#freedomride2021

[blackvotersmatterfund]

Coalition of National Civil Rights & Advocacy Organizations Issue Joint Statement on Senator Manchin’s Compromise Memo

On June 16, 2021, Senator Manchin released a compromise memo to H.R. 1, For The People Act. The following is a response to this memo signed by a coalition of national civil rights and advocacy organizations.

As we commemorate the courageous work and sacrifices of the Freedom Riders of 1961, we know our responsibility is to build upon this strong foundation and legacy.

Today, the fight for justice and progress continues as we work to protect equal and fair access to the ballot box for all voters. We are clear and consistent in our demand that Congress pass the For The People Act (H.R.1; S. 1) and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

More than 150 million voters turned out to vote in the 2020 elections. Since the House passed H.R. 1, it has received strong bipartisan support from voters across the country. People are demanding swift passage of this legislation without compromise. Instead, our demands have been met with weak legislative proposals, compromises and barriers. But freedom is non-negotiable. And we will not rest until justice is served.

Senator Manchin’s compromise fails to adequately address the more than 400 voter suppression measures that are being introduced across the country. This proposal also negates the years of work that thousands of voting rights advocates and policymakers have given to the creation of legislation accepted by voters across this country. Most damaging is its neglect of protections for formerly incarcerated and justice impacted voters; voters with disabilities; Black and all multi-marginalized voters. There has been no indication from Senator Manchin’s reported conversations with conservatives that he has been able to secure Republican support for any of the core elements of S1 which is disappointing to the many activists who are pushing for passage of the bill.

In 1963, at the March on Washington, Bayard Rustin demanded that Congress pass the Civil Rights law with no compromises, and in 2021 his tenacious spirit to move Black people into liberty remains.

Congress must meet this moment with the same courage and commitment exhibited by the Freedom Riders of 1961 and today. Our coalition is united in our pursuit of collective liberation. We demand that Congress listen to the majority of voters across this country and pass the For The People Act immediately.

In Solidarity,

The Daniel Initiative

Center for Disability Rights

Black Voters Matter Fund

Advancement Project National Office

Philip Randolph Institute

Community of Hope AME Church

DemCast USA

Hip Hop Caucus

Metropolitan AME Church

NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF)

National Council of Negro Women

National Organization for Women

Neighbors United for DC Statehood

NETWORK Advocates for Catholic Social Justice

Rise Up West Virginia

Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Southern California

SPLC Action Fund

The Daniel Initiative S.E.T. Project

The Frontline

The Workers Circle

Transformative Justice Coalition

Women’s March

#freedomride #freedom #freedomride2021 #love #power #blackvotesmatter #blackvoters #votingrights #hr1 #s1 #hr4 #dcstatehood

[chapstick-addict]

Have your heard of the 'For the People' Act?

If not, here is a simplified answer: It's an act that will preserve voters rights, especially black voters, from voter suppression. It would allow our voices to be heard and also campaign spending habits will be for public viewing.

Voter Suppression laws have made its' way into many states due to misleading spread of "voter fraud"* in the 2020 election. Sore loser talk that ignited the sickly and ridiculous uprising in the Capitol in January (article by BC* that can explain in depth in link).

Republicans once again are spreading lies about this act to get it rejected, saying it will allow more 'voter fraud' to happen. It seems they fear of losing their position over the country. It's moves like these that exposes their inhumanity which leads their own party to extinction. Tragic, really. If only they could re-examine their posture and prune their rotting racist-based branches, maybe their party would survive to see the future (I'm sure all parties could benefit from this).

Now back to the main topic: the 'For the People' is in the Senate, right now, in stagnant debate.

Opponents against the bill are filibustering to block votes, according to the Never Again News Network (NANN). The old sly 'debate' tactic is now coming into question. It is now between the preservation of the tactic or saving democracy. Our senate is split down the middle between the foiling parties & the way the Senate rules are currently- it would be impossible for this act to move forward. The future of Americans' voter rights boil to down to one man who refuses to acknowledge the importance of this bill and the death to the filibuster tactic. One who claims to be a conservative democrat from W. Virginia. Senator Joe Manchin now has the act in the air and our rights are dangling on a string. How long is it until the string is snapped or snipped away?

I am not trying to spread fear, just awareness of the delicate state of our future. Even though I'm for independent/third parties, my opinions are strongly against the Republicans. They are making it easy to find distaste in their intolerable, undignified behavior. Not only in the party itself but in their sheep of followers who can not open their eyes to the lies they live in. Lies built on white supremacy and comfort. This isn't about which party having the most sway; this is about integrity and the survival of true democracy.

What can we do to fight for our rights?

Support the Black Voters Matter Fund (@BlackVotersMtr) and join the Freedom Ride to Washington D.C. (June 19th thru the 26th)

Inform ourselves; research and dig for the facts even when the truth is hard to look at. With these truths, we can transform for the betterment of society as a whole.

Reach out and express your opinions, your perspectives to Senator Joe Manchin or more local senators.

#for the people act #for our future #freedomride2021 #act now #fight for equality #for justice #this isn't about politics #it's about morality #integrity is key #transforming our society #with love #compassion #black votes matter #black lives matter

[blackvotersmatterfund]

THANK YOU WEST VIRGINIA! JUNE 24TH, 2021 FREEDOM RIDE!

Thank you West Virginia! We had a great time today for our #FreedomRide2021 Bus Tour! We are continuing to bring awareness to voter suppression as we fight to protect our voting rights! Two stops left!

Text "CHARLESTON" or "BECKLEY" to 797979!

#blackvotersmatter #blackvoters #freedomride2021 #freedomride #love #power #iamafreedomrider #freedom #votingrights #vote

[blackvotersmatterfund]

SWEET HOME ALABAMA! JUNE 19TH, 2021 FREEDOM RIDE!

Thank you Birmingham, Alabama for spreading love and building power with us today! Rain or shine, our folks still showed up and showed out! It's About Us! Text "ALABAMA" to 797979!

#blackvotesmatter #blackvoters #love #power #votingrights #freedomride2021 #freedomride #freedom

[blackvotersmatterfund]

MISSISSIPPI KICK OFF FOR JUNETEENTH! JUNE 19TH, 2021 FREEDOM RIDE!

We had a great time in Mississippi! Thank you to the community for coming out! A great day of voter education, passing out literature, FREE food and BVM gear, music and more! It's all about love and power! An amazing start to Juneteenth!

Stay updated on the work in Mississippi! Text "MISSISSIPPI" to 797979! Next Stop? ALABAMA!

#blackvotesmatter #blackvoters #freedomride2021 #freedomrider #love #power #votingrights

[blackvotersmatterfund]

🚨Freedom Ride for Voting Rights! Next month, we will continue the tradition of the original Freedom Rides, as more than 40 states consider legislation to restrict voting rights, which would have a disproportionate impact on Black communities. In addition to voter outreach and engagement, the bus tour will raise awareness about this harmful legislation and empower communities to combat restrictions to early voting, absentee ballots, and other important reforms. Read more: https://blackvotersmatterfund.org/news/black-voters-matters-announces-juneteenth-launch-national-partnerships-for-upcoming-freedom-ride-for-voting-rights/ BVM is also encouraging organizations, activists and supporters to join the caravan for part or all of the route, creating space for those who would like to participate whether for just one day or multiple days. Stay updated on our work by visiting: https://blackvotersmatterfund.org/freedom-ride/ Join the movement! Text "FREEDOMRIDE" to 797979! #FreedomRide2021

#blackvotersmatter #blackvoters #freedom rides #freedomride2021 #love #power #black #freedom #vote #votingrights #votersuppression

[blackvotersmatterfund]

THAT'S A WRAP! THANK YOU WASHINGTON D.C. JUNE 26TH, 2021 FREEDOM RIDE!

THANK YOU D.C. Today ends our #FreedomRide2021 Bus Tour! 10 days on the road with local and national partners bringing awareness to voter suppression efforts. Also, calling for the passage of the For The People Act, John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and D.C. Statehood. From the South to Washington D.C. we continued to spread love and build power in our communities. When we work together, we win. It’s About Us! Thank you to our Co-Founders LaTosha Brown and Cliff Albright for your dedication to the movement. Thank you to our local and national partners. Thank you to our event planning team at Plateau Event Productions Inc and the entire BVM team! Thank you to the ORIGINAL FREEDOM RIDERS and CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS for meeting us on this journey. Your work continues to inspire us and generations to come! The work isn’t over. Get involved! Text "FREEDOMRIDE" to 797979 to stay updated. Donate: blackvotersmatterfund.org/donate Volunteer: blackvotersmatterfund.org/volunteer

#blackvotersmatter #blackvoters #love #power #washingtondc #freedomriders #freedomride2021 #votingrights

[blackvotersmatterfund]

NORTH CAROLINA! JUNE 23RD, 2021 FREEDOM RIDE!

WHAT A GREAT DAY IN NORTH CAROLINA! Thank you to our partners and a huge shout out to the Raleigh community for showing up and showing out! Our fight to protect voting rights continues!

Get involved! Text "RALEIGH" to 797979!

#blackvotersmatter #blackvoters #itsaboutus #love #power #freedomride #freedomriders #freedomride2021

[blackvotersmatterfund]

GEORGIA ON MY MIND! JUNE 21ST, 2021 FREEDOM RIDE!

Thank you to the Peach State for an amazing day! FREE food and BVM merchandise, voter education, music and more! Stay connected with us, the work doesn't stop here! Text "ATL" to 797979! Can't Stop, Won't Stop!

#blackvotersmatter #blackvoters #itsaboutus #love #freedomride #freedomride2021 #freedom rides #georgia #atlanta #voting rights

[blackvotersmatterfund]

THANK YOU TENNESSEE! JUNE 20TH, 2021 FREEDOM RIDE!

Thank you to Nashville, Tennessee for an amazing day! We spent Father's Day with our partners at a festival to hear from some of the Original Freedom Riders, Civil Rights veterans, enjoyed good food, music, spoken word, held an Expungement clinic and more! Learn more about our work in Tennessee! Text "NASHVILLE" to 797979!

#blackvotesmatter #blackvoters #love #power #nashville #tennessee #freedomride #freedomride2021

[blackvotersmatterfund]

DOWN IN NEW ORLEANS! THANK YOU LOUISIANA! JUNE 18TH, 2021 FREEDOM RIDE PRE-LAUNCH!

Thank you to the NOLA community and our local & National partners for an amazing Freedom Ride pre-launch on June 18th! We had a great time hearing from and honoring some of the Original Freedom Riders and having discussions on issues important to the community!

As always, in true BVM fashion, we continue to spread love and build power at EVERY STOP! Get involved! Stay connected! Text “LOUISIANA” to 797979!

#blackvotersmatter #blackvoters #freedomride2021 #freedom rides #love #power #louisiana #votingrights

[blackvotersmatterfund]

THANK YOU VIRGINIA! JUNE 25TH, 2021 FREEDOM RIDE!

Yesterday in Virginia, thank you to our folks for an amazing day of voter education, food, music and power building. Virginia is fired up and ready to go! Stay connected! Text "VIRGINIA" to 797979!

#virginia #freedomriders #freedom #love #power #itsaboutus #votingrights #freedomride2021 #vote

[blackvotersmatterfund]

SOUTH CAROLINA! JUNE 22ND, 2021 FREEDOM RIDE!

Thank you, South Carolina! We had a great time spreading love and building power! It is always a joy to engage with Black communities on the ground to not only educate, but listen and learn. Stay connected! Text "COLUMBIA" to 797979!

#blackvotesmatter #blackvoters #columbia #southcarolina #love #power #freedom #freedomrider #freedomride2021 #votingrights #hr1 #hr4

[blackvotersmatterfund]

Black Voters Matter: Brnovich Decision Is Not Only Dangerous; It’s A Political Attack On Voting Rights In America

LaTosha Brown and Cliff Albright, cofounders of Black Voters Matter, issued this statement in response to today’s Supreme Court decision in the Brnovich v. DNC case:

“The court’s decision in Brnovich v. DNC is not only dangerous; it’s a political attack on voting rights. Today’s ruling, which allows states to make discriminatory rule changes in our elections as long as they can argue that they didn’t intend to discriminate, guts a key section of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and sets the stage for yet another wave of Jim Crow-era voter restrictions. Under the court’s twisted logic, poll taxes, literacy tests, and other voter suppression tactics that we know to be racist would be entirely permissible under the law.

“We need to dispel the myth that the Supreme Court is a neutral body. Of the six justices who ruled with the majority in this decision, three were appointed by Donald Trump, including two who were essentially placed in stolen seats. What we’re seeing is a concerted effort by the Trump administration and the Republican party to weaponize the courts — in the same way that they’ve weaponized the law — to silence Black voters. That’s why, just last week, we stood on the steps of the Supreme Court on the eight-year anniversary of the Shelby County v. Holder decision: to remind the justices that partisan politics have no place in the courtroom. And yet today, as state legislatures continue to roll back voting rights, the Supreme Court has taken Shelby to the next level, put another nail in the coffin of voting rights, and further elevated modern-day Jim Crow.

“It’s incumbent on the President and Congress to protect what’s left of our voting rights. We can’t afford to have the Senate drag its feet on voting rights legislation anymore; we need the swift and immediate passage of H.R. 1 and H.R. 4. And as the court continues to politicize the constitution and our basic God-given rights, the Biden-Harris administration must add seats to the Supreme Court bench and appoint justices who will protect the interests of the American people.”

“History shows us that the Supreme Court has often been a tool to protect white political interests, but we will continue to be relentless in building our movement to secure full democracy for every citizen in this nation.”

#blackvoters #blackvotersmatter #love #power #votingrights #vote #supremecourt #itsaboutus #freedom #freedomride2021

[hollywoodumc-harmonytolucalake]

Pastor Bridie Roberts being interviewed on @MSNBC speaking about the #FreedomRide2021 and the fight to pass the For the People Act! . . . #socialjustice #voterrights #justice #socialchange #socialjusticewarrior #harmonytl #HollywoodUMC #Hollywood #HUMC #tolucalake #noho #northhollywood #studiocity #burbank #affirmingchurch #inclusivechurch #allarewelcome https://www.instagram.com/p/CQqpwGNsSq3/?utm_medium=tumblr

#freedomride2021 #socialjustice #voterrights #justice #socialchange #socialjusticewarrior #harmonytl #hollywoodumc #hollywood #humc #tolucalake #noho #northhollywood #studiocity #burbank #affirmingchurch #inclusivechurch #allarewelcome

[hollywoodumc-harmonytolucalake]

Pastor Bridie Roberts is on the #FreedomRide2021, LA to Washington D.C. to fight to pass the For the People Act! . . . #socialjustice #voterrights #justice #socialchange #socialjusticewarrior #harmonytl #HollywoodUMC #Hollywood #HUMC #tolucalake #noho #northhollywood #studiocity #burbank #affirmingchurch #inclusivechurch #allarewelcome https://www.instagram.com/p/CQlgMRwrRHp/?utm_medium=tumblr

#freedomride2021 #socialjustice #voterrights #justice #socialchange #socialjusticewarrior #harmonytl #hollywoodumc #hollywood #humc #tolucalake #noho #northhollywood #studiocity #burbank #affirmingchurch #inclusivechurch #allarewelcome