Dear Advocate,
This week marks seven years since the Supreme Court eviscerated one of our nation's most important civil rights laws: the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Since then, some states have reverted to discriminatory practices that restrict the voting rights of Black, Brown, Native, and Asian American people.
Everyone in our nation has a responsibility to take action and do their part to undo systemic racism. Demand that your senators ensure every vote counts in our elections. Demand they help build an America as good as its ideals. And demand they take an affirmative step toward declaring that Black lives matter.
The message that Black lives matter has taken hold not just across the country, but across the world. That's because of a people-powered movement — because of you.
While this is reason to hope, we know that to create a democracy that truly represents us all, every eligible voter must have their voice heard at the ballot box.
That's why Tina Knowles-Lawson, Mothers of the Movement, and Black women celebrities sent a letter to Congress yesterday urging the Senate to pass the HEROES Act, that includes $3.6 billion in funding for safe, fair, and accessible elections.
The letter is signed by:
Tina Knowles-Lawson
Viola Davis
Whoopi Goldberg
Octavia Spencer
Jada Pinkett Smith
Beyoncé Knowles Carter
Solange Knowles
Gabrielle Union
Taraji P. Henson
Kelly Rowland
Lala Anthony
Holly Robinson Peete
Oge Egbuonu
Lena Waithe
Kerry Washington
Rashida Jones
Janelle Monáe
Bozoma Saint John
Yvette Nicole Brown
Melina Matsoukas
Halle Berry
Nicole Ari Parker
Michelle Williams
Tiffany Haddish
Gwen Carr, Mother of Eric Garner
Kadiatou Diallo, Mother of Amadou Diallo
Sybrina Fulton, Mother of Trayvon Martin
Maria Hamilton, Mother of Dontre Hamilton
Wanda Johnson, Mother of Oscar Grant
Rep. Lucy McBath, Mother of Jordan Davis
Tamika Palmer, Mother of Breonna Taylor
Geneva Reed-Veal, Mother of Sandra Bland
Advocate, will you join these incredible women in calling on senators to build a just and inclusive democracy for all?
Even in this moment of deep despair and exhaustion, we remember one essential truth: Our voices have power.
Thank you for speaking up.
— The Leadership Conference
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