Statement from NAACP President Derrick Johnson on the Final Presidential Debate

"This evening, both candidates made their final case before the American people on how they plan to improve the dire health and economic crises that have beset our country. From plans to fight COVID-19 to issues of race in America, climate change, and national security, tonight's topic areas impact Black lives, and we need leaders that are capable of taking real and meaningful action. That is why we are urging Black Americans to turn out in record numbers this election because our voices matter, and we have the power to move America in the right direction.

"COVID-19 is real, and the health and the socio-economic impact it has had on our communities is devastating. We need police reforms just as badly as we need criminal justice reform to ensure that our community does not continue to suffer from police brutality and discriminatory judicial practices. We need to safeguard our civil rights. There is too much at stake in this election, and we must make our voices heard. Our communities need healing and recovery, and our vote is the first step in effectuating change.

"With eleven days to the election, Americans need the reassurance that the integrity of the democratic process will be protected and free of voter suppression and intimidation. That is why the NAACP will continue to be relentless in our efforts to empower Black communities across the country in the final days of this election year to ensure that our voices are heard and our vote moves America forward."

Since August, the NAACP has led its Black Voices Change Lives campaign to mobilize Black American voters across the country, especially in key battleground states. The NAACP has also invested seven-figures in ad campaigns to reach the Black community and encourage people to register, get educated, and plan to vote this November. On Saturday, National Vote Early Day, the NAACP and partners will host a Black The Vote — Our Lives Depend On It Homecoming Celebration to encourage Black voters to vote and vote early.

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About NAACP 

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation's first civil and human rights law organization, and shares our commitment to equal rights.