JustLeadershipUSA applauds Biden’s VP pick, promises to hold candidates accountable to make real criminal justice reform

Statement of JustLeadershipUSA President and CEO DeAnna Hoskins

NEW YORK — Today, Joe Biden revealed that Sen. Kamala Harris will be his running mate in the presidential election. JustLeadershipUSA President and CEO DeAnna Hoskins issued the following response:

“History is made, as Sen. Kamala Harris is the first Black woman nominated to the second-highest office in the country. Now is the time for women, especially Black women, to rise up and step into our greatness.

“Sen. Harris was the first Presidential candidate to confirm her attendance at the historical ‘JusticeVotes2020’ town hall, hosted by formerly incarcerated individuals at Eastern Penitentiary. She knew walking in that town hall that the audience was almost all directly impacted people. She embraced the questions of her past and leaned in on the potential conflict. Sen. Harris was enthusiastic about hearing our voices and listening to our experience. She recognized, in that moment, that the expertise of our experience had been missing from critical conversations.

“Sen Harris, you cannot — must not — forget about those mired in the carceral system, our families and communities, all of whom endure ongoing suffering. Our issues and concerns are on the ballot and we must have a candidate who will listen to our demand for justice.

“Between now and November, we must work to educate voters about criminal justice reform and work to make our issues top priorities and our voices heard. We must hold all of the candidates accountable to make real impactful criminal justice reform. The Time is NOW!”

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