Joint Center Applauds Senator Booker for Historic Senate Speech & Standing Up for Black Americans 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2025

Contact:
Kennedy Fortner, kennedy.fortner@jointcenter.org

Joint Center Applauds Senator Booker for Historic Senate Speech & Standing Up for Black Americans 

WASHINGTON — In response to Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) making history by delivering the longest individual speech on the Senate floor, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies issues the following statement:

“The Joint Center commends Senator Cory Booker for his efforts to utilize his political platform to uplift the American people and stand against several issues affecting Black Americans. His extraordinary efforts of performing a speech for 25 hours and five minutes demonstrate leadership and a commitment to a larger purpose,” said Joint Center President Dedrick Asante-Muhammad. “Senator Booker utilized his time to speak against the Department of Government Efficiency’s federal cuts, the dismantling of the Department of Education, the housing crisis, environmental rollbacks, and more. His speech stands as a defining moment in history. This feat is especially poetic as it surpassed Senator Strom Thurmond’s reprehensible 24-hour filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1957.”

The Joint Center honored Senator Booker with its highest honor — the Louis E. Martin Great American Award — in 2014. The award, named after a principal founder of the Joint Center, Louis E. Martin), recognizes individuals who have made transformational contributions that furthered the promise of America as a land of hope and opportunity for all.

Senator Booker’s recent efforts highlight the power of public service in advancing progress for all.

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About the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, provides compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America. We are the trusted forum for leading experts and scholars to participate in major public policy debates and promote ideas that advance Black communities. We use evidence-based research, analysis, convenings, and strategic communications to support Black communities and a network of allies.