National Black Justice Coalition, United by Equity, Black Music Action Coalition Host Reps. Lee, Bush, Bowman, Raskin, and Sen. Cory Booker for Joint Congressional Racial Equity Briefing – From Reparations to the RAP ACT
NOV 29 at 11 AM EST: National Black Justice Coalition, United by Equity, Black Music Action Coalition Host Reps. Lee, Bush, Bowman, Raskin, and Sen. Cory Booker for Joint Congressional Racial Equity Briefing – From Reparations to the RAP ACT
Members to Discuss Their Bipartisan Efforts to Address Historic and Institutional Racism, Advance Reparations Bills
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, November 29, at 11:00 AM (EST), the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), United by Equity (UBE), U.S. Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Movement, Why We Can’t Wait National Reparations Coalition, and the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) will host Reps. Barbara Lee, Cori Bush, Jamaal Bowman, Jamie Raskin, and Senator Cory Booker for a congressional briefing to share and discuss their collective efforts to advance racial equity and reparative justice legislation.
WHEN: Wednesday, November 29, from 11 am-12 pm EST
WHERE: Capitol Hill Visitor Center -North Congressional Meeting Room (CVC 268),
First St SE, Washington, DC 20515
WHO:
- Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-12)
- Rep. Cori Bush (MO-1)
- Rep. Jamaal Bowman (NY-16)
- Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-8)
- Sen. Cory Booker (NJ)
- Dr. David J. Johns, Ph.D., Executive Director, National Black Justice Coalition
- Professor Marcus Anthony Hunter, Author, Radical Reparations: Healing the Soul of a Nation (HarperCollins/Amistad 2024), Moderator
- Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, CEO & President, Black Music Action Coalition
- Dreisen Heath, Founder, Why We Can’t Wait National Reparations Coalition
- Dr. Gail Christopher, Executive Director, National Collaborative for Health Equity
- Rev. Adam Taylor, President, Sojourners
The current challenges of racial equity include but are not limited to, institutional racism, unequal access to education and job opportunities, discriminatory policing, and disparities in healthcare. Collectively, Reps. Lee, Jackson Lee, Bush, Bowman, and Raskin, along with Sen. Cory Booker, have introduced the following legislation in the 118th Congress, seeking to address racial inequality as a bipartisan effort by addressing and remedying historical and systemic inequities:
- Senator Cory Booker: S.Con. Res. 19 – Urging the Establishment of a United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT).
- Senator Cory Booker: S.Con. Res 40 – Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act.
- Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee: H.R.40 – Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act.
- Rep. Barbara Lee: H.Con.Res.44 – Urging the Establishment of a United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT).
- Rep. Barbara Lee: H.Res.532 – Third Reconstruction: Fully Addressing Poverty and Low Wages from the Bottom Up.
- Rep. Cori Bush: H.Res.414 – Reparations Now Resolution.
- Rep. Jamaal Bowman & Hank Johnson: H.R. 2952 – Restoring Artistic Protection (RAP) Act of 2023.
“It is both an honor and a privilege to host Reps. Barbara Lee, Cori Bush, Jamaal Bowman, Jamie Raskin, and Senator Cory Booker for a vital conversation on the need to advance racial equity legislation, amplifying their leadership, expertise, and lived experiences in fighting against the systemic inequalities and discrimination they, and their constituencies, have faced over generations of America’s historical racist practices and structures,” said Dr. David J. Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition. “As we confront the enduring legacy of racial discrimination, it is imperative that Congress take decisive action to not only acknowledge the historical wrongs inflicted that have systematically subjugated minority communities but also to implement reparative measures that can catalyze transformative change. We look forward to engaging with these congress members and others in a meaningful dialogue about the legislative pathways to address systemic racism and pave the way for a more equitable and just America and future for all.”
“In a time of great division and global turmoil, the unified leadership of Reps. Barbara Lee, Cori Bush, Jamaal Bowman, Jamie Raskin, and Senator Cory Booker symbolize hope and possibility. Together, their proposed legislation provides feasible and positive solutions to achieve equity for all,” said Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter, Executive Director, United by Equity & Equity, March 2024 & Co-Convenor of the U.S. Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Movement. “In the spirit of progress and justice, our joint congressional briefing ‘From H.R. 40 to the RAP Act’ represents a pivotal moment in our collective journey toward a more equitable and inclusive future. Through informed discourse and collaboration, we aim to illuminate the path forward, recognizing the historical significance of reparations while forging a legislative path with the RAP Act. This crucial step ahead of the historic Equity March in Washington, D.C., June 15, 2024, lays a legislative foundation as we strive to create a society where the pursuit of justice knows no bounds.”
“When my father was born, Black people were still fighting for the right to exercise the 15th Amendment – it was 100 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, and Black people were dying to have fundamental rights. Unfortunately, this fight is still underway. Social justice warriors have proven to be the voice for the voiceless and the advocates for disenfranchised communities nationwide. The legislation put forth by the five lawmakers – from Reparations to the RAP ACT – will begin to systemically and politically address the longstanding racial and economic inequities in this nation,“ said Willie “ Prophet” Stiggers, CEO & President of the Black Music Action Coalition. “It’s time for everyone to decide – how are you going to use your power, your influence, your resources, your pocketbook, to end systemic racism? Black voters are awake, aware, activated, and demand real action.”
In 2024, the National Black Justice Coalition, United by Equity, the Black Music Action Coalition, and allies in the racial justice movement plan to hold the first-ever Equity March in Washington, D.C., on Juneteenth weekend. The march will aim to send a resounding message to elected officials on the urgent need to address the persisting issue of racial inequity in America and the overwhelming popularity of reparations legislation. The Equity March aims to create robust civic engagement and inspire positive action and solutions, done in partnership with an extensive roster of social and racial justice organizations that boost voter turnout. The Equity March will begin at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial and end at Black Lives Matter Plaza, where BMAC, UXE, NBJC, and Live Nation Urban / Broccoli City will present a musical showcase to celebrate and honor this historic occasion.