President Donald Trump is pledging to expand opportunity for Americans of every race, religion and creed as he commemorates Black History Month.
Speaking to hundreds Thursday at a White House reception, Trump boasted about the economy and said the unemployment rate for African-Americans is at its 'lowest ever.'
Black unemployment did reach a low, 5.9 percent, in May 2018. But that figure changes monthly and had increased to 6.8 percent by January.
Trump also touted passage of a criminal justice reform bill in December.
Trump delivers remarks during a reception in the East Room of the White House in honor of African American History Month
Trump with first lady Melania Trump, greets invited guests during a National African American History Month reception
Trump speaks during a National African American History Month reception in the East Room of the White House
He said the nation's sentencing laws disproportionately 'harm African-American communities far, far greater than anybody else.'
Catherine Toney, one of the first inmates released through the bill's passage, thanked Trump and his son-in-law Jared Kushner for their efforts as the crowd applauded in approval.
Trump then also praised Kushner, saying 'He doesn't want praise.'
'He does so much, thank you Jared...that was an amazing tribute to you,' Trump added.
Trump also called to the stage community development leader Bob Woodson, who has spearheaded free enterprise initiatives to bring opportunities to low-income areas.
'I just want to thank God and also President Trump for turning the tables over in the temples and attacking the status quo that is hostile to the interest of
