FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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January 19, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C., — As President Donald J. Trump begins his second term Race Forward, a leading national organization advancing racial equity and justice, released the following statement from its President, Glenn Harris:

"America stands at a crossroads, which is made even more clear by the dichotomy of our celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the inauguration of Donald J. Trump on the same day.  Our response today will define the democracy of tomorrow. This moment calls for clarity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

The presidency of Donald Trump poses a direct challenge to the ideals of equity and inclusion—but it also reminds us of who we are and the legacy of struggle that brought us here. As Dr. King reminded us, 'Now is the time to make real the promise of democracy.'

"Our history tells us this: Black communities are the pulse of democracy. For generations, we have led movements that transformed governance from a tool of oppression into a force for liberation. We fought to reclaim institutions and rewrite the rules of power—not just for ourselves, but for a multiracial democracy that values every life. This is the Black radical project: the fight to expand freedom and ensure a future where equity is not just an aspiration, but a reality.

"Governance is not a shield—it is the bedrock of freedom. Institutions are not the opposition; they are the battleground. Black-led movements have shown time and again that when we claim these institutions, we can reshape them into engines of justice. From the Civil Rights Act to local policies that protect our most vulnerable, our victories are proof that equitable governance is the strongest defense against oppression.

"The threats we face today are real and deliberate. Mass deportations, the rollback of reproductive rights, the legal and medical persecution of trans and non-binary individuals, the dismantling of public education, and attacks on social safety nets are calculated attempts to dismantle the progress we have made. Yet we know this: robust, equity-centered systems can outlast even the most dangerous agendas. Therefore, we will continue to fight against injustice and oppression to ensure our systems are just and benefit all Americans."