February 2023 News Roundup
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Hello – your February Groundwork Newsletter is here! Take a look at what’s inside:
- Check out the latest developments coming from Mississippi, where the predominantly-white state legislature seeks to take over the Blackest city in the country, Jackson.
- Learn more about the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation sweeping through West Virginia and Oklahoma, setting precedents for the national level.
- Finally, to honor Black History Month, organizer spotlights from Jasmine and Ashley.
As you read the updates from our partner states, we urge you to amplify what is happening in these battlegrounds. Whether you’re supporting the organizing efforts in Jackson or sharing the stories on extremist legislation with your network – we need you to step up.
Thank you for staying engaged with Groundwork,
Aspen
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Aspen Christian (they/them)
Digital Director
Groundwork Project
News You Should Know
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Mississippi’s majority-white state legislature recently proposed establishing a second, un-elected, state-appointed justice system in the Blackest city in our nation, Jackson. The House has voted in favor and we expect the same from the Republican-led Senate. This bill is racist, plain and simple.
“They are looking to colonize Jackson,” Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba said in January. “They put this military force over us, and we’re just supposed to pay taxes to the king.”
This latest attempt is part of a long-standing history to take over America’s Blackest city. You can read the timeline of how conservative politicians have degraded the voice and power of Black Mississippians here.
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In Oklahoma, conservative members of the state legislature are seeking to criminalize certain drag performances and include a $20,000 fine for drag queens. Read more on the most recent anti-LGBTQ legislation from Oklahoma here.
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The rights of LGBTQ+ people are also at risk in West Virginia with a conservative state legislature set to advance a ban on gender-affirming care. Activists have been pleading with lawmakers to resist the ban – urging them to instead show compassion for the lives and rights of transgender children. Read more on what’s at stake for LGBTQ+ folks in West Virginia and what activists are doing to push back here.
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What you’re organizing around right now:
I am currently building the curriculum for a conversation series that educates young Oklahomans on the egregious state of capital punishment, through guided conversations and educational training on advocacy around ending the death penalty.
What sustains you in this work:
I am surrounded by people who support me, and have even been with me, through the toughest battles and my random adventures and still continue to encourage me!
Inspired by Jasmine’s work? Take action!
Help us end capital punishment in the state of Oklahoma by joining our “Not in my Name” Coalition: A coalition of individuals who have committed to SHOWING UP! Showing up for every person on Death Row.
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What you’re organizing around right now:
Gender justice, LGBTQ+ justice, and opioid crisis legislation
Advice for young Black organizers:
Always take the leap. Fight for the change you want. You can’t always do it by yourself but there are a ton of organizations that would love to have you!
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