WASHINGTON, D.C.— Following today’s historic vote in the House of Representatives in favor of making the District of Columbia a state, PFAW President Ben Jealous released the following statement:

“We applaud the House action today because D.C. statehood is a racial equity issue for everyone — not just the people who live there. At the global level, denying full citizenship to D.C.’s largely black and brown population sends an appalling message to the world. At the national level, it perpetuates entrenched power in Congress that too often stymies real progress on racial equity. And at the local level, it creates deeply racially unjust outcomes for its residents, including shortchanging the district in recent relief for coronavirus. It’s long past time to make D.C. statehood a reality, and it should be a priority for all of us who care about equality and opportunity.”

About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.