Speeches Archive

Thank you, Jolene.

Now, before I introduce the man of the hour, I want to add a few of my own reflections.

Thank you, Lisa. There is no one I would rather have worked with day in and day out to lead this Department. The American people could not have asked for a better Deputy Attorney General to serve our country at this important time.

Thank you, Deputy Attorney General Monaco. And hello, everyone.

It is a pleasure to welcome you to the 72nd Annual Attorney General’s Awards Ceremony.

Thank you for that kind introduction.

It is an honor to be with you all here today in Greenwood. This community has been strong and resilient despite the lingering effects of a civil rights crime that stands out in its magnitude, barbarity and ruthless brutality. As you know, on May 31, 1921, a group of white Tulsans, far too organized to be called a mob, invaded Greenwood and engaged in theft, arson, assault and murder. They killed hundreds of Black people in Greenwood and wounded hundreds more. They put houses to the torch and unleashed chaos and violence that separated families. It took days, sometimes weeks, before people knew whether their loved ones survived. After the pillaging was done, authorities confined the now-homeless Black residents to internment camps, allowing them to leave only if a white person vouched for them.

Thank you, Chelsea, for that generous introduction.

I want to start by recognizing Steve’s family here today — with a special thanks to his wife Karil — and children Allie and David.

Thank you Chelsea, and hello everyone.

I want to start by recognizing Steve’s family: his wife Karil and his children, Allie and David.

Good afternoon.

It is my honor to join you in recognizing Director Wray’s outstanding public service.

Good afternoon. My name is Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice. I am pleased to stand with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) Chief Brian O’Hara. Today, the Justice Department and the City of Minneapolis have agreed to a court-enforceable consent decree addressing the United States’ findings that the city and police department engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the Constitution and federal law.

Thanks, Nat.

I am very grateful to be here and have the opportunity to talk to all of our federal, state, and local law enforcement here.

Before I begin, a necessary disclaimer. The remarks I express today are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Antitrust Division or the Justice Department.

In the fall of 2023, I had the privilege of meeting with a rural farming community in Minnesota.