Biden says administration ‘kept true to guarantees’ made in National Action Network speech in efforts to galvanize Black voters

‘We know there’s far more to do,’ Biden says in virtual speech to National Action Network Convention

NEW YORK (AP) — President Joe Biden spoke virtually Friday on the Rev. Al Sharpton’s Racial Justice Conference, telling a sympathetic crowd “we kept our promises” as he ramped up efforts to energize Black voters who will probably be key to his re-election bid this fall.

Addressing several hundred attendees on the National Action Network’s annual convention in New York, Biden went through an extended list of what he considers his administration’s most significant achievements on behalf of Black Americans. He detailed providing federal public works funds to reconnect city neighborhoods that were divided many years ago during highway construction, in addition to investing billions in historically black colleges and universities.

“Together, we have delivered on our promises to make some of the most significant investments in the Black American community in history,” Biden said. He also noted that he has pardoned hundreds of inmates convicted of federal marijuana charges, fought racial discrimination in the actual estate market and canceled student debt for thousands and thousands of Americans.

He called it “transformational change,” but added: “We know there’s still a lot of work to do.” He said he still hopes to sign necessary laws expanding voting rights and the George Floyd Act, a police reform package named after a Black man whose 2020 murder by Minneapolis police sparked widespread racial justice protests and calls for adoption of federal laws.

Biden faces a November rematch with former Republican President Donald Trump, who has tried to increase his appeal to black voters.

Trump has suggested that the 4 indictments have improved his standing amongst members of a key voting bloc because they view him as a victim of discrimination – comparing his legal threat to the historical legacy of anti-Black prejudice in the US legal system. The former president also repeatedly compared himself to anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela, arguing that federal and state prosecutors targeted him and his corporations for political reasons.

While Biden has historically enjoyed strong support and approval from Black Democrats, a March poll found that 45% of Black Americans said they disapproved of Biden’s handling of his job as president in March. Associated Press-NORC Public Affairs Research Center. Just over half agreed.

Biden didn’t mention Trump by name in his Friday speech, but he did address leading Republicans’ opposition to abortion rights and greater access to the ballot box, emphasizing: “We face real threats.”

“There are more extreme voices that simply don’t want to see people of color in the future of our country,” the president said.

Terrence Floyd, George Floyd’s brother, said it means quite a bit to him when Biden guarantees to proceed reforms on his sibling’s behalf.

“I appreciate that he continues to be adamant about passing this bill,” he said. “He has the Floyd family behind him.”

The bill passed the then-Democratic-controlled House in 2021, but stalled in the Senate, where Republicans had a majority.

Others in the gang were equally enthusiastic. About half the audience stood and applauded because the president approached the rostrum in the White House auditorium, which was visible on a live broadcast.

Biden’s virtual address capped per week of appearances by administration officials and other distinguished local and national leaders. Vice President Kamala Harris personally addressed the convention last yr.

Elaine Duval of New York said she believed the president was real in his appeals to black voters and that she “doesn’t feel he’s getting the recognition and credit he deserves.” But she also suggested that Biden missed a chance to address the suffering of Palestinians during Israel’s war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

“The oppression of anyone, anywhere is the oppression of humanity,” Duval said. “And Black people, the Black race, we are used to oppression and enslavement. It’s a pity he didn’t mention it, because they are our relatives. He should use the president’s power to do this.”

As he traveled across the country campaigning for re-election, Biden often encountered protesters condemning his administration’s handling of the war in Gaza.

Sharpton, who often meets on the White House with a small group of civil rights leaders on issues affecting Black Americans, introduced Biden, recalling his years of labor with the National Action Network.

“I’m sharing this story so people don’t think he’s giving his viral speech to get votes,” Sharpton said.

He also took a dig at Trump, saying: “There are those who want our voters, who want to take us for granted and show us gold sneakers and other stupid things.”

“We want to know specific things,” Sharpton said.

Franklin Malone, a member of NAN’s Washington chapter, said he would love to hear Biden say more about addressing the incarceration rate in the Black community, not only marijuana offenders.

“We can push to get what we’d like. But a minimum of he’s heading in the right direction,” Malone said. “Sometimes half a chicken is better than no chicken at all.”

Malone said Biden doesn’t come across as a politician who takes the black vote for granted, as Trump has suggested to leading Democrats.

“The president can give us power so we can empower him,” Malone said. “He needs our vote. We need him.

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