NAACP Reacts to President Biden’s Decision to end Re-election Campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 21, 2024

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, [email protected]

WASHINGTON - Today, President Joseph R. Biden Jr., announced that he would be stepping aside from his re-election campaign to focus on fulfilling his duties as President for the remainder of his term. Within his announcement, President Biden extended his thanks to and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris to serve as the Democratic nominee for the 47th President of the United States. NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson released the following statement in reaction to the news:

"For over a century, the NAACP has been proud to galvanize the Black vote, ensuring our voices are heard on the most pressing policy issues for our community. We recognize that today's news may come as a shock to Black America. Just last week, President Biden energized thousands of Black voters attending our 115th National Convention in Las Vegas. And for four years, they've worked with us, delivering more than $160 billion in student debt cancellation, supporting nearly 10 million families through the Child Tax Credit, and developing our nation's first ever Office of Gun Violence Prevention, just to name a few. We understand that this decision was not an easy one, and we thank President Biden for prioritizing the good of the country over personal ambition.

While today's news requires a discussion - we cannot be distracted. Our focus must remain on the policies that presidential candidates stand for, not their political performances or personalities. Ahead of November, we must remain all in on educating, engaging and mobilizing Black America. All in on fighting for policies that will advance, not undermine our progress. We must remain all in on our community, standing as a united front as we head to the ballot box to defeat fascism, defend democracy, and determine our futures. The NAACP is all in, are you?"

President Biden's July 21st announcement came on the heels of the 115th NAACP National Convention, where the President addressed thousands of Black Americans, telling them he believes Vice President Harris is qualified to be President. If elected, Harris would be the first Black female President in United States history.

Ahead of November, the NAACP is recruiting 300,000 volunteers to mobilize Black voters across the country. For more information, or to join our efforts, visit naacp.org/volunteer.

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ABOUT NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities. NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.

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