RECAP: NAACP Hosted Virtual Town Hall Featuring Former Vice President Joe Biden and Congresswoman Marcia Fudge
BALTIMORE (June 11, 2020) — The NAACP hosted a virtual town hall with the former vice president, Joe Biden, and Congresswoman Marcia Fudge. Television journalist Ed Gordon moderated the hour-long conversation, which centered on the global public health crisis and incidents of hate crimes that America has wrestled with for decades.
Throughout the discussion, Joe Biden and Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH) hit on hot-button topics, such as the economy, reparations, and policing in this country.
Biden started the call by reminding callers of his opening campaign motto, "we're in a battle for the soul of this nation." He went on to acknowledge the plight of African Americans in this country and the enormous opportunity to make a change in our country. Biden offered general support for the protest that has taken place throughout the country, which he viewed as the primary element for African Americans to gain equality. He also put his support behind legislation on police reform and vowed to withhold federal funding for police departments that violate national standards.
Congresswoman Marcia Fudge joined the call and immediately noted that there was a pandemic of racism before COVID-19. She stated, "George Floyd's murder brought to the surface generations of pain, just like an oozing, open wound." She went on to discuss the measures the CBC is taking to introduce legislation (Justice in Policing Act) that will change the very culture of policing in the country.
The call closed with Biden confessing that it is up to those in elected office to listen to the will of society and make meaningful change. He also highlighted the need for people to get civically engaged to ensure the system works for all.
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Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP's work and our six "Game Changer" issue areas here.