NBJC in the News

AfroPunk recently sat down with Spelman alumnus and NBJC Programs and Outreach Associate Je-ShawnaWholley to discuss the founding of the organization, influencing policy, experiences of queer Black people on Historically Black College and University as well as predominantly white college campuses, and what “queer” looks like in a modern context.

 
On Tuesday, Sharon Lettman-Hicks, head of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), a black LGBT civil-rights group based in Washington, D.C., sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder calling for the federal government to step into the investigation.
"After speaking extensively with the family, community and anti-violence coalition members like the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP), NBJC feels the perpetuation and validation of the 'gay panic' defense is irresponsible," wrote Lettman-Hicks, who is black. "The conflicting reports as well as the current racial and anti-LGBT climate in Mississippi is justification enough for a federal investigation.

A Mississippi congressman and a national civil rights group are demanding that the U.S. government investigate the slaying of openly gay, black Clarksdale mayoral candidate Marco McMillian as a hate crime.
"At the request of the family, I have asked that the FBI review the circumstances and evidence of this case to determine whether a violation of federal law has occurred and provide any necessary assistance to local and state law enforcement officials," Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson said in a statement Tuesday.
Thompson's request came just hours after the National Black Justice Coalition filed a formal request to the U.S. Department of Justice seeking the same treatment.

This week, to celebrate African American history month, we held events for civil, community, LGBT and business leaders here at the White House. We had wonderful discussions, highlighting ways to increase equality and opportunity for all and celebrating African American history and opportunities to pave the way forward for the next generation of leaders. These are the groups that came into the White House as part of our week’s events for African American History Month.