STATEMENT FROM RASHAD ROBINSON, PRESIDENT OF COLOR OF CHANGE, ON PRESIDENT BIDEN’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

“Last night’s State of the Union failed to address the glaring and gross inequities that Black communities face. In this moment, we need people in this country to come together and acknowledge these challenges — not ignore them. People are ready to have these honest and critical conversations. The bigger question remains if leaders have the courage to lead, policymakers have the courage to do what’s right, and the media has the courage to be honest — all of which are crucial to facilitate this overdue discourse. 

“Right now, we need leadership that is fully committed to helping create a more human and less hostile world for Black people. We need elected officials who are working tirelessly to end the systematic assault on our voting rights, as well as the ongoing attempts to erase and stifle Black history. And we need allies who recognize that the current law enforcement-driven approach to public safety terrorizes Black communities — the last thing we should be doing is calling for an increase in funding for police departments. Judging by last night’s speech, the president is not overly concerned with the very issues that matter most to us, and that crises abroad take precedence over crises affecting Black people at home.

“It’s past time that racial justice is treated like a priority and winning strategy. Our movement will continue to set the agenda and create change to ensure our voting rights are protected and our bodies are free from harm. Black people will continue to show up for ourselves and our future and push for safety, justice and a true democracy. There is no other way forward.” 

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