Marc Morial has been active in Black leadership circles for decades as a former Louisiana state legislator, mayor of New Orleans and, since 2003, serving as president of the National Urban League.
In those capacities, he has observed and worked with heads of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. On Jan. 13, at an observance commemorating the birthday of slain civil rights leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he said no one has led the Division better than outgoing Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” said Morial, 67, to Clarke and her colleagues in the division. “All we wanted was a leader who enforced the law. Kristen Clarke’s team has enforced good law with serious, competent lawyers.”
Morial sang the praises of Clarke along with several leaders of civil rights organizations as she steps down largely due to the change of presidential administrations that will take place on Jan. 20, when Donald J. Trump returns to the White House.
A barrier breaker, Clarke became the first woman to lead the division when she assumed the role in 2021.
“Kristen has the fire of Fannie Lou Hamer, the fiery accent of Shirley Chisholm and the brilliant legal mind of Constance Baker Motley,” Morial declared.
Clarke Issues Call to Action, Encourages Continued Justice Fights
During her remarks, Clarke noted that Dr. King’s dream of an America where everyone will be treated fairly and equitably is still a work in progress.
“As we close today’s tribute to his life and the monumental contributions he made, we also celebrate our own hard work to advance his dream — a dream of a nation where equality, justice and fairness are not just aspirational ideals but tangible realities for all,” Clarke, 50, said.
Clarke started in her role at a critical time for America.
When Biden appointed her to the position in 2021, she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate “on the first anniversary of George’s Floyd’s death,” Clarke said, adding: “our country was in the throes of unrest.”
She noted the killings of unarmed Black people such as Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, and Floyd.
For Clarke, there was work to do and serious problems to address.
“At the Civil Rights Division, we have long enforced federal laws that protect people from discrimination based on race, national origin, sex, disability, religion and military status,” she said. “We have sought to redeem the promises of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965, Fair Housing Act of 1968 and other landmark legislation.”
Clarke said her team has worked with local law enforcement agencies in such cities as Louisville; Minneapolis Seattle and Baltimore to implement reforms in policing.
She said her colleagues have worked to fight voter suppression and for fair housing opportunities for all Americans. In combating hate crime, Clarke said her Division “has charged more than 150 defendants in more than 135 cases, achieving more than 125 convictions in that time frame.”
Clarke also noted the recently released study by the Division of the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921, where hundreds of African Americans were killed by whites and a prosperous Black community was destroyed, “will ensure the nation never forgets this dark chapter of our history, and supports continued efforts to seek justice in the road ahead.”
Saying Goodbye, Championing Clarke’s Work
Noted civil rights lawyer Benjamin Crump said he was humbled to give flowers to Clarke.
“You have inspired so many young women to become civil rights champions,” Crump, 55, said. “You’ve accomplished so much in these four years. You have made the Constitution real.”
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson complimented Clarke saying “some people have character while some people are characters.”Pointing out that Clarke is the former, he said her leadership of the office was unmatched.
As Johnson said goodbye, he also teased her a bit, while offering encouragement.
“You’ve been doing this work a long time,” Johnson said, “so go make a lot of money.”