On October 5, The National Black Justice Coalition announced Sharon Lettman as the organization’s new executive director.

Lettman previously served as vice president for leadership programs and external affairs at People for the American Way.

At NBJC, she will succeed Alexander Robinson and Dr. Sylvia Rhue who served as interim director throughout the summer.

According to the release Lettman said:

“We must bring our families together.

“Gay and transgender people are our children, our brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, parents, co-workers and friends. They are a vital part of the black community, and it is time for everyone to recognize the real issues we all face when our brothers and sisters are denied full participation in the life of our community.

“In my new role at NBJC, that means lifting the voices of our community, building bridges so that all who experience discrimination can understand the common ground we share, and walking across those bridges together in greater and greater numbers toward equal rights for all.”

The National Black Justice Coalition is headquartered in Washington, DC and it is the only black gay civil rights organization.