(Washington, DC) – In response to the racist depiction of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama recently posted on social media by President Donald Trump, Mayor Van R. Johnson II, President of the African American Mayors Association, issued the following statement:

“The African American Mayors Association strongly condemns President Donald Trump’s reposting of a blatantly racist video that depicts former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. This vile act is not only deeply offensive to the Obamas but to all African Americans and to every American who values integrity, respect, and decency in our public discourse.

“As Black mayors and leaders, we are all too familiar with the persistence of racism in our politics and public life. Racism has no place in our democracy. Not in our institutions, not in our communities, and certainly not from those who hold the highest office in our land.

“We call on leaders across the political spectrum to denounce this behavior unequivocally. The African American Mayors Association remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting dignity, justice, and equity for all Americans.”

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