Above: This week, Gottheimer hosted a conversation on racial justice with civil rights leader Dr. Mary Frances Berry.

On Friday, June 5, 2020, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted a conversation on racial justice live on Facebook with civil rights leader Dr. Mary Frances Berry, the Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights through four Administrations.

“We’re mourning George Floyd, and all those who’ve been wrongfully killed — and standing up for all those discriminated against — because of the color of their skin, their faith, or their background. I’m proud to be able to discuss this with Dr. Mary Frances Berry — an author, a professor, a civil rights leader — who chaired the U.S. Civil Rights Commission throughout four administrations — and who is also a great mentor of mine,” Congressman Josh Gottheimer said. “I’m honored she joined me today, as people throughout North Jersey, our state, and our nation are grappling with a great deal of pain and anger — and as we are seeing an outpouring of support from all communities in working to end discrimination and hate and working for racial justice.”

Watch the conversation on Facebook Live HERE. 

Dr. Berry is a Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania and previously served as the Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights through four Administrations. Dr. Berry has received more than 30 honorary doctoral degrees in recognition of her scholarship and public service. She served as the Assistant Secretary for Education in the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW). Dr. Berry has also served as Provost of the University of Maryland and Chancellor of the University of Colorado at Boulder.

During this past week, Gottheimer spoke during a demonstration of unity with the Warren-Sussex County NAACP, Washington Township Police Department, Washington Borough leadership, and North Jersey residents to stand in solidarity for racial justice. 

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