NBJC Statement on President Obama’s Nomination of U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch for U.S. Attorney General
Washington, DC — The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) celebrates the nomination of United States Attorney Loretta Lynch to be the nation’s 83rd Attorney General. Lynch is currently the top federal prosecutor of the Eastern District of New York, which includes Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Long Island. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Lynch would become the first Black woman to serve as the nation’s top law enforcement official, following the historic tenure of current Attorney General Eric Holder.
“What a smart and historic selection of U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch to be the next Attorney General of our nation. Not only is she incredibly qualified for this top cabinet position, but she brings with her a 30-year career working to secure equal justice for all people,” said Sharon Lettman-Hicks, NBJC Executive Director and CEO. “The next Attorney General must have the expertise and gravitas to lead on vital issues like voting rights, profiling, and immigration with impartiality, yet have the heart to relate to all Americans no matter their background. Loretta Lynch is that person.”
U.S. Attorney Lynch, 55, was born and raised in North Carolina. Her mother was a school librarian and father was a fourth-generation Baptist minister. She attended Harvard College and Harvard Law School. Confirmed twice by the Senate for her United States attorney post, Lynch has handled or overseen cases involving terrorism, white-collar crime, bank fraud and public corruption. Since 2010, she has been a member of the Committee of U.S. Attorneys from across the nation who advises the Attorney General on matters of policy and has served as chair of that committee since 2013.
Lynch understands that, as she has said, “justice is only served when people feel protected by their government rather than targeted.” This ideal was evident in her work when she successfully prosecuted members of the New York Police Department during the 1997 case in which a Haitian immigrant, Abner Louima, was severely beaten and abused by law enforcement.
Lettman-Hicks adds: “Attorney General Holder leaves behind an unprecedented legacy of leadership around criminal justice and civil rights, including LGBT rights. U.S. Attorney Lynch will continue this work, which is so vital to minority and marginalized communities. There is no time for political games to hinder or stall Lynch from getting to work on behalf of the American people. Therefore, NBJC joins the call for U.S. Attorney Lynch’s swift confirmation by the Senate to be the next U.S. Attorney General.”
