President Joe Biden is set to deliver a live virtual keynote address at the Rev. Al Sharpton’s racial justice conference in New York. This event comes as Biden gears up for his reelection campaign and aims to appeal to Black voters by highlighting his achievements and policies aimed at addressing racial inequity. The White House announced that Biden will speak at the annual National Action Network Convention, following a week of appearances from administration officials and other politicians. While Biden is expected to focus on showcasing his accomplishments, he will not take questions from attendees after his remarks.
Despite historically high support and approval ratings from Black Democrats, recent polling shows that a significant portion of Black Americans have expressed disapproval of Biden’s handling of his job as president. According to polling by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 45% of Black Americans disapprove of Biden’s performance, while just over half approve. This suggests that Biden may face challenges in maintaining strong support from the Black community as he approaches the upcoming election.
Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the convention in person last year, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to engaging with the Black community and addressing issues of racial justice. Rev. Al Sharpton, who has a history of advocacy for civil rights and has met with civil rights leaders at the White House, will lead a discussion with attendees following President Biden’s keynote address. This engagement with prominent figures in the Black community highlights the importance of addressing racial inequity and working towards justice for marginalized communities.
As Biden prepares for a potential rematch with Republican former President Donald Trump in the fall, his outreach to Black voters is crucial in securing support for his reelection campaign. By highlighting his accomplishments and policies aimed at addressing racial inequity, Biden aims to appeal to the concerns of the Black community and demonstrate his commitment to advancing racial justice. However, the polling data indicating a level of disapproval among Black Americans suggests that Biden may need to work to maintain and strengthen his support among this demographic leading up to the election.
The National Action Network Convention serves as a platform for discussions on racial justice, civil rights, and other important issues affecting Black Americans. President Biden’s participation in this event underscores his commitment to engaging with the Black community and addressing their concerns. Through his keynote address, Biden will have the opportunity to showcase his achievements and policies aimed at advancing racial equity, while also engaging in a discussion with Rev. Al Sharpton and other attendees to further address pressing issues facing marginalized communities. This engagement highlights the importance of centering racial justice in the national conversation and working towards a more equitable future for all Americans.
