President Trump Should Not Attend Grand Opening of Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

BALTIMORE (December 5, 2017)—In a statement released today, the NAACP criticized President Trump’s proposed visit to this weekend’s opening of the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, Mississippi.

“President Trump’s statements and policies regarding the protection and enforcement of civil rights have been abysmal, and his attendance is an affront to the veterans of the civil rights movement,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. “He has created a commission to reinforce voter suppression, refused to denounce white supremacists, and overall, has created a racially hostile climate in this nation,” added President Johnson.

Dr. Amos Brown, NAACP Board member, San Francisco Branch President and native of Jackson, Mississippi agrees that the President should stay away from the museum’s opening.

“As a freedom fighter and contemporary of Emmett Till, Trump’s visit is an insult. He has never been a supporter of civil rights or equal opportunity or justice,” said Dr. Brown. “He’s been silent on civil rights issues, and his silence speaks volumes,” added Dr. Brown.