Photos: YouTube Screenshots\Wikimedia Commons
WASHINGTON, D.C. — National Black women leaders and organizations are standing shoulder to shoulder in defense of Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) and New York Attorney General Letitia James, who both face court proceedings this week amid what many are calling politically motivated and baseless attacks.
“Black women have always led with courage, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to justice and defending our democracy, even when the cost is high,” the leaders said in a joint statement. “This week, we are once again witnessing a troubling pattern: powerful Black women being targeted and criminalized for doing their jobs and standing in their purpose.”
Tuesday of this week, Congresswoman McIver appeared in Newark for a pretrial hearing, the latest example of how Black women in leadership are too often targeted when they stand up to power. On Friday, Oct. 24, AG James will appear in Norfolk, VA, despite a record of protecting consumers, standing up for victims, challenging corruption, and defending democracy. Both women have long served their communities with vision and unwavering commitment, and they are being unfairly targeted for standing up for justice.
“These are not isolated incidents, they are part of a broader, deeply rooted effort to discredit, distract, and dismantle the progress of Black women in leadership,” the statement continues. “Whether it’s a congresswoman fulfilling her constitutional duty of oversight or an attorney general enforcing the law without fear or favor, their work represents the very essence of democracy.”
The leaders reject the weaponization of the justice system against Black women and vow to continue mobilizing in defense of those who lead with integrity, service, and strength.
“We reject these baseless attacks and political prosecutions designed to punish principled leadership. We see these actions for what they are: attempts to intimidate, divide, and discourage. But as history has shown, when Black women lead, we do not stand alone; we stand together.”
Black women leaders across the nation affirm their solidarity with Congresswoman McIver and Attorney General James, lifting them in faith, in strength, and in power.
Black Women Leaders/ Organizations:
Aimee Allison, She the People
Shavon Arline-Bradley, The National Council of Negro Women
Rhonda Briggins, Delta for Women in Action
Latosha Brown, Black Voters Matter Fund
Stefanie Brown James, The Collective PAC
Judith Browne Dianis, Advancement Project
Melanie Campbell, Sisters Lead, Sisters Vote
Glynda C. Carr, Higher Heights for America
Leah Daughtry, Power Rising
Jotaka Eaddy Founder, Win With Black Women
Jocelyn C. Frye, National Partnership for Women and Families
A’shanti F. Gholar, Emerge
Fatima Goss Graves, National Women’s Law Center
Arisha Hatch, UltraViolet Action
Holli Holliday, Sisters Lead Sisters Vote
Regina Wallace-Jones, ActBlue
Portia Allen-Kyle, Color Of Change
Rachel Noerdlinger, Noerdlinger Media
Minyon Moore, Power Rising
Kelley Robinson, Human Rights Campaign
Angela Rye, IMPACT Strategies
Adrianne Shropshire, BlackPAC
