
Team,
As we embark on the 45th anniversary of the celebration of Black History Month, there is more than 400 years of Black history, heritage, and achievements in America for us to reflect on.
This month, I’m thinking of people like Fannie Lou Hamer, a pioneering activist who in 1962 led 17 volunteers to register to vote at the Indianola, Mississippi Courthouse. Ultimately, they were denied the right to vote due to an unfair literacy test, but she was undeterred – continuing to fight to ensure African Americans could cast their ballots for years to come.
I’m also thinking of heroes like my late colleague John Lewis, a true leader and civil rights icon who dedicated his life to racial justice and voting rights. John never gave up. For decades, he kept the faith and kept his eyes on the prize. He marched and he organized - inspired and legislated.
This Black History Month, we continue the struggle to realize the dream of the powerful Black activists who came before – because there is still so much work left to do. Last year, 19 states passed laws to restrict the right to vote. And even after joining my NewDem colleagues in passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act through the House, the bill continues to be stonewalled by Republicans in the Senate.
This isn’t only a question of policy, but also how we safeguard our democracy. NewDems are fighting back and standing up for everyone’s right to vote. Team: Will you join us with a contribution today to keep Members like me fighting to advance critical pieces of voting rights legislation in D.C.?
If you've saved your information with ActBlue express, your donation will go through automatically:
Thank you for your support,
Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester
NewDem Member