Jul
5

Protect Black Trans Men: Avary Palmer is OUR Brother!

WASHINGTON--On June 24th, Avary Palmer, a Black trans man, was drugged and raped by a United States Marshall. Palmer shared his experience via Instagram. In response to the horrific incident, National Black Justice Coalition Executive Director David Johns released the following statement:
“Violence against Black people, Black trans people must come to an end. Sexual violence affects every demographic and every community; however lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and same gender loving (LGBTQ/SGL) people experience sexual violence at similar or higher rates than heterosexual people. We do not have an exact count of the frequency with which Black trans people have been sexually assaulted because federal statistics are limited and we know that there is significant under-reporting. We do know that these violent acts disproportionately plague Black LGBTQ/SGL people and the hate filled rhetoric attacking diversity and difference coming from the White House is multiplying prejudice. 

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Jun
27

National Black Justice Coalition on Democratic Debates: Black LGBTQ/SGL Rights Matter Too!

WASHINGTON -- In response to the first night of Democratic Debates, David J. Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition released the following statement:
“Tonight’s Democratic debate officially kicks off the long road to the 2020 election – the outcome of which will be pivotal in determining America’s future. An eclectic array of Democratic candidates is eager to challenge Trump’s tenure as president and are poised to speak to diverse issues including the economy, border security, and climate change. 

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Jun
27

National Black Justice Coalition on SCOTUS Citizenship Question Decision

WASHINGTON--Today, the Supreme Court announced their ruling on the controversial citizenship question that was slated to appear on the 2020 census, blocking the question temporarily. In response, David Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition released the following statement:
“The 2020 Census is critically important to ensuring democracy in America.  Not only does a complete and accurate Census provide better data on the diversity that exists throughout the country it also enables the equitable apportionment of resources to meet critical needs.  

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Jun
27

NBJC on National HIV Testing Day

WASHINGTON -- Today, June 27, is National HIV Testing Day. In recognition of the day, David Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), released the following statement:
“With recent advancements in technology, healthcare and making space for Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and same gender loving (LGBTQ/SGL) people, we are proud to celebrate a day where HIV testing and awareness no longer carries the weight of a death sentence. Testing should be a tool that each of us uses to ensure that our community--the beautifully diverse Black community continues to thrive in the face of white supremacy and anti-Blackness. Let us take full advantage of opportunities like National HIV Testing Day to ensure that we can invest all of our resources into thriving.

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Jun
27

NBJC on the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Resistance

WASHINGTON -- Today, June 28, is the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Resistance. On June 28th, 1969, as the Stonewall Inn was being raided by New York police, it is said by many that Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender freedom fighter threw a shot glass against a mirror which instigated moments of resistance that lasted for days, igniting the Gay Liberation Movement. This is still known as ‘the shot glass heard around the world.’

In recognition of the anniversary, David Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), released the following statement:

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