Local black leadership caucus sounds off on alleged statement by the President

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – Controversy continues over the reported comments President Trump made to describe places like Africa and Haiti. Local leaders of the black leadership caucus spoke out this afternoon against the alleged statements.

Members of the New Hanover National Black Leadership Caucus are calling the reported comments divisive and hateful.

Group leaders say the alleged statements made by President Trump were upsetting and make them question how far this country has come to erase racism.

Caucus members surrounded by neighbors met at the 1898 Memorial to talk about the controversy while celebrating the holiday that honors the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior.

“And on this day, the memorial of Doctor Martin Luther King who stood against the exact act of these, and fought so much on bringing people together,” said leadership caucus executive director Josiah Bennetone III. “It’s sad in that over fifty years after his assassination, they’re still working more on dividing us than bringing us together.”

The President has denied he made the statements using an expletive to describe the places immigrants come from.

The caucus also announced during their press conference that they are sending letters to lawmakers to denounce the statements.