FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Julian Goldstein, (202) 239- 9282 Community Liaison “DC Statehood and Efforts from Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton” Washington, DC—The District of Columbia is home to over 700,000 residents, a population larger than both Wyoming and Vermont and yet still does not receive equal representation as a sovereign state. DC residents have ultimately faced the consequences from this inequality and have endured so for more than 200 years. District residents pay federal taxes, contribute to the national economy, serve within the Selective Service and yet do not share the same full rights of other residents across the nation. At the forefront of this issue, racial inequality and racial justice for DC residents and American citizens is at play. Commonly known as “Chocolate City,” the District is filled with rich, African American culture and history and a 47% populous majority This lack of representation and voting power perpetuates further disenfranchisement of African Americans. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) has pushed for DC Statehood her entire tenure with progress made in the House of Representatives on April 22, 2021. This office stands in solidarity with Congresswoman Norton as she calls for the Senate to come to a decision. It is vital for the HR 51 bill to be passed for this country to grow and start repairing the systemic inequality suffered by all minorities. The fight for DC Statehood concerns us all. ### Release Date: August 15, 2022 Natalie Seablom