NAACP Shares Gratitude for Secretary Marcia L. Fudge’s Service to Black America
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2024
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Marcia L. Fudge, announced that she would be stepping down from her position. Secretary Fudge, who was nominated by President Biden in 2021, has been a steadfast leader, providing crucial representation in the fight to secure housing justice and address our nation's growing homelessness crisis.
"Secretary Fudge's tireless efforts in advancing social, racial, and economic justice have been truly commendable," said NAACP Chairman of the Board, Leon W. Russell. "Her commitment to fighting for equitable access to affordable housing and her advocacy for marginalized communities extends far beyond the work championed during her current tenure. HUD programs and the revitalization of interagency training, under Secretary Fudge's leadership, have led to the agency serving or permanently housing over a million people experiencing homelessness in the last 3 years alone. Through her leadership at the local, congressional, and executive levels, Secretary Fudge has left an indelible mark on our nation. The NAACP is immensely grateful for her service and wishes her continued success in her future endeavors."
Secretary Fudge attended the NAACP National Convention in 2022, providing updates on her efforts to enact policies aimed at addressing housing disparities, promoting economic opportunity, and combating systemic racism within housing and urban development. The PAVE Initiative, created during her tenure, and the reimagined National Fair Housing Academy, deeply reflect her mission of creating racially equitable housing for Americans.
President & CEO Derrick Johnson also reflected on Secretary Fudge's tenure, remarking, "The NAACP recognizes Secretary Fudge with deep appreciation for her unwavering commitment to public service and her dedication to uplifting marginalized communities across the nation. Secretary Fudge's leadership has been marked by integrity, compassion, and a steadfast dedication to justice. She has provided a voice for our community in the halls of power, time and time again proving herself as a dedicated advocate for those most in need. Secretary Fudge's tenure in the Administration may be over, but her legacy will last a life-time. We are honored to have had the opportunity to work alongside her in the pursuit of equality and opportunity for all."
Marcia L. Fudge made history in 1999, being elected as the first female and first African American mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, where she took critical steps to combat predatory lending and address the city's growing foreclosure crisis. Fudge went on to serve as U.S. Representative for the 11th Congressional District of Ohio from 2008-2021, during which time she worked across the aisle to champion policies benefiting Black America while serving on several Congressional Caucuses and Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.
To learn more about NAACP's housing justice work, visit our website.
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About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.