Black women leaders applaud confirmation of Gupta to DOJ

Statement by In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda President and CEO Marcela Howell

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Vanita Gupta to serve as associate attorney general, with only one Republican, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) voting “yes.” Marcela Howell, president and CEO of In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, issued the following statement in support of her confirmation:

“We applaud the confirmation of Vanita Gupta in the number three position at the Department of Justice (DOJ). She is an outstanding attorney and stalwart advocate for human and civil rights. We need her leadership now more than ever. As the country continues to battle systemic racism within the criminal legal system and ongoing attacks against voting and other civil rights, we know that Vanita Gupta will work to protect our constitutional rights.

“In Our Own Voice commends President Biden for appointing experienced civil rights advocates and women of color in top leadership positions at DOJ. We encourage the Senate to move swiftly to confirm another highly qualified nominee, Kristen Clarke, as assistant attorney general for civil rights. Given the ongoing police violence against Black women and girls — as evidenced by yesterday’s killing of 15-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant by police in Columbus — we need a full team at the DOJ to take immediate action to protect our rights and lives.”

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In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda is a national-state partnership focused on lifting up the voices of Black women leaders at the national and regional levels in our fight to secure reproductive justice for all women, femmes and girls. Our eight strategic partners are Black Women for Wellness, Black Women’s Health Imperative, New Voices for Reproductive Justice, SisterLove, Inc. SisterReach, SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW, The Afiya Center and Women With A Vision.