On September 11, 2024, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke addressed the members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. during their Zeta Day on the Hill event. In her remarks, Clarke acknowledged the historical significance and contributions of the sorority, emphasizing its advocacy for social, health, and economic justice.
Clarke highlighted her role as the first woman and first Black woman confirmed by the Senate to lead the Civil Rights Division at the Justice Department. She noted that Zeta Phi Beta's foundation by "Five Pearls" during a time of significant racial violence underscores its enduring commitment to addressing community issues.
Clarke discussed ongoing challenges to democracy and voting rights in light of recent legislative changes and court decisions such as Shelby County v. Holder. She detailed efforts by the Justice Department to combat discriminatory voting laws and practices, including actions against restrictive voter registration requirements in Arizona and discriminatory redistricting in states like Georgia and Texas.
"We are not deterred – we continue to use every tool available to address the voting challenges we face today," Clarke stated.
The Assistant Attorney General also addressed issues related to women's rights, including combating sexual harassment and assault through federal laws like the Violence Against Women Act. She cited a recent case where a Border Patrol officer was convicted of sexually assaulting a minor.
Turning to economic justice, Clarke discussed initiatives aimed at closing the racial wealth gap, such as the Combatting Redlining Initiative launched in 2021. This initiative has secured over $122 million in relief for communities affected by discriminatory lending practices.
Additionally, Clarke spoke about efforts to ensure equitable policing following high-profile cases involving police violence against Black individuals. Since 2021, over 220 defendants have been prosecuted in color-of-law cases resulting in more than 170 convictions.
Clarke also highlighted actions taken against hate crimes targeting Black people and other marginalized groups. Recent indictments include charges against members of white supremacist groups promoting violence through online platforms.
In closing, Clarke quoted Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson on confronting historical evils still present today: "History is also our best teacher... But can we really say that we are confronting some of those same evils now." She affirmed the Justice Department's commitment to working alongside organizations like Zeta Phi Beta for equality and justice.
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