FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 5, 2023
Readout of Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke’s Trip to Mississippi
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division traveled to Lexington, Jackson, Indianola, and Clarksdale, Mississippi, on June 1 and June 2 to continue the division’s tour to engage with stakeholders in underserved communities and reaffirm the department’s commitment to protecting the civil rights of all Americans.
On Thursday, Assistant Attorney General Clarke and U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca for the Southern District of Mississippi met with community leaders and stakeholders in Lexington at the Holmes County Circuit Court Complex. Holmes County is ranked as one of the poorest counties in the nation. In her remarks, Assistant Attorney General Clarke discussed the Justice Department’s commitment to address civil rights issues, including enforcing federal school desegregation orders, addressing jail and prison conditions and prosecuting hate crimes. The meeting focused on civil rights issues, like law enforcement accountability.
In the afternoon, Assistant Attorney General Clarke met with staff of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi. She thanked the office’s leadership and staff for their service and commitment to protecting civil rights. After the meeting, she toured the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.
In the evening, Assistant Attorney General Clarke participated in a community conversation at Jackson State University that was opened by NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson. The Mississippi Center for Justice’s President and CEO Vangela Wade moderated a conversation with Assistant Attorney General Clarke, who discussed her career as a civil rights attorney and the department’s efforts to protect the right to vote and to achieve economic justice, among others After the moderated discussion, local stakeholders raised concerns about local civil rights issues, including law enforcement accountability.
On Friday, Assistant Attorney General Clarke and U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner for the Northern District of Mississippi traveled to Indianola. There, she toured Lockard Elementary School, a majority-Black public school, and visited Indianola Academy, a majority-white charter school, with State Representative Otis Anthony. The school tours were followed by a community meeting at the Mississippi Center for Justice’s Indianola office. During the meeting, community leaders and educators discussed efforts to advance equitable educational experiences throughout the state.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke ended the day at the Clarksdale City Hall for a community meeting with Mayor Chuck Espy, U.S. Attorney Joyner and local stakeholders. She reiterated the Justice Department’s commitment to work with state and local partners to address civil rights and racial equity issues.
In the upcoming weeks, Assistant Attorney General Clarke will travel to South Carolina to meet with stakeholders in underserved communities.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke and U.S. Attorney LaMarca speak to community members in Lexington.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke and U.S Attorney LaMarca with the staff for the Southern District of Mississippi.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke at the Mississippi Center for Justice.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke and Clarksdale Mayor Chuck Espy.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
Topic(s): Civil RightsComponent(s): Civil Rights DivisionPress Release Number: 23-629
Updated June 5, 2023Original Article
