Biden Highlights Racial Equity Achievements at Black Excellence Brunch

On September 13, President Joe Biden celebrated the achievements of minority communities at a “Black Excellence Brunch” held on the South Lawn of the White House. During the event, he highlighted the significant results his administration has attained for Black Americans, such as maintaining the lowest Black unemployment rate in history and providing more access to healthcare than ever before.

Biden expressed his desire to honor Black history and the progress made under his leadership. “I also wanted to host this brunch because we have progress to celebrate,” he stated. “Together, we’re making the most significant investments in Black America in all of American history. We’ve centered racial equity as the center of everything we do.”

The event also showcased the partnership between Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who has secured the 2024 Democratic nomination for president, in what is shaping up to be a competitive race against Republican nominee Donald Trump. Biden emphasized their dedication to ensuring their administration reflects the diversity of America. “The bottom line is the Black community has always had my back, and I’ve always had yours,” he affirmed.

The Black Excellence Brunch series was created by Trell Thomas, aiming to capture the spirit of family-style gatherings that have historical significance within the Black community. Since its inception, the brunches have served as a platform to celebrate key moments in Black culture and history.

This particular brunch featured the musical talents of the Washington, D.C., St. Augustine Gospel Choir. The guest list included notable figures such as Shalanda Young, the first Black woman to head the Office of Management and Budget, as well as actresses Marsai Martin and Kyla Pratt, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, all of whom have made significant impacts in their respective fields.

Among the attendees was White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who brought attention to a concerning issue that arose during the recent presidential debate. Biden condemned Trump’s promotion of a false conspiracy theory targeted at Haitian immigrants, which falsely accused them of heinous acts. The president expressed his outrage and concern while speaking about the Haitian American community, represented by Jean-Pierre herself.

Biden remarked, “I want to today take a moment to say something. Like so many Americans, like Karine, as you pointed out, a proud Haitian American — a community that’s under attack in our country right now. It’s simply wrong. There’s no place in America. This has to stop, what he’s doing. It has to stop.”

The debate in question had incited serious repercussions, including bomb threats that led to the evacuation of various schools and public buildings in Springfield, Ohio. Biden’s statement sought to address the harmful rhetoric and its implications on the Haitian American community’s safety and dignity.

As the brunch unfolded, the sense of community and shared progress highlighted the ongoing commitment toward achieving racial equity and celebrating cultural heritage. Biden’s message resonated throughout the gathering, reminding attendees of the administration’s dedication to addressing issues affecting minority communities and reinforcing the idea of inclusivity.

The event symbolized a celebration not just of past achievements but also of ongoing struggles and triumphs within the Black community. Biden’s words called for unity and action, sending a powerful message about the importance of recognizing and supporting the contributions of Black Americans to the nation’s fabric.

The Black Excellence Brunch has become a significant event reflecting the administration’s efforts in fostering a more equitable society, emphasizing the narrative that progress is possible when communities come together to celebrate their strengths and work toward a better future.

Source: UPI