Rep. Jasmine Crockett claims Black women are the backbone of U.S. democracy

U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas, spoke at the Essence Festival of Culture and asserted that Black women are the backbone of American democracy, saying the nation owes them “everything.” She referenced historical contributions from the era of slavery to modern inventions and urged a Fourth of July celebration of Black women’s role.

Crockett also criticized the Democratic Party for consistently ignoring Black people, linked a recent murder trial involving a Black teenager to systemic bias, and announced she will not seek reelection after losing a Senate primary bid.