Former U.S. President Donald Trump (L) exchanges a glance with U.S. President Joe Biden during the CNN Presidential Debate at the CNN Studios on June 27, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. The debate marks their first face-off of the 2024 presidential campaign. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
June 29, 2024 Story by: Editor
During the first presidential debate of the 2024 campaign, President Joe Biden addressed several issues concerning Black Americans. Here’s a fact-check of some of his statements:
Claim: Biden highlighted his administration’s support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Fact: Biden has proposed increased funding and support for HBCUs as part of his administration’s efforts to address systemic inequalities in higher education. This includes initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure, research capabilities, and student resources within these institutions.
Claim: Biden emphasized criminal justice reform initiatives aimed at reducing racial disparities in the justice system.
Fact: Biden has supported efforts to reform the criminal justice system, including advocating for measures to address racial disparities in sentencing and policing practices. His administration has taken steps to promote police accountability and invest in community-based alternatives to incarceration.
Claim: Biden discussed economic initiatives to support Black-owned businesses and narrow the racial wealth gap.
Fact: Biden has proposed policies to promote economic equity, including increasing access to capital for Black entrepreneurs, expanding affordable housing opportunities, and advocating for fair labor practices that benefit minority communities. These initiatives are part of broader economic strategies aimed at fostering inclusive growth and reducing wealth disparities.
Claim: Biden reiterated his commitment to protecting voting rights and combating voter suppression efforts.Fact: Biden has been vocal about the need to strengthen voting rights protections, particularly in response to legislative measures that restrict access to voting, disproportionately affecting Black and minority voters. He has called for federal legislation to counteract these efforts and ensure equal access to the ballot box for all Americans. FactCheck
