Washington, D.C. –  Following the news that activist Stacey Abrams and the racial equity movement Black Lives Matter have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:

“The nominations of Stacey Abrams and Black Lives Matter for the Nobel Peace Prize couldn’t be more timely or well-deserved. I have known Stacey for many years, and her work to empower and enfranchise communities that have historically been marginalized has been nothing short of heroic. This year and in 2020, her work helped lift up voters in her home state of Georgia, especially voters of color, and brought about genuine representation for the state in the United States Senate. The Black Lives Matter movement gave voice to millions of Black Americans who have suffered from police violence, and forced a national reckoning around this issue by mobilizing activism that forced people to sit up and take notice. For the first time over the summer of 2020, an overwhelming multi-racial majority of Americans expressed awareness that systemic racism and police violence were serious problems in our society. We wholeheartedly support these Nobel Prize nominations for Stacey and for BLM, who have worked so hard to improve the lives of millions.”

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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