House Democratic Leader Jeffries Rallies at NAN Convention

Emphasizes Democrats' commitment to defending democracy, civil rights, and American values of diversity, equity and inclusion

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:37pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office or political chamber, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows cast across the walls and furniture, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of political responsibility.Jeffries' call for a 'John Lewis Good Trouble Moment' evokes the civil rights movement's enduring legacy of nonviolent protest and political action.Brooklyn Today

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke at the National Action Network's National Convention, highlighting the Democratic party's efforts to defend democracy, protect civil rights, lower costs for Americans, and affirm that diversity, equity and inclusion are core American values, despite attacks from the Trump administration and Republican extremists.

Why it matters

Jeffries' remarks at the prominent civil rights organization's convention underscore the Democratic party's positioning on key issues like voting rights, economic challenges, and the culture war over diversity initiatives as the 2024 election cycle approaches.

The details

In his speech, Jeffries emphasized that as the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress have continued to 'unleash extremism' and cause the cost of living to skyrocket, Democrats remain committed to defending democracy, protecting civil rights, lowering prices, and affirming that diversity, equity and inclusion are American values. He criticized Republican efforts to 'attack' DEI initiatives as an attempt to 'elevate mediocrity' rather than celebrate merit, and pledged that one of the first priorities for House Democrats after the midterms will be passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to end voter suppression.

  • Jeffries delivered the remarks at the National Action Network's National Convention on April 9, 2026.

The players

Hakeem Jeffries

The House Democratic Leader, representing a district in Brooklyn that was previously represented by the late Shirley Chisholm.

Al Sharpton

The founder and president of the National Action Network, a prominent civil rights organization.

Shirley Chisholm

A pioneering African American politician who previously represented the district Jeffries now represents, and served as a mentor to Sharpton.

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What they’re saying

“What an honor and a privilege to be back at NAN, as Reverend Sharpton has indicated, year after year after year. I'm proud to be a card-carrying member of the National Action Network, the preeminent civil rights organization here in the United States of America.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Leader

“We believe in truth and reconciliation. The extremists want to erase our history. But let's be clear, Black history is American history. We will never let them erase it.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Leader

What’s next

Jeffries pledged that one of the first priorities for House Democrats after the midterms will be passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to end voter suppression.

The takeaway

Jeffries' remarks at the NAN convention highlight the Democratic party's positioning on key issues like voting rights, economic challenges, and the culture war over diversity initiatives as the 2024 election cycle approaches, underscoring their commitment to defending democracy, civil rights, and American values.