Dear John,
Almost 60 years ago, the Voting Rights Act was passed to stop racial discrimination in voting. Today, we honor the legacy of BIPOC leaders and elders in the South—figures like Martin Luther King, Jr., Fannie Lou Hamer, and Rosa Parks—who fought for a fairer democracy for all through actions, big and small.
However, the journey towards a multiracial democracy continues. Despite the progress made, many BIPOC Americans in the South face significant challenges that undermine their civic engagement. Voter restrictions, unresponsive elected officials, and a well-financed backlash movement aim to diminish their voices and rights.
But thanks to your generous support, TOA is taking action. This year we launched our Beyond Democracy project, dedicated to increasing civic engagement in southern communities. We are giving local BIPOC leaders the tools and resources they need to inspire and engage their communities in civic life.