JLUSA’s response to the second presidential debate

Statement of JustLeadershipUSA President and CEO DeAnna Hoskins

NEW YORK — Last night, President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden held their second presidential debate, in Nashville, TN. JustLeadershipUSA President and CEO DeAnna Hoskins issued the following statement in response:

“In last night’s debate, the question of race and criminal justice reform took center stage in a way that it hadn’t in the past – with both candidates struggling to answer for their actions. If this year has shown anything, it’s that there is a demand to defund the systemic racism and violence that has disproportionately targeted Black and Brown people for generations, and increase investments in resources like education, healthcare, housing and employment.

“While the current administration states that ‘nobody has done more for the black community,’ the millions of our brothers and sisters currently within correctional facilities nationwide would say otherwise. His divisive behavior has led to an increase in systemic racism and hatred designed to further oppress us.

“We applaud Joe Biden for highlighting the need to reform drug offense laws, and to uplift the dignity and humanity of incarcerated people, but there is still much work to be done. As many as 5.2 million people remain disenfranchised because of a felony conviction, and hundreds of thousands of re-enfranchised voters still face voter suppression and intimidation tactics. To that end, it is critical that all re-enfranchised voters be able to vote without fear or intimidation. Their voices must be heard to ensure that we have a government that represents all and not just a select few. “

Elle Communications

jlusa@ellecomm.com