Washington, D.C.—Congressional Multimedia Caucus co-chairs Reps. Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) and Judy Chu (CA-27) issued the following statement in response to the uptick in violence and attacks on journalists of color:

“As the co-chairs of the Congressional Multimedia Caucus on Capitol Hill and as Members of Congress of color, it is crucial that we work together to protect our vital journalists of color in the United States and globally during this time of civil unrest. It is unacceptable that journalists like CNN Correspondent Omar Jimenez have endured abuse and arrests at the hands of the very same people who took an oath to protect ALL American people. We have also witnessed an uptick in racism against Asian-American journalists in the face of coronavirus. This obvious display of hatred and bigotry cannot stand.”

“In the face of the coronavirus outbreak, as well as the civil unrest impacting this nation and beyond, it’s crucial that we do not silence or attempt to censor our journalists, no matter what guidance the bigoted Trump Administration gives. Journalists of color have a crucial role in keeping our democracy afloat, as they have been responsible for sharing the voices of the unheard and the overlooked. In a time of unprecedented attacks on the media and journalists, the Congressional Multimedia Caucus stands in solidarity with American journalists who are reporting the REAL news that impacts millions of Americans. We vow to continue to push for diversity in aspects of media and tech because our voices matter. Communities of color deserve to be heard and protected on the world stage. We will not give up this fight.”

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