Jake Dima on July 30, 2019
A host of black lawmakers boycotted President Donald Trump’s Jamestown, Virginia, speech celebrating 400 years of democracy, citing what they called “racist” rhetoric from the president.
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus (VLBC) announced Monday that its more than 20 members would make other arrangements to avoid Trump’s address and all other events associated with the historic celebration of U.S. democracy. Instead, the lawmakers participated in a series of ceremonies with slavery as a focus, a release from the caucus details.
The black lawmakers laid wreaths for other black legislators who came before them, spoke on the arrival of slaves to Jamestown, and explored the “Determined” exhibit, which details the “400-year-struggle” for blacks in the U.S.
The VLBC said Trump’s appearance in Jamestown is “antithetical to the principles for which the caucus stands,” citing his “racist and xenophobic” tweets and rhetoric.
“The commemoration of the birth of this nation and its democracy will be tarnished unduly with the participation of the President, who continues to make degrading comments toward minority leaders, promulgate policies that harm marginalized communities, and use racist and xenophobic rhetoric,” a statement from the caucus read.
“As we celebrate the beginning of American Democracy, we must recognize that it is a government by, of, and for the people built on the ideals of personal liberty, justice, and the rule of law,” VLBC Vice Chair Jennifer McClellan said a statement. “The President’s words and actions demonstrate that he does not share or embody these ideals.”
The caucus also said they view anyone who attended the 400th anniversary celebration as “complicit” in Trump’s “atrocities.”
Virginia Democratic Governor Ralph Northam came under fire in February 2017 when a yearbook page associated with his name showed a man in blackface and another dressed as a Klansmen — one of which was alleged to be Northam. He has since apologized for the incident, but the VLBC has not listed any plans to protest him.
Neither Northam nor the VLBC responded to a request for comment.
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Blacks are by far the most racist group of people based on race and ethnicity. Honest blacks with an IQ over 70 will admit it..too bad that is a minority of the bigoted hateful and blaming crew.
The fact is that when a country fully involves into a nation of free people, who enjoy the rights granted to them by birthright and the grace of God, that has been baptized in blood, sweet, and sacrifice, through human struggle, they become stronger and more determined to achieve what we call the American dream. Black Americans know that the continent of Africa is a cesspool of corrupt governments; corrupt leaders; murder, theft, false imprisonment, genocide, and "yes", slavery, which is happening as I speak. Yet, a bunch of no-nothing, unknown black politicians, who, more than likely, haven't done a damn thing to improve the lives of their constiuents in their own Congressional districts. Yet, they're clueless as to who really gives a damn what they think.
Well isn't that so mature of them. No Soup for you, racists!
What a bunch of hypocrites...I'm sure that VA Gov Blackface Northam and alleged rapist LT Gov Fairfax would have made them happy had they not invited the President. I'm sure that at previous Jamestown celebrations the racist group (VBLC) were front and center!
Black Caucus in Congress is Patently racist caucus. Deport them to Africa!
Very True. They, like all democrats, lack the self awareness (at best) or the intelligence (at worst) to not understand that nobody cares about them or what they boycott. I'll never understand such people. WE DON'T CARE ABOUT THEM!
As a native Virginian, I don't understand wht the VLBC boycotting anything qualifies as news. Personally, their boycott made the decision for me to go.
What does the Congressional White Caucus have to say? DOH!
It is amazing, how much information is out there, but so many people just don't know. Ran across this one today. https://pagesix.com/2019/07/30/a-listers-flock-to-google-summit-in-private-jets-mega-yachts-to-talk-climate-change/ and google is paying for the stay.
Because of their racism, and hate for America! They are not worthy to be where they are!