Check out our August Wrap Up!

Here's what we were up to in August [Black Voters Matter logo]( Friend, Welcome to our August Wrap-Up Newsletter!   August was a pivotal month for Black Voters Matter as we focused on one of the most pressing issues of our time—education. As students prepared to return to school, we intensified our efforts to fight for educational equity every day, not just during the election season.  From defending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in schools to challenging book bans and protecting HBCUs, our work this month was driven by the belief that Black Education = Black power. We know that education is a cornerstone of our community’s future, and the attacks on our schools are attempts to erase our history and weaken our power.  This newsletter highlights our August actions, from state advocacy to community organizing, as we continue to empower our youth and fight for the education every child deserves.   Black Voters Matter's Impact AMPLIFYING OUR CULTURE AND SPIRIT IN CHICAGO In August, during the Democratic National Convention, we headed to Chicago for our Raise Our Culture and Raise Our Spirits concerts. These events were a powerful celebration of music, community, and the unbreakable spirit of our people.  Huge thanks to the amazing artists who performed! Your music not only uplifted us but also inspired action. We’re grateful to our partners at Black Church PAC, Movement For Black Lives, and One Fair Wage for making it all possible.  Beyond the music, the event was a call to mobilize. We reminded our community that our voices hold power, and by coming together, we can drive change.  In Chicago, we also participated in panels on radically reimagining democracy and the role of economically disadvantaged communities in shaping political outcomes. These discussions are essential as we push for a more just and equitable society.   SUSRVIVOR JUSTICE IS RACIAL JUSTICE TOUR We ended August with a powerful tour through Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, in partnership with Me Too. International. This tour was a blend of action, healing, and empowerment for our community, featuring voter registration resources, community yoga, music, food, and plenty of fun!  In addition to the festivities, we engaged in phone banking and caravanning, reaching out directly to voters. Phone banking allowed us to connect personally with our community, encouraging voting and making sure everyone’s voice is heard!   Black Voters Matter Updates ROOTED IN RACISM: IMPACTS OF PROJECT 2025 DEI BACKLASH Black Voters Matter invites you to an urgent discussion on the connection between Project 2025 and the weaponization of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in education. This virtual teach-in will delve into how Project 2025 and targeted DEI bans have already infiltrated states like Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, and Texas, disproportionately impacting Black communities.  Our expert panel will explore the deep-rooted racism driving these initiatives and discuss strategies for resistance. Together, we can confront these challenges and fight back.  Panelists: - Anneshia Hardy, AL Values Progress - Ashley Shelton, Power Coalition - Rev. Rhonda Thomas, Faith in Florida - Marcus Bass, Advance Carolina Moderator: Rhyane N. Wagner, Black Voters Matter Fund  Mark your calendar for August 28 at 6:30 PM ET and join us live on our social media channels. Don’t miss this vital conversation as we stand together against the forces that threaten to undermine our communities and our education system.   GET INVOLVED AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE! This August, we’re thrilled to offer a range of volunteer opportunities to drive change and build power in Black communities across the U.S. Here’s how you can get involved:  Upcoming Volunteer Events: - Texting Tuesdays: Every Tuesday at 6 PM ET, join us for digital organizing through our texting campaigns. Empower residents to make a difference in their communities. - Volunteer Orientation: On September 3, learn about Black Voters Matter and how you can enhance civic engagement. Bring friends, family, and colleagues to get involved! - Postcard Party: On September 19, participate in our virtual postcard parties to send personalized messages that remind individuals of their power and impact in their communities. - Volunteer Resolution Campaign: Also on September 3, deepen your commitment to volunteering with our resolution campaign. Set goals, receive training, and learn how to build power in your networks. - Student Postcard Party: Students, join us on September 18 for a student-led postcard party! Discuss DEI in schools and its impact on our communities. This event is exclusively for students. - Volunteer Resolution "Book Club" Meeting: On September 12, join us for our book club as we explore resources on voting rights. Share insights and discuss strategies to combat voter suppression. - Voicing Our Power: A Conversation Series with Volunteers: From August to October, engage in real discussions on issues like economic justice, anti-DEI policies, and affordable housing. Our first event on August 28 will focus on youth voters with a panel of student volunteers. [GET INVOLVED](   EMPOWERMENT HUB Welcome to our Empowerment Hub!  This is where you'll find valuable knowledge and opportunities for action. Explore educational content aligned with our mission, stay updated on national news impacting Black communities, celebrate milestones, and access helpful resources. It's not just about information—it's about our shared path toward justice.  Let's set out on this journey together, learn, grow, and make a difference!   BLACK AUGUST: HONORING RESISTANCE AND EMPOWERING CHANGE At Black Voters Matter, we recognize Black August as a crucial time to honor Black freedom fighters and political prisoners while spotlighting Black resistance against systemic oppression. Originating in California prisons in the 1970s, Black August commemorates significant historical events and figures, such as the assassination of Black Panther George Jackson in 1971 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963.  This month serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for Black liberation and resistance to injustice. It also raises awareness about prison conditions and systemic oppression, encouraging unity, self-sacrifice, and political education.  Our mission aligns with the spirit of Black August as we strive to empower marginalized, predominantly Black communities. We are committed to supporting local infrastructure and advocating for social justice year-round. By focusing on authentic messaging and valuing the leadership of Black women, we aim to amplify the voices and needs of Black voters everywhere, ensuring their power is recognized and strengthened.   Engaging Young Voters through Education! This August, Black Voters Matter and our partners focused on Engaging Young Voters through Education. We’re tackling the critical issue of educational equity, fighting against the erasure of Black history from curriculums and the attack on our HBCUs.  Why does this fight matter? The removal of Black history and voices from education is a deliberate attempt to undermine our community’s power. We refuse to accept this injustice. Black education equals Black power. We demand schools that recognize and nurture the potential of Black students, providing them with a curriculum that reflects our rich heritage.  Strategies for Change: - Connect with young voters through campus outreach, social media, and events. Highlight the impact of education policies on their futures. - Urge young voters to support candidates who prioritize diversity in education and oppose censorship. - Collaborate with student organizations and youth advocacy groups to amplify our message. When they attack our history and education, we fight back. Join us in standing up for the education our youth deserve and making a difference in our communities. [DONATE](   National News Impacting Black Communities Stay informed about what's happening in Black communities nationwide! We're here to keep you updated on both the challenges and victories affecting us, whether they make the top headlines or not. Dive into articles covering critical issues and learn about the efforts of our partners and organization as we fight for our communities. - [The Legacy of Black Voter Suppression: How Far Have We Come?]( - [Black Voters Matter, Partners Launch Strategies to Mobilize Black Community]( - [Ben & Jerry's launches a new flavor to support Churn Out the Vote, celebrating their ongoing partnership with Black Voters Matter.]( - ["We never stopped the fight": Mississippians continue Fannie Lou Hamer's legacy]( - [Alabama lawmakers, coalition introduce an all-inclusive voting rights bill]( SUPPORT BLACK VOTERS MATTER TODAY! In August, we fought to defend our history and ensure educational equity for our communities. Now, as we move into September, our focus shifts to economic justice for Black men—fighting for fair pay, affordable housing, and critical resources.  Your donation today helps us sustain this vital work. Together, we can protect our progress and power the fight ahead. Donate now to support our ongoing efforts to uplift and empower Black communities. [DONATE TODAY](   JOIN THE MOVEMENT [Support voter engagement and capacity-building through our 501c3]( [Support voter mobilization and political advocacy through our 501c4]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Threads]( [TikTok]( [X (Twitter)]( [YouTube]( [Black Voters Matter logo]( Black Voters Matter Fund is dedicated to expanding Black voter engagement and increasing progressive power through movement-building and engagement. Working with grassroots organizations, specifically in key states in the South, BVMF seeks to increase voter registration and turnout, advocate for policies to expand voting rights/access, and help develop infrastructure where little or none exists to support a power-building movement that keeps Black voters and their issues at the forefront of our election process. For more information, please visit our [website](. Sent via [ActionNetwork.org](. 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