Hey John,
Black History Month is a time to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look toward the future. This year, over 5,000 cities across the United States will hold mayoral elections. Mayors decide how cities spend taxpayer dollars, propose and influence laws, and so much more!
Historically, Black mayors have played transformative roles in our communities. Leaders like Carl Stokes in Cleveland and Maynard Jackson in Atlanta broke racial barriers and created policies that fostered inclusivity and progress. In recent elections, Monroe Nichols became Tulsa’s first Black mayor, and Alyia Gaskins was elected Alexandria’s first Black female mayor, breaking new ground in Virginia.
As we celebrate these milestones, we must also recognize the power of our collective voice. Last year, Black voters — especially Black women — showed up at the ballot box, shaping the future of our communities.
This Black History Month, we celebrate our wins, prioritize rest, and focus on strengthening our bonds within the community. Let’s continue to prepare for the work ahead by doing one of these three things:
✅ Join our “What is going on?” Community Call with When We All Vote on Wednesday, February 19, at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT. We’ll break down what’s really going on, the state of voting rights, and discuss how YOU can get involved.