Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke delivered remarks at the 115th NAACP National Convention, highlighting the theme “All In” and reflecting on the sacrifices made by civil rights leaders such as Thurgood Marshall, Dr. King, John Lewis, and Medgar Evers.
Clarke emphasized the significance of recent anniversaries, including the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. She noted that these milestones are not only reminders of progress but also calls to continued action. "We also view these anniversaries as a call to redouble our efforts and reaffirm our commitment to finishing the march toward equality that our ancestors began," she said.
The Assistant Attorney General outlined various tools provided by federal laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965, Fair Housing Act, and others to combat discrimination. She stressed the importance of ensuring law enforcement officials act lawfully and without bias. "Our fight to ensure constitutional policing remains as urgent as ever," Clarke stated.
Clarke highlighted several cases where officers were prosecuted for abuses tied to high-profile deaths such as George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Louisville. Additionally, she discussed investigations into law enforcement agencies engaged in unconstitutional practices in cities like Minneapolis, Louisville, Memphis, New York City, Louisiana, Lexington (Mississippi), and Phoenix.
Protecting voting rights remains a core mission for Clarke's division amidst what she described as voter suppression laws spreading across the country. "We have filed lawsuits in Texas, Georgia and Arizona... because every eligible American deserves a voice in our democracy," she affirmed.
Addressing hate crimes was another focal point. Since January 2021, over 120 defendants have been charged with hate crimes across more than 110 cases. Clarke mentioned notable cases involving Ahmaud Arbery's killers and those responsible for murders motivated by racial or other biases.
Educational equity is also on their agenda. The division is working against disproportionate discipline affecting Black students and has secured victories against discrimination in schools affecting various minority groups.
Environmental justice initiatives were underscored by Clarke citing EPA findings about disproportionate climate change effects on communities of color. Recent settlements aim to address issues like unsafe septic systems in Lowndes County (Alabama).
Economic justice efforts include combating modern-day redlining through initiatives that have brought $122 million in relief to underserved communities. The department is also addressing appraisal discrimination against Black-owned homes.
Clarke pointed out systemic issues within jails and prisons that mistreat incarcerated individuals. Reforms are being implemented following investigations into facilities like Parchman Farm (Mississippi). Post-incarceration re-entry barriers are also being tackled to help individuals reintegrate into society successfully.
In conclusion, Clarke reiterated the necessity for collective effort: “As one of the great founders of the NAACP W.E.B Du Bois once noted: ‘Now is the accepted time... It is today that we fit ourselves for greater usefulness tomorrow.’”
She assured attendees that “the people’s Justice Department will continue to stand alongside you... We will not give up... We are all in now.”