Last week, the Supreme Court invalidated Louisiana’s congressional map, delivering a devastating blow to voting rights by gutting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and paving the way for states to enact discriminatory maps without accountability. As we learned of the devastating decision last week, Dawn immediately began speaking out. She wrote:
“The parallels between post-Reconstruction and the current political state of Black people warrant study in this moment. We have to accept where this is going and be prepared.
For those unfamiliar or who need a refresher, I offer:
Following the end of Reconstruction in 1877, Southern states systematically disenfranchised Black men—who had briefly held significant political power—through violence, intimidation by groups like the KKK, and legal barriers. Poll taxes, literacy tests, and “grandfather clauses” almost entirely eliminated Black voting by 1900, erasing their presence in Congress by 1901.
This period of voter suppression and exclusion lasted until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. (For those keeping score, the VRA was effectively killed today).”
Then on Monday, May 4th, Dawn joined Black Voters Matter at the Governor’s Mansion to speak out again. She delivered a poignant speech, noting that despite facing systemic, institutional racism, and the erosion of voting rights, the path forward requires Black people to become their own allies and fight for what is theirs.
Watch her inspiring remarks here→
She will continue this important discussion today on Instagram with Dr. Jovita Lee Miller, Yolanda Taylor, and Anoa Changa-Peck.
Tune in to Advance Notice to hear Executive Director Dawn Blagrove speak about the impact of the Callais decision, Thursday (today!) at 12 pm. Join the Instagram live stream @AdvanceCarolina.
