Breaking Battlegrounds’ Post

“How Dare You Vote!” The Enactment of Racist and Undemocratic Voting Laws to Preserve White Supremacy, Maintain the Status Quo, and Prevent the Rise of the Black Vote – Saying the Quiet Parts Out Loud - PDF: https://lnkd.in/gGXXAR2j Historically the United States has proudly described itself as a “melting pot,” declaring, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”1 However, if the truth is told, the United States of America has never been a melting pot. In a melting pot, the ingredients each contribute something to the pot that equalizes them into becoming a well-seasoned, indistinguishable meal. No one ingredient dominates the mixture, and each adds something that makes the pot richer. This country is more like a gumbo, a dish whose ingredients stand out, where some purportedly add more value to the mix than others. The term “purportedly” is intentional because the cook determines which ingredients are more deserving of being added to the gumbo and which should dominate the flavor, style, and end result. Yes, the United States of America is a gumbo, White supremacy has been the cook for far too long and the maintenance of power has been the main ingredient. America needs some new cooks in the kitchen. The right to vote has always been an unkept promise as America’s vision of equality has been distorted since its very inception. Many Americans believe the First Amendment is the most important right. The authors of this Article, however; believe that the right to vote is the foundational right because voting allows citizens to engage in the political process. Without participation in the political process, all other fundamental rights are diminished. While voting is touted as the cornerstone of American democracy, it is a promise repeatedly broken. We acknowledge that every person who is a minority in America, suffers from racism; however, but our focus here is on Black America. 

“How Dare You Vote!” The Enactment of Racist and Undemocratic Voting Laws to Preserve White Supremacy, Maintain the Status Quo, and Prevent the Rise of the Black Vote – Saying the Quiet Parts Out Loud https://lnkd.in/gjUmP7Tx Historically the United States has proudly described itself as a “melting pot,” declaring, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”1 However, if the truth is told, the United States of America has never been a melting pot. In a melting pot, the ingredients each contribute something to the pot that equalizes them into becoming a well-seasoned, indistinguishable meal. No one ingredient dominates the mixture, and each adds something that makes the pot richer. This country is more like a gumbo, a dish whose ingredients stand out, where some purportedly add more value to the mix than others. The term “purportedly” is intentional because the cook determines which ingredients are more deserving of being added to the gumbo and which should dominate the flavor, style, and end result. Yes, the United States of America is a gumbo, White supremacy has been the cook for far too long and the maintenance of power has been the main ingredient. America needs some new cooks in the kitchen. The right to vote has always been an unkept promise as America’s vision of equality has been distorted since its very inception. Many Americans believe the First Amendment is the most important right. The authors of this Article, however; believe that the right to vote is the foundational right because voting allows citizens to engage in the political process. Without participation in the political process, all other fundamental rights are diminished. While voting is touted as the cornerstone of American democracy, it is a promise repeatedly broken. We acknowledge that every person who is a minority in America, suffers from racism; however, but our focus here is on Black America.

We are thrilled to announce a monumental victory for Black Voters in Louisiana! BVM proudly stands united with plaintiffs Dorothy Nairne, Reverend Clee Ernest Lowe, Dr. Alice Washington, Steve Harris, and the NAACP, alongside our incredible counsel, the ACLU. The court found unjust manipulation in the Louisiana Maps, limiting Black Voters' participation and hindering their ability to elect representatives reflective of their choices. A special shoutout to our former state Organizing Manager, Omari-Ho-Sang, and Regional Organizer, Keturah Butler Reed, for their powerful testimony and tireless collaboration with our courageous Louisiana partners. Together, they challenged racially gerrymandered state maps, leading to this crucial decision. Despite being 33% of Louisiana's population, Black Voters face ongoing inadequate political representation at state and federal levels—an injustice that must be rectified. At Black Voters Matter, our commitment is unwavering. We fight for increased political representation, the dismantling of outdated laws reminiscent of the Jim Crow era, and the ushering in of new policies fortifying constitutional, political, and economic rights. While this victory is a significant step forward, our battle doesn't end here. Diligence is key as we strive for more rights—in the courtroom, at the ballot box, and in the streets. In the face of persistent assaults on our rights, our motto for the 2024 electoral season resonates: "We Fight Back." Together, we press on for a future of equality, justice, and true representation. ✊🏿 https://lnkd.in/gjPUD_Cs

🎯 Title: Georgia Republicans' New Voting Maps Defy Court Order to Boost Black Representation 🗺️🖋️ 🔍 Summary: Georgia Republicans have drawn new voting maps that blatantly disregard a court order to increase representation for Black voters. This move undermines efforts to level the playing field and promote fair electoral outcomes. These actions once again highlight the ongoing battle for equal representation and equity in our democracy. 👥🔒💔💪🏾 🔹 Despite a court order, Georgia Republicans have drawn new voting maps. 🔹 The maps defy the order to boost Black representation in the state's electoral districts. 🔹 This undermines efforts to level the playing field for underrepresented communities. 🔹 The move highlights the ongoing battle for equal representation in our democracy. 🔹 It is crucial to fight for fair electoral outcomes and ensure equity in our political system. 🔹 Let's stand together and continue the fight for representation, justice, and equality. 🤝🗳️✊🏿💙 Link:https://buff.ly/3U74CHs

Make no mistake: Black men are a powerful and engaged voting bloc. In my latest op-ed for BET, I challenge the false narrative of disengagement among Black men and explore why America must learn to listen to Black voices if we are to overcome the systemic barriers we face and #keepadvancing. Let's reshape the narrative together.

On Juneteenth, we not only celebrate Freedom Day, but we also reaffirm our commitment to exercise our hard-earned freedoms—chief among them, the right to vote. Historically, Connecticut has enacted policies that disproportionately restricted the voting rights of Black, Indigenous, and Puerto Rican communities. From biased literacy tests to poll taxes and grandfather clauses, these barriers were designed to dilute our voices. Despite the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, our state continued to maintain restrictive voting laws well into the late 20th century. Last year marked a significant breakthrough as Connecticut became the 47th state to authorize early voting, broadening access and making it easier for everyone to participate in our democracy. Today, as we honor Juneteenth, FaithActs is more dedicated than ever to empowering Black voters across Connecticut. We understand the sacrifices made for our right to vote, and we continue to fight against any barriers that threaten this fundamental right.

In a momentous stride towards justice, the Louisiana Senate has passed legislation to establish a second majority-Black voting district, responding to the longstanding call from Black communities for equitable representation. This decision, embodying the essence of community-driven change, mirrors the heart of our work at the Movement Strategy Center. This progress, achieved through bipartisan support yet not without its challenges, is a testament to the resilience and collective power of communities advocating for fair representation. It echoes similar advancements in Alabama, highlighting a growing recognition of the need for systemic change to ensure all voices are truly represented. As we honor #BlackHistoryMonth, let's embrace this victory as a beacon of what's possible when communities unite for equity and justice. It's a reminder of the ongoing journey towards a society that reflects the true diversity and strength of its people. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gRj3iQ8t

In 1865, after two and a half centuries of brutal enslavement, Black Americans had great hope that emancipation would finally mean real freedom and opportunity. Most formerly enslaved people in the United States were remarkably willing to live peacefully with those who had held them in bondage despite the violence they had suffered and the degradation they had endured. Emancipated Black people put aside their enslavement and embraced education, hard work, faith, and citizenship with extraordinary enthusiasm and devotion. By 1868, over 80 percent of Black men who were eligible to vote had registered, schools for Black children became a priority, and courageous Black leaders overcame enormous obstacles to win elections to public office. The new era of Reconstruction offered great promise and could have radically changed the history of this country. However, it quickly became clear that emancipation in the United States did not mean equality for Black people. The commitment to abolish chattel slavery was not accompanied by a commitment to equal rights or equal protection for African Americans and the hope of Reconstruction quickly became a nightmare of unparalleled violence and oppression.

As the 2024 presidential election looms, the stakes are higher than ever for Black America. The potential for a Donald Trump victory raises concerns about the future of democracy and civil rights. Despite his controversial past, Trump's supporters believe he will restore law and order, while critics argue he will trample on the rights of marginalized communities. In contrast, Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee, is seen as a more measured and diplomatic candidate. However, his age and lack of charisma have raised questions about his ability to win over voters. The question remains: who will protect the rights of marginalized communities and uphold democracy? The choice is ours, and it's up to us to make the right choice. What are your thoughts on the upcoming election? Do you believe Trump's policies will protect democracy, or do you think Biden is the better choice? Share your views in the comments below.

Our democracy is evolving, and it impacts us all. Louisiana's new congressional map includes a second majority-Black district, marking a significant win for Black voters. The move addresses concerns of diluted Black voting power and helps amplify Black voices so that policies are crafted and implemented equitably. The week-long special session focused on redistricting to comply with the federal Voting Rights Act, ending a long legal battle and emphasizing the importance of state-led decisions over federal intervention. This development echoes similar efforts in Alabama, highlighting a positive trend toward increased Black political representation. Read more: https://wkkf.co/nbfg