Black pastors from Alabama and other states showed up to a Capitol Hill news conference Monday to support President-Elect Donald Trump’s Attorney General nominee Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.). The Frederick Douglass Foundation and Family Research Council’s Watchmen on the Wall coordinated efforts to urge the U.S. Senate to confirm Sen. Sessions in the Attorney General role as nominated.

Rev. Dean Nelson, Director of African-American Outreach for Family Research Council’s Watchmen on the Wall said the charges of racism against Sessions are without merit and that Sessions has worked tirelessly in pursuit of justice:

Americans are living in a toxic climate where the serious charge of racism is carelessly leveled against anyone with whom the left disagrees. We are here today to make it perfectly clear that this attack against Senator Jeff Sessions is baseless, and that he is more than qualified to be the next Attorney General.

As you will hear from the men who follow, Senator Sessions has consistently demonstrated respect and care for people of all races while serving in his home state of Alabama. He has in fact worked relentlessly on the side of desegregation and justice. His reputation as a formidable champion for the rule of law has benefited all of the citizens he served. As you will hear, Senator Sessions worked courageously to punish whites who victimized blacks to the fullest extent of the law and to reward courageous blacks for their contributions in our country.

The American people have made it clear that they are deeply frustrated with the petty partisan bickering that has so long characterized our nation’s capital. They want our government to function according to our Constitution, which means the President Elect should be allowed to appoint the qualified individuals of his choice to his cabinet. Senator Sessions understands this, which is why he voted to confirm Eric Holder to the office of Attorney General under President Obama.

Bishop Harry Jackson spoke about Sessions’ commitment to integrity. “Let me say clearly, Senator Sessions is not a racist. We’ve met with his staff, many of these folks know him personally, so I like to remember these things: number one, Sessions helped desegregate schools in Alabama — a huge issue. Also, he got the death penalty for a KKK murderer. I think that would qualify you as someone who’s eliminating racism, not one who is perpetrating it on anyone. Also Senator Sessions worked to bankrupt the KKK in Alabama with a $7 million judgment. It doesn’t sound like he’s with that side at all, does it?”

See the entire video here.

Sen. Sessions’ confirmation hearings will begin Tuesday, January 10 in Washington, D.C. Democrats are expected to oppose and attempt to block Sessions’ confirmation. If he receives Republicans’ full support, however, the Democrats’ attempt to block the confirmation will fail.