President Obama To Meet With Civil Rights, #BLM Activists @White House

[Cha]

The White House told BuzzFeed News that President Obama will host a landmark meeting with activists from the Black Lives Matter and civil rights movements on Thursday. Icons like Wade Henderson and John Lewis will meet with movement leaders like Brittany Packnett, Aislinn Pulley and DeRay Mckesson.


WASHINGTON — President Obama will meet with two generations of civil rights leaders on Thursday afternoon, BuzzFeed News has learned.

Obama will convene leaders from the two generations of civil rights activists in the Roosevelt Room. The attendees will attend the Black History Month reception with the president and First Lady, the White House said. Attorney General Loretta Lynch will also be in attendance.

“On Thursday afternoon, President Obama will meet with a group of civil rights leaders prior to the annual White House Black History Month reception to discuss a range of issues including the Administration’s efforts on criminal justice reform, building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve and the president’s priorities during his final year in office,” a senior administration official told BuzzFeed News in an email.

A White House official said Obama — a bridge between the generations of leaders — will preside over the conversation between the leaders and members of his administration.

Here is a list of the attendees, per the White House:

[quote]• Aislinn Pulley, Co-Founder and Lead Organizer with Black Lives Matter Chicago

• Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network

• Ben Crump, President of the National Bar Association

• Brittany Packnett, Member of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, Co-Founder of We The Protestors and Campaign Zero

• C.T. Vivian, Civil Rights Leader and Author

• Carlos Clanton, President of the National Urban League Young Professionals

• Cornell Brooks, President of the NAACP

• Deray Mckesson, Co-Founder of We the Protestors and Campaign Zero

• Deshaunya Ware, Student Leader of Concerned Student 1950 at University of Missouri

• John Lewis, United States Representative (D-GA)

• Marc Morial, President of the National Urban League

• Mary Patricia Hector, National Youth Director of the National Action Network

• Melanie Campbell, President of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation

• Rashad Robinson, Executive Director of Color of Change

• Sherrilyn Ifill, President of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund

• Stephen Green, National Director of the NAACP Youth and College Division

• Wade Henderson, President of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

MOre~ http://www.buzzfeed.com/darrensands/obama-to-meet-with-civil-rights-black-lives-matter-activists?utm_term=.lgVwaYYVB#.qpMpWwwdO

So happy about this.. thank you President and First Lady Michelle Obama, John Lewis, and all who are participating!

Today! The African American Group~Mahalo

[lamp_shade]

1. Big kick.

[Cha]

2. Mahalo lamp_shade... is this great or what? President Obama is going to have two different

generations of Black Activists at the White House to discuss #Black Lives Matter!

John Lewis and Deray McKesson!

[lamp_shade]

8. And I assume some on the right are a little disgruntled about this. Greta

Van Sustern had a little something to say.... http://nation.foxnews.com/2016/02/17/obama-meets-black-lives-matter-skips-scalia-funeral

[Cha]

9. I don't have to see Greta .. just by what it says in your link I know what this is about..

I saw something on the Obama Diary earlier.. turns out scalia missed all of President Obama's SOTUs so they figure scaiia will happy.

Boooom! Thank you, lamp_shade~

[Cha]

26. Update: lamp_shade.. Pics of the meeting and a couple of Tweets for you..

deray mckesson ✔ ‎@deray
@POTUS was candid, thoughtful & both listened & responded to our questions and feedback today. It was a really good meeting.
2:00 PM - 18 Feb 2016
230 230 Retweets 591 591 likes

deray mckesson
✔ ‎@deray
In all, @POTUS only took questions from the younger activists. The mtg went over time as he responded, in full, to each of our questions.
2:10 PM - 18 Feb 2016
221 221 Retweets 422 422 likes


President Obama speaks about race relations while flanked by Brittany Packnett, Rep. John Lewis, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and Rev Al Sharpton, in the Roosevelt Room

More Tweets & pics @ the link.. http://theobamadiary.com/2016/02/18/the-presidents-day-86/

[lamp_shade]

31. Thanks, Cha. I just love Obama'a "in full" responses to questions.

[Cha]

32. #BLM in the House! I know.. no surface stuff for him or Hillary.

lamp_shade

[mcar]

3. Morning kick

What a great group!

[Cha]

4. Yes, it's a wonderful group.. and how about that President Obama inviting two generations of

Black Activists to discuss #Black Lives Matter @ the White House?.. and John Lewis is going to be there among other strong, powerful leaders.

Thank you so much, mcar for helping.. I really appreciate it!

[mcar]

5. A great way to bring attention to the issues, Cha

[Cha]

7. Take it right to the top!

[Cha]

33. Update: mcar! .. Pics of the meeting and a couple of Tweets for you..

deray mckesson ✔ ‎@deray
@POTUS was candid, thoughtful & both listened & responded to our questions and feedback today. It was a really good meeting.
2:00 PM - 18 Feb 2016
230 230 Retweets 591 591 likes

deray mckesson
✔ ‎@deray
In all, @POTUS only took questions from the younger activists. The mtg went over time as he responded, in full, to each of our questions.
2:10 PM - 18 Feb 2016
221 221 Retweets 422 422 likes


President Obama speaks about race relations while flanked by Brittany Packnett, Rep. John Lewis, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and Rev Al Sharpton, in the Roosevelt Room

More Tweets & pics @ the link.. http://theobamadiary.com/2016/02/18/the-presidents-day-86/

[Uponthegears]

6. Could not be happier for the meeting

but it's important that the elder statespersons learn from the young.

This is not the time to quash the fires of youth but to restore the fire in those who in which it no longer burns as it did when they were young.

Comments like "We need to improve trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve" fails to acknowledge that law enforcement (regardless of the individual character of any particular member thereof) is tasked with enforcing policies and laws whose primary objective is the marginalization, disenfranchisement, subjugation, and execution of (in particular) young people of color.

The system is designed to oppress, it is not just individuals within it. Without confronting that truth, we cannot advance as a society.

[Cha]

25. Pics of the meeting and a couple of Tweets for you, Uponthegears..

deray mckesson ✔ ‎@deray
@POTUS was candid, thoughtful & both listened & responded to our questions and feedback today. It was a really good meeting.
2:00 PM - 18 Feb 2016
230 230 Retweets 591 591 likes

deray mckesson
✔ ‎@deray
In all, @POTUS only took questions from the younger activists. The mtg went over time as he responded, in full, to each of our questions.
2:10 PM - 18 Feb 2016
221 221 Retweets 422 422 likes


President Obama speaks about race relations while flanked by Brittany Packnett, Rep. John Lewis, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and Rev Al Sharpton, in the Roosevelt Room

More Tweets & pics @ the link.. http://theobamadiary.com/2016/02/18/the-presidents-day-86/

[Uponthegears]

37. Super!

[Iliyah]

10. K & R

[Cha]

11. Mahalo Iliyah!

Thank you so much.. it should be so nice for everyone to be at the White House discussing vital #BLM issues!

[steve2470]

12. mahalo Cha, thank you for this! nt

[Cha]

13. This is really good news, steve.. #BLM in the White House!

Mahalo, steve!

[Cha]

34. Update: steve.. Pics of the meeting and a couple of Tweets for you..

deray mckesson ✔ ‎@deray
@POTUS was candid, thoughtful & both listened & responded to our questions and feedback today. It was a really good meeting.
2:00 PM - 18 Feb 2016
230 230 Retweets 591 591 likes

deray mckesson
✔ ‎@deray
In all, @POTUS only took questions from the younger activists. The mtg went over time as he responded, in full, to each of our questions.
2:10 PM - 18 Feb 2016
221 221 Retweets 422 422 likes


President Obama speaks about race relations while flanked by Brittany Packnett, Rep. John Lewis, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and Rev Al Sharpton, in the Roosevelt Room

More Tweets & pics @ the link.. http://theobamadiary.com/2016/02/18/the-presidents-day-86/

[steve2470]

49. thanks!! nt

[brer cat]

14. Wouldn't you love to be in that room?

K&R and thanks for posting, Cha.

[Cha]

19. Yes, I would be, brer cat!

And, I can't find any pics yet but when I do I will post them.

Thank you!

[Cha]

36. Update: brer cat.. Pics of the meeting and a couple of Tweets for you..

deray mckesson ✔ ‎@deray
@POTUS was candid, thoughtful & both listened & responded to our questions and feedback today. It was a really good meeting.
2:00 PM - 18 Feb 2016
230 230 Retweets 591 591 likes

deray mckesson
✔ ‎@deray
In all, @POTUS only took questions from the younger activists. The mtg went over time as he responded, in full, to each of our questions.
2:10 PM - 18 Feb 2016
221 221 Retweets 422 422 likes


President Obama speaks about race relations while flanked by Brittany Packnett, Rep. John Lewis, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and Rev Al Sharpton, in the Roosevelt Room

More Tweets & pics @ the link.. http://theobamadiary.com/2016/02/18/the-presidents-day-86/

you all deserve updates!

[brer cat]

38. The pics brought tears to this old lady's eyes.

The new young activists sitting at the table with icons from the CR movement and a POTUS who not only looks like them but is actually listening and responding to their questions and concerns. Wow, what an amazing moment.

Thanks for the update. You are awesome, Cha.

[Cha]

39. We had to have updates! You desribed the meeting so well, brer cat! It's such an

amazingly precious moment in time.

Extraordinarily historic!

Thank you and right backatcha!

[Stellar]

15. I hope they don't have a problem letting the President know what is needed/desired.

When the black ministers had a meeting with Republicans, those ministers acted as though they were just honored to be in their company,w.t.h. was that all about. pfftt!

[Cha]

20. I don't think they will .. just my humble opinion.

Mahalo Stellar~

[Cha]

40. UPDate, Stellar.. Pics of the meeting and a couple of Tweets for you

deray mckesson ✔ ‎@deray
@POTUS was candid, thoughtful & both listened & responded to our questions and feedback today. It was a really good meeting.
2:00 PM - 18 Feb 2016
230 230 Retweets 591 591 likes

deray mckesson
✔ ‎@deray
In all, @POTUS only took questions from the younger activists. The mtg went over time as he responded, in full, to each of our questions.
2:10 PM - 18 Feb 2016
221 221 Retweets 422 422 likes


President Obama speaks about race relations while flanked by Brittany Packnett, Rep. John Lewis, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and Rev Al Sharpton, in the Roosevelt Room

More Tweets & pics @ the link.. http://theobamadiary.com/2016/02/18/the-presidents-day-86/

[qwlauren35]

16. Interesting how few politicians are there.

I suspect that few of them are actually "civil rights activists". Or maybe John Lewis represents them.

This is HISTORIC. I can't wait for the RW to slam it.

Kick...

[Cha]

21. So historic, qwlauren!

They're slamming him now because he's not going to Scalia's funeral.. but, since scalia missed all of President Obama's SOTUs.. we figure scalia would be happy.

[Cha]

41. UPDate, lauren.. Pics of the meeting and a couple of Tweets for you

deray mckesson ✔ ‎@deray
@POTUS was candid, thoughtful & both listened & responded to our questions and feedback today. It was a really good meeting.
2:00 PM - 18 Feb 2016
230 230 Retweets 591 591 likes

deray mckesson
✔ ‎@deray
In all, @POTUS only took questions from the younger activists. The mtg went over time as he responded, in full, to each of our questions.
2:10 PM - 18 Feb 2016
221 221 Retweets 422 422 likes


President Obama speaks about race relations while flanked by Brittany Packnett, Rep. John Lewis, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and Rev Al Sharpton, in the Roosevelt Room

More Tweets & pics @ the link.. http://theobamadiary.com/2016/02/18/the-presidents-day-86/

[qwlauren35]

48. Thanks for the heads up

to read your update. Really helped. I have not been surfing much today. I am TOTALLY impressed that he had the young generation speak and the old generation listen.

Deep.

[Kind of Blue]

17. This is absolutely delicious news. Thanks, Cha!

[Cha]

22. That's what I thought, Kind of Blue.. The old guard civil rights leaders and the new #BLM

Activists.. together at the White House with President Obama and First Lady Michelle. AG Loretta Lynch, too!

:

[Cha]

42. UPDate, Kind of Blue.. Pics of the meeting and a couple of Tweets for you

deray mckesson ✔ ‎@deray
@POTUS was candid, thoughtful & both listened & responded to our questions and feedback today. It was a really good meeting.
2:00 PM - 18 Feb 2016
230 230 Retweets 591 591 likes

deray mckesson
✔ ‎@deray
In all, @POTUS only took questions from the younger activists. The mtg went over time as he responded, in full, to each of our questions.
2:10 PM - 18 Feb 2016
221 221 Retweets 422 422 likes


President Obama speaks about race relations while flanked by Brittany Packnett, Rep. John Lewis, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and Rev Al Sharpton, in the Roosevelt Room

More Tweets & pics @ the link.. http://theobamadiary.com/2016/02/18/the-presidents-day-86/

you all deserve updates!

[Kind of Blue]

46. Well done, Mr. President, his staff and his supporters.

Tearing up right now looking at the serious tone of this multi-generational meeting, as well as tweets about POTUS. Look at the pic, young activists to the oldest. Tearing up, too, because Ms. Lynch is doing what she promised. It's just beautiful.

Thanks, Cha, for taking the time to post

[Cha]

47. You're welcome, Kind of Blue.. it's a beautiful thing.. I was looking to see if they had pics

on the Obama Diary and they did... they don't miss much.

[Number23]

18. AH MA ZING!!! This is wonderful news

[Cha]

23. Brilliant! When I saw this.. I was like.. All Right!!

I'm really looking forward to what they come up with.. and it's so good that #Black Lives Matter is getting more positive focus on them.

From @netroots nation to the White House!

Mahalo 23~

[Cha]

43. UPDate, 23.. Pics of the meeting and a couple of Tweets for you

deray mckesson ✔ ‎@deray
@POTUS was candid, thoughtful & both listened & responded to our questions and feedback today. It was a really good meeting.
2:00 PM - 18 Feb 2016
230 230 Retweets 591 591 likes

deray mckesson
✔ ‎@deray
In all, @POTUS only took questions from the younger activists. The mtg went over time as he responded, in full, to each of our questions.
2:10 PM - 18 Feb 2016
221 221 Retweets 422 422 likes


President Obama speaks about race relations while flanked by Brittany Packnett, Rep. John Lewis, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and Rev Al Sharpton, in the Roosevelt Room

More Tweets & pics @ the link.. http://theobamadiary.com/2016/02/18/the-presidents-day-86/

[sheshe2]

24. Go 'bama.

This could truly be his best year yet! Two generations coming together to discuss their future.




OT: The man looks so fine in blue!

[Cha]

44. UPDate, she.. Pics of the meeting and a couple of Tweets for you

deray mckesson ✔ ‎@deray
@POTUS was candid, thoughtful & both listened & responded to our questions and feedback today. It was a really good meeting.
2:00 PM - 18 Feb 2016
230 230 Retweets 591 591 likes

deray mckesson
✔ ‎@deray
In all, @POTUS only took questions from the younger activists. The mtg went over time as he responded, in full, to each of our questions.
2:10 PM - 18 Feb 2016
221 221 Retweets 422 422 likes


President Obama speaks about race relations while flanked by Brittany Packnett, Rep. John Lewis, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and Rev Al Sharpton, in the Roosevelt Room

More Tweets & pics @ the link.. http://theobamadiary.com/2016/02/18/the-presidents-day-86/

Yes, I noticed that, too.. President Obama wears blue just fine.

[Tarheel_Dem]

27. K&R!

[Cha]

28. UPdate: Tarheel!

deray mckesson ✔ ‎@deray
@POTUS was candid, thoughtful & both listened & responded to our questions and feedback today. It was a really good meeting.
2:00 PM - 18 Feb 2016
230 230 Retweets 591 591 likes

deray mckesson ✔ ‎@deray deray mckesson
✔ ‎@deray
In all, @POTUS only took questions from the younger activists. The mtg went over time as he responded, in full, to each of our questions.
2:10 PM - 18 Feb 2016
221 221 Retweets 422 422 likes


President Obama speaks about race relations while flanked by Brittany Packnett, Rep. John Lewis, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and Rev Al Sharpton, in the Roosevelt Room

More Tweets & pics @ the link.. http://theobamadiary.com/2016/02/18/the-presidents-day-86/

Thank you!

[Tarheel_Dem]

29. Glad to hear that it was a productive meeting. Racism won't be fixed in my lifetime, but hopefully..

meetings like this & many others will help us, as a nation, learn how to respond to it.

[Cha]

30. I know I was glad to see how this went.. and I couldn't be happier with the encouraging

tweets from Deray McKesson.

But, what did I expect? It's President Obama heading it up!

sanders says he'd better for race relations than President.. but he say a lot of things.

[betsuni]

35. K&R!

[Cha]

45. UPDate, betsuni.. Pics of the meeting and a couple of Tweets for you

deray mckesson ✔ ‎@deray
@POTUS was candid, thoughtful & both listened & responded to our questions and feedback today. It was a really good meeting.
2:00 PM - 18 Feb 2016
230 230 Retweets 591 591 likes

deray mckesson
✔ ‎@deray
In all, @POTUS only took questions from the younger activists. The mtg went over time as he responded, in full, to each of our questions.
2:10 PM - 18 Feb 2016
221 221 Retweets 422 422 likes


President Obama speaks about race relations while flanked by Brittany Packnett, Rep. John Lewis, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and Rev Al Sharpton, in the Roosevelt Room

More Tweets & pics @ the link.. http://theobamadiary.com/2016/02/18/the-presidents-day-86/

Thank you!

[randys1]

50. I said a long time ago BLM is gonna be big, revolutionary even.

[Cha]

52. And, they're only getting stronger.. They have such a true purpose.

Mahalo randys

[ShrimpPoboy]

51. It would be great if the WH followed up with a legislative push on BLM's agenda

Believe it or not, republicans have expressed some willingness to work together on criminal justice reform, and it could be one of the few things that could get done before the election.