Media Releases

WASHINGTON, DC—Ahead of the 2021 inauguration tomorrow, the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) released the following statement: 

“Today is a day to celebrate the commencement of a new presidential administration—one that includes the first Black woman to ever hold the title of Vice President of the United States of America,” said David J. Johns, executive director of NBJC and former executive director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans under President Barack Obama. “Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer+/same gender loving (LGBTQ+/SGL) people across the country will be looking to Biden and Harris to address our most pressing issues. 

WASHINGTON, DC—The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is devastated to learn that Tyianna Alexander has been murdered. 
Tyianna Alexander, a 28-year-old Black trans woman from Chicago, Illinois, was shot and killed on January 6. Beverly Ross, a trans advocate and community sister who grew up with Tyianna, said that she was a loving person who everyone loved to be around. She loved to dance, had a great sense of humor, enjoyed life when she could, and just wanted to be able to “vibe and thrive.” Friends on Facebook say she was the life of the party, a sweetheart and that they love and miss her. 

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, President-elect Joe Biden announced nominations for key positions in the Department of Justice: Judge Merrick Garland, nominee for Attorney General; Lisa Monaco, nominee for Deputy Attorney General; Vanita Gupta, nominee for Associate Attorney General; and Kristen Clarke, nominee for Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. In response to these nominations, the National Black Justice Coalition released the following statement: 
"We are excited that these tremendous advocates for civil and human rights will be leading the Department of Justice,” said David J. Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition. 

WASHINGTON, DC— The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is profoundly saddened by the news of two murders during the holiday season. Jaheim Barbie, also known as Jaheim Pugh, a Black gender nonconforming youth of 19 years, was shot to death as they exited a Christmas party in Prichard, Alabama on December 13th. Just twelve days later, Courtney “Eshay” Key, a 25-year-old Black transgender woman, was shot and killed in the East Chatham neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. These thefts of precious young lives, like so many others, were the product of ignorance and hate.