In brief
The NAACP has announced that Kristen Clarke, the former chief of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, will become its next general counsel. Clarke’s appointment emphasizes the organization's commitment to fight for voter access, gerrymandering, and First Amendment rights at a time when civil rights are under threat. NAACP President Derrick Johnson praised her strategic vision as essential in the current landscape of voting and civil rights challenges.
The NAACP, America's oldest civil rights organization, has appointed Kristen Clarke, a former official from the Biden Justice Department, as its new general counsel. Clarke, who previously directed the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, will oversee the NAACP’s legal strategies and litigation efforts focused on critical issues such as voter access and gerrymandering. In a statement, Clarke expressed her honor in joining the historic organization, emphasizing the urgent need for legal advocacy in protecting marginalized communities. 'Our communities are under relentless attack — from the ballot box to their wallets,' she stated, highlighting the importance of using legal tools to promote justice and accountability. NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson supported Clarke’s appointment, arguing that her expertise is vital as attacks on voting rights and civil liberties escalate. The NAACP aims to bolster its legal capabilities to counteract the current climate that seeks to undermine protections established during the Civil Rights Movement. Clarke’s experience includes challenging an executive order from former President Donald Trump regarding voter registration that the NAACP contended discriminated against voters of color. A federal judge ruled in the NAACP's favor, marking a significant victory in their ongoing legal battles. Before her time at the DOJ, Clarke was renowned for her leadership within the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and is committed to continuing her role as a professor at Howard University School of Law while serving the NAACP.
