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Controversial and outspoken outgoing Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, is facing online backlash after comments she made over the Independence Day weekend revealing what she thinks the United States owes Black women.
“When it comes to answering the question of what America owes black women, the answer is everything,” the Texas congresswoman said during an interview at the Essence Festival of Black Culture, which was held in New Orleans over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
“When we think about the sacrifices that black women have made, from the moment we were stolen from our homelands and transported into this country, to the fact that black women continue to stand as the backbone — specifically of the Democratic Party — we know that black women are always the ones doing the labor, but we are also the ones that are the first targets of any harm,” Crockett continued.
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Rep. Jasmine Crockett speaks on the Global Black Economic Forum Stage during the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 04, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for ESSENCE) (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
The Essence Festival of Black Culture, which is linked to Essence Magazine, says it brings together iconic black voices to celebrate culture, community and commerce.
Rapper Cardi B performed at the Big Easy event over the weekend, and Michelle Obama gave a speech.
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Crockett said at the event, which coincided with the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence: “So, this Fourth of July, I say celebrate a black woman that you know, because whether it’s an invention that she made, or whether it’s the very democracy that still hangs by a thread right now, there is black woman to thank for her contributions.”
Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, speaks during a hearing with the Subcommittee on Delivering On Government Efficiency in the U.S. Capitol on February 26, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
The clip quickly made the rounds on social media, eliciting some incredulous responses.
“I thought the point of Independence Day was to celebrate America as a country not individuals no matter what race they are,” said one social media user.
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“Democracy is not hanging by a thread. That’s insane,” said another.
A third claimed: “Your skin color doesn’t make you special.”
“Thank God in 6 months she’ll be gone,” one remarked, referring to her impending departure from her position in Congress.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, speaks after announcing her run in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in Dallas. (LM Otero/AP Photo)
Crockett opted instead of running for reelection bid for a U.S. Senate seat in Texas. She lost the primary against James Talarico, who marketed himself as a more moderate candidate to take on Republicans in the Lone Star State.
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The two-term congresswoman’s decision not to run for reelection in her district came after its geographical boundaries were redrawn to be more red-leaning.
Crockett’s office did not return Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
