Hakeem Jeffries — 2021 Whittington Lecture

As Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, Hakeem Jeffries actively led transformative criminal justice reform as the first person of color to lead a major party in Congress. He co-authored the landmark First Step Act, which eased mandatory minimum federal sentences, expanded early releases, and ended draconian practices such as the shackling of women inmates giving birth. Jeffries spearheaded the EQUAL Act to eliminate sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine, championed legislation to end prison-based gerrymandering in New York State, and co-sponsored the MORE Act for cannabis decriminalization. He fought foreclosures as a state assemblyman and continues driving progressive housing policy.

For the 2021 Whittington Lecture, he spoke about Congress’ role in passing key policy priorities, such as the Raise The Wage act, the Paycheck Fairness act, the John Lewis Voting Rights act, and a variety of key policy challenges, such as climate change and student loan debt.