President Joseph R. Biden Jr., announced that he would be stepping aside from his re-election campaign to focus on fulfilling his duties as President for the remainder of his term. Within his announcement, President Biden extended his thanks to and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris to serve as the Democratic nominee for the 47th President of the United States. NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson released the following statement in reaction to the news:
"For over a century, the NAACP has been proud to galvanize the Black vote, ensuring our voices are heard on the most pressing policy issues for our community. We recognize that today's news may come as a shock to Black America. Just last week, President Biden energized thousands of Black voters attending our 115th National Convention in Las Vegas. And for four years, they've worked with us, delivering more than $160 billion in student debt cancellation, supporting nearly 10 million families through the Child Tax Credit, and developing our nation's first ever Office of Gun Violence Prevention, just to name a few. We understand that this decision was not an easy one, and we thank President Biden for prioritizing the good of the country over personal ambition.
While today's news requires a discussion - we cannot be distracted. Our focus must remain on the policies that presidential candidates stand for, not their political performances or personalities. Ahead of November, we must remain all in on educating, engaging and mobilizing Black America. All in on fighting for policies that will advance, not undermine our progress. We must remain all in on our community, standing as a united front as we head to the ballot box to defeat fascism, defend democracy, and determine our futures. The NAACP is all in, are you?"
