As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes released the following statement:
“Black History Month is an opportunity for us to honor and learn from the Black Americans that have contributed to our state and nation — from community leaders to representation in Congress. Black history is Michigan history.
“With the first Black woman Supreme Court nominee on its way to fruition, I want to take a moment to reflect on the Biden-Harris administration’s policies that are improving the lives of Black Americans today.
“The American Rescue Plan has helped Black Michiganders — putting checks in pockets, prioritizing minority-owned small businesses, and investing in clean drinking water for the hardest-hit neighborhoods, who are so often Black communities. Now, with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, good-paying jobs, pollution clean-up, and more clean water investments are on their way for Black folks who have been underinvested in for far too long.
“While we’ve made historic progress — there’s a Black woman in the Vice Presidential office! — we still have plenty more work to do, and it’s going to take more than a month of reflection to ensure that happens. President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Michigan Democrats up and down the ballot remain committed to dismantling barriers to social and economic progress and ensuring Black Americans get their fair chance — 365 days of the year.”
Here are just a few of the ways the Biden-Harris administration is delivering for Black Americans:
- Making Money Moves: The unemployment rate for Black Americans fell from 9.2 percent in January 2021 to 7.1 percent in December 2021, and nationwide over 6 million jobs have been created since President Biden took office — the most of any first year president in history.
- Honoring Juneteenth: President Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth, a day we remember the emancipation of slaves in the United States and reaffirm our commitment to equality, a federal holiday.
- Yes, Your Honor: President Biden had 40 of his federal judge nominees confirmed, prioritizing diversity among his nominees. Around 80% of President Biden’s confirmed nominees were women and more than half were people of color. More Black women were appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals by the Biden-Harris administration than any other administration ever.
- Black in Business: Over $1 billion in loans to Black-owned small businesses through the Small Business Administration’s lending programs.
- Checks for Families: Thanks to the expanded monthly Child Tax Credit, 9.4 million Black children’s families were sent monthly checks of up to $300 per child.
