For Immediate Release: May 27, 2025
Contact: media@colorofchange.org
COLOR OF CHANGE MAKES STATEMENT ON ESCALATING ATTACKS AGAINST BLACK ELECTED OFFICIALS AND THE NEO-SEGREGATIONIST AGENDA BEHIND THEM
NATIONAL – Mayor Brandon Johnson in Chicago, Mayor Ras Baraka in Newark, and Congresswoman LaMonica McIver are the latest Black elected officials to face unjust political attacks and public vilification as a part of a coordinated, neo-segregationist agenda. These efforts echo the recent retaliatory scrutiny levied against New York Attorney General Letitia James for holding corrupt power to account. Whether through false narratives, legal intimidation, or threats to their safety and autonomy, these leaders are being targeted for centering the needs of Black people in their policies.
Portia Allen-Kyle, Interim Executive Director of Color Of Change, issued the following statement:
“Let’s be clear: what we are witnessing is not just political disagreement—it is a full-scale assault on Black leadership rooted in a neo-segregationist agenda designed to undermine Black political power, criminalize resistance, and turn back the clock on civil rights progress. These coordinated attacks seek to isolate and punish Black elected officials who refuse to maintain the status quo of racial injustice.
When Mayor Brandon Johnson invests in diversity hiring, when Mayor Ras Baraka stands up for immigrants, when Rep. LaMonica McIver exercises her oversight authority over private detention centers, and when Attorney General Letitia James holds powerful interests accountable—they are met with retaliation because they dare to govern for us.
Color Of Change stands in unwavering solidarity with Black leaders who are targeted for their vision, courage, and service. We will not be silent. We will not be divided. And we will not allow this neo-segregationist playbook to succeed.”
We remain committed to defending Black political power and building a democracy where Black communities are protected, respected, and free.
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ABOUT COLOR OF CHANGE:
Color Of Change is the nation’s largest online racial justice organization. We help people respond effectively to injustice in the world around us. As a national online force driven by millions of members, we move decision-makers in corporations and governments to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America. Visit www.colorofchange.org