Political Quotes

“In honor of Black History Month, I want to recognize Desmond Meade. Desmond Meade is a formerly homeless returning citizen who overcame many obstacles to eventually be the current executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, chair of the Floridians for Fair Democracy, chair of the Florida Coalition on Black Civic Participation, and Black Men's Roundtable. Desmond is a graduate of the Florida International University College of Law. As president of the FRRC, which is recognized for its work on felon disenfranchisement issues, Desmond led the citizen's initiative to allow Florida voters to decide to end the disenfranchisement and discrimination against people with felony convictions, create a more human reentry system that will enhance successful reentry, reduce mass incarceration, and increase public safety by empowering those impacted by our criminal justice system. Desmond spoke before national organizations, such as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Bread for the World, on the challenges of returning citizens as well. Desmond recently orchestrated a historic meeting at the White House between returning citizens and the President's administration. He was recognized as a foot soldier on the Melissa Harris-Perry show on MSNBC.…”