NAACP — vigilant in removing Judge from bench — thanks community

During this week of addressing the troubling issue of 23rd Judicial District Court Judge Jessie Leblanc’s use of racial slurs, this matter has resulted in Leblanc’s resignation letter of February 27, 2020.

To community members and advocates, thank you so much for coming together to ensure this outcome. It is with your continued support and efforts that we can fight injustices like this.

It is with gratitude that we thank Governor John Bel Edwards for addressing this matter head-on, standing up for what’s right and vocalizing what was needed.

To the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, thank you for your collective strength and support in addressing this matter.

In addition, we’d like to thank the various media outlets for presenting this issue in a fair and consistent manner.

Lastly, we thank our state president Michael McClanahan and all NAACP Baton Rouge Branch members for its consolidated and unyielding efforts.

This issue was disheartening, but it provided an opportunity for us to demonstrate the strength of our collective voice. When we all work together, we win!

And while this issue has been addressed, we must continue to stay vigilant. As we look to a person to fill this seat vacancy, we must take up the responsibility of voting to ensure that whoever fills that seat is one who is equitable and who fairly represents the broader community.

Sincerely,

Eugene Collins Michael W. McClanahan
President State President
NAACP Baton Rouge Branch NAACP Louisiana State Conference