Green Party Announces Ajamu Baraka for VP

By Yessenia Funes Aug 02, 2016

Green Party candidate Jill Stein announced yesterday (Aug. 1) that human rights activist Ajamu Baraka would join her as vice president on this election’s ballot.

In a statement posted on her website, Stein said:

"Ajamu Baraka is a powerful, eloquent spokesperson for the transformative, radical agenda whose time has come — an agenda of economic, social, racial, gender, climate, indigenous and immigrant justice. Ajamu’s life’s work has embodied the immortal words of Dr. Martin Luther King: Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. In this hour of unprecedented crisis, we are honored to lift up a unified movement for justice in the only national political party that is not held hostage by corporate money, lobbyists and super-PACs. We look forward to bringing this agenda for justice to the American people in the exciting race ahead."

Baraka co-founded the U.S. Human Rights Network and has sat on the boards of Amnesty International USA and the National Center for Human Rights Education. On the academic side, Baraka has taught political science at several universities and is an associate fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies, a progressive think tank focused on peace, justice and the environment.

This news comes just a day after media speculation that former Ohio Sen. Nina Turner would be Stein’s pick. She confirmed to The Washington Post on July 31 that Stein offered her the slot.

"In the process of vetting and selecting a VP, I was honored to talk with several inspired activists," Stein said in the statement. "Among them, I especially appreciate Sen. Turner’s willingness to have discussed the VP position. The fit just wasn’t right, as Sen. Turner is still committed to try to save the soul of the Democratic Party. While we may not agree on whether that is possible, I respect her passion to fight for the people and wish her the best in her effort."

The Green Party will formally nominate Stein at their convention Saturday, Aug. 6, in Houston, Texas.