WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama met with civil rights leaders on Thursday afternoon to discuss issues such as criminal justice and building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
The list of invitees included representatives from the NAACP and the National Urban League. Obama said he was meeting with history makers and young people who are making history.
Obama said that to see generations of people continuing the work on behalf of justice, equality and economic opportunity was encouraging.
A representative of Black Lives Matter Chicago declined an invitation. In an article on Truthout.org, Aislinn Pulley wrote she would not participate in what she called “basically a photo opportunity” for the president.
The White House is describing the gathering as the first of its kind because those invited represent different generations of civil rights leaders. The meeting took place prior to a Black History Month reception.
Obama said the group talked about passing criminal justice reform this year and enhancing education opportunities to create a pipeline to colleges and jobs.
“It has to start early,” Obama said.