Rev. Al Sharpton Demands Diversity on Delaware’s Chancery Court

WILMINGTON, Del. , April 30 /Businesswire/ - Today, Citizens for Judicial Fairness and racial justice activist Keandra McDole hosted a rally featuring Reverend Al Sharpton, alongside gubernatorial candidates Matt Meyer & Collin O’Mara, Lt. Governor candidate Sherry Dorsey Walker, Wilmington Mayoral Candidate Velda Jones-Potter and City Councilwoman Shané Darby, demanded Governor Carney appoint a justice of color to the upcoming vacancy on Delaware’s Chancery Court.

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Rev Al Sharpton rallying with candidates, activists, and Citizens for Judicial Fairness in Wilmington (Photo: Business Wire)

The calls from predominantly Black leaders and new candidates for the role of Governor noted Delaware’s historic inequities and lack of current leadership serving communities of color and lower-income Delaware families.

Reverend Al Sharpton gave the keynote address, stating: “We look at the National Climate where people have declared war on DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion). One of the Sons of this State, President Joe Biden has said, ‘we must have diversity’. Well, he’s right. He has lived up to it. 70% of his appointments to the Circuit Court have been people of color, 78% [have been] women, and 40% Black women. But right here in his home State, this Governor will not appoint a diverse court. He has not decided to reflect what he claims he is about. Mouthing without work means nothing…. With the opening of the Vice Chancellor Glasscock, Governor Carney has an opportunity to diversify that Court. He needs to do it right or we need to keep the National spotlight [to see] if the Son of Delaware is betrayed by the Governor of Delaware when it comes to diversity. You need to get in line or stand up and say ‘why not’.”

Racial justice advocate Keandra McDole recounted her experience in the Chancery Court after being sued by the Administration for protesting. “We don’t have any more time to waste. We need diversity in our court systems. I was sent to the Chancery Court when I was being sued by the Governor and Lt Governor for protesting. I was at the Chancery Court and I was so nervous. Why? Because not one judge in that building represented me or looked like me. That is a problem. Those people in there didn’t know my struggle or what I go through. They didn’t even know why I was protesting that day but they wanted to give a verdict against us when they don’t know us.”

City Councilwoman Shané Darby stated: “I am not a big fan of [Governor Carney], never have been…When you look at Governor Carney, he’s a part of this old regime. This old regime where mainly old, white males benefit from our government system and they’re trying to retain power.

As part of the rally, residents were encouraged to register to vote and make their voice heard at the ballot box. The rally was hosted by Citizens for Judicial Fairness who have committed millions of dollars over the last 5 years to shine a light on Delaware’s corrupt Chancery Court and fight for transparency, diversity, and inclusion in the state.

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