NAACP President Condemns Trump Administration’s Roll Back of DEI Programs

In a flurry of Executive Orders enacted on President Trump's first day in office, the controversial Administration has chosen to roll back all federal programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The move represents a significant regression from the previous Administration's approach to centering racial equity and remedying the systemic racism deeply entrenched in our nation's governing practices. 

NAACP President Derrick Johnson released the following statement condemning President Trump's Executive Order Rolling Back DEI in the Federal Government:

"It is outrageous that the President is rolling back critical Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. DEI programs help ensure that everyone can prosper. It's clear that President Trump does not value equal opportunity. 

His appalling executive order will only worsen America's racial hierarchy and benefit the oligarch class. This executive order threatens public services that benefit all Americans; it's an attempt to consolidate power and money to a few wealthy individuals. And poor and working-class people will pay the price. 

This is all part of a calculated strategy to redefine the role of government, privatize essential public services, and further discrimination. Elections have consequences and it's clear that this election has put a target on Black America's back." 

The data makes it clear: organizations with diverse workforces have a strategic advantage over those who don't. According to McKinsey, Companies in the top quartile for being ethnically and culturally diverse are 36% more profitable than those in the bottom quartile. 

To learn more about NAACP's work to advance a more inclusive economy, visit our website. 

Rick Smith Sr. Appointed President of Dallas College Northlake

Rick W. Smith, Sr. has been named president of Dallas College Northlake in Texas. His presidency will begin on February 3.

Dallas College Northlake is a public community college and one of seven campuses within the Dallas College system. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the system as a whole enrolls nearly 67,000 students, 20 percent of whom are Black.

Dr. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast communications from the University of Louisville, an MBA from Kennedy Western University, a master’s degree in philanthropic studies from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, and a doctor of education degree from Bradley University in Illinois.

SOURCE: JBHE

Congressional Black Caucus Statement on President Biden’s Historic Clemency Action

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus today celebrated President Biden’s historic clemency action.

Today’s clemency announcement follows a December 11th letter from the Congressional Black Caucus which called on President Biden “to prioritize the commutation of sentences for individuals serving disproportionately long prison terms, particularly those who would receive significantly shorter sentences or have access to early release if they were sentenced under current law and practice."

“The Congressional Black Caucus applauds President Biden for this act of clemency in pardoning nearly 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses who are serving disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice.

“As President Biden prepares to leave office, he has now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in our nation's history, solidifying a lasting legacy of upholding the values of criminal justice reform and equal protection under the law.

“For years, the CBC has been the leading voice in this fight. During this administration, President Biden has been our partner in this work, standing beside us in our commitment to justice. Following President Biden’s recent commutations of individuals on death row, we laud today’s act to prioritize the reduction of our federal overpopulation crisis, second chances for Americans to rebuild their lives, and the reunification of families.”

NAACP Commends President Biden’s Clemency Actions During His Final Hours in the White House

In the wake of President Biden's announcement of pardoning five individuals including Marcus Garvey and commuting the sentences of two more, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement:

The NAACP commends President Biden's leadership and commitment to justice demonstrated by today's pardons. Righting these wrongs highlights the systemic inequities that have – for too long – plagued our criminal justice system.

By pardoning and commuting individuals who have shown profound personal growth and dedication to serving their communities, President Biden has taken a meaningful step toward restoring their dignity and showing that this country believes in second chances.

But our work does not end here. Make no mistake, the NAACP will continue to fight on behalf of Black Americans who have been disproportionately impacted by the justice system.

April Ryan Joins Black Press USA as Washington Bureau Chief and Senior White House Correspondent

The Black Press is the trusted news and information source for millions of Americans and is bringing on news trailblazer, April Ryan. This is April Ryan’s 6^th Presidency, having covered five Presidents as a White House Correspondent and Bureau Chief.

“April Ryan has exemplified the best of outstanding journalism for decades at the White House for news companies across the nation and world. We are so proud to announce that April Ryan will now be the Washington Bureau Chief and Senior White House Correspondent for Black Press USA (http://www.BlackPressUSA.com ). As the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) celebrates in 2025, the 198^th Year of the Black Press of America, we acknowledge the transformative contemporary benefit to the amplification of the strategic importance of the Black Press that will be rendered by the courage and professional effectiveness of April Ryan.  April is the longest serving, Black tenured White House Correspondent in the history of the United States,” emphasized Dr. Benjamin F, Chavis, Jr., President and CEO of the NNPA.

“I am going home to make history as the Washington Bureau Chief and Senior White House Correspondent for Black Press USA. This is the home of History Makers who were the first Black White House Correspondents, Harry McAlpin, Ethel Payne, and Alice Dunnigan,” said Ryan. “January 13, 2025, marked my 28^th year as a White House Correspondent and I am thrilled to continue my journey at honoring the esteemed legacy of these iconic Black journalists.”