NBJC Calls for Resilience, Unity, and Resistance to Protect Progress for LGBTQ+ and Black Communities
CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com
WASHINGTON – After the results of the 2024 Presidential Election confirmed that Donald Trump will be the 47th president, Dr. David J. Johns, CEO and Executive Director of the National Black Justice Collective (NBJC), a leading civil rights organization, issued the following statement:
“Today, the National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) expresses deep concern with the re-election of Donald Trump as President of the United States. Over the last nine years, President Trump and his MAGA movement have consistently used language, policies, and actions that have sought to dehumanize and disenfranchise women, Black people and other racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ and same-gender loving (SGL) people, immigrants and so many more. Moreover, they’ve done this while describing how they intend to use democratic institutions to inflict harm against political enemies.
“The probable implementation of the Project 2025 agenda through the Trump administration will advance anti-democratic plans laced with anti-LGBTQ+, anti-trans, anti-Black, and anti-women ideologies designed to erode hard-won rights and protections designed to defend and expand democracy in ways that benefit the majority in our diverse nation. This disturbing agenda to concretize patriarchal white supremacy is a reminder of the profound work required to defend our rights and to protect the lives of those most vulnerable members of our community.
“This moment, like those that have come before, requires resilience and action. NBJC stands resolute, prepared to confront this administration’s harmful agenda at every turn. We call upon our partners and supporters to join us in this battle for equity. We will continue to mobilize, organize, and use every resource available to defend the progress we’ve made in areas including healthcare access, marriage equality, anti-discrimination protections, and hate crime enforcement. The LGBTQ+/SGL community, particularly Black and transgender people, will not be silenced, and we will not surrender.
“In this time of adversity, we must also acknowledge the systems that make these injustices possible. While our democracy holds the potential for change, it is up to us to own and exercise our collective power to reimagine and rebuild the systems that were never designed to serve us. NBJC remains steadfast in our mission, which will continue despite any political headwinds, to ensure that Black LGBTQ+/SGL people can live, work, and thrive with safety and dignity.
“Ultimately, we know that our resilience will outlast any harmful policies or agendas. Justice and equity are on the right side of history, and we are committed to protecting our community and amplifying our voices. As we face what may seem like insurmountable challenges, we will continue to forge a path toward freedom, equality, and respect for all.
“Rest, beloved. Do whatever you must to guard your joy today such that we can continue the work of defending and expanding democracy. As my friend Brea Baker reminds us, ‘we are byproducts of a hopeful people who have made miracles happen in the bleakest of circumstances,’ we will get free, collectively.
“Finally, to my sisters, on behalf of all men, all brothers, I pray you feel my apology. Those of us who love you will continue to do better by you.”