OAKLAND, Calif. – The following is a statement from James Rucker, executive director of ColorOfChange.org, regarding The Huffington Post’s recent decision to no longer give Andrew Breitbart a prominent platform on their website:

“ColorOfChange.org applauds The Huffington Post’s decision to no longer give Andrew Breitbart a prominent platform for his so-called ‘journalism’. Breitbart, whose entire career is built upon ‘reporting’ lies and falsehoods disguised as news, should have never been given the opportunity to present himself as a legitimate journalist or opinion-maker. Their decision is an important reversal. Over the course of one day, over 43,000 of our members called on The Huffington Post to end their promotion of Breitbart. The Huffington Post has done the right thing by refusing to elevate someone who fear mongers, race-baits and lies – none of which have a place in America’s public discourse.”

Two weeks ago, The Huffington Post promoted contributor Andrew Breitbart’s latest article on the front page of their website. Yesterday, ColorOfChange.org launched a campaign against The Huffington Post, arguing that Breitbart is a “notorious liar and race baiter” who “poses as a journalist and then uses his position to gin up race-based fears, protect racists, and demonize Black political leaders and institutions.” They have collected over 43,000 signed petitions from their members, demanding the news organization stop elevating and legitimizing Breitbart.

With more than 750,000 members, ColorOfChange.org is the nation’s largest African American online political organization.