SCLC Magazine - King 2024 Issue

National Magazine Do You See? Opines President Steele pg. 7

SCLC National Magazine/ King 2024 Issue

MLK Birthday Issue 2024

SCLC National Magazine/ King 2024 Issue

SCLC National Magazine/ King 2024 Issue

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Table of Contents 7 Dr. Charles Steele, Jr. President’s Corner

10 Mrs. Steele

THE NBA IS PROUD TO SUPPORT

THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

From The First Lady

12 Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr. Chairman’s Corner

15 New Orleans Gift of Music to Modern Civil Rights

By Rev. Dr. Levon A. LeBan

21 A Journey Through Voting Rights: From Alabama to East Berlin and Back Again

By Evan Milligan

27 The New Youth Movement In Civic Action

By Nicholas Eden

35 Empowering Black Communities: The Significance of Redistricting and How to Engage2

By Christopher Bruce Esq.

SCLC National Magazine/ King 2024 Issue

NATIONAL EXECUTI V E OFFICE R S

Dr. Charles Steele, Jr. President & CEO

Martin Luther King Jr. Founding President

Ralph D. Abernathy President 1968 - 1977

Fred L. Shuttlesworth President 2004

Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr Chairman

Joseph E. Lowery President 1977 - 1997

Dr. Charles Steele, Jr. President & CEO

Martin Luther King III President 1998 - 2003

Howard Creecy Jr. President 2011

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SCLC National Magazine/ King 2024 Issue

PRESI DENT’S CORNER

Do you see what I see?

By: Dr. Charles Steele Jr., SCLC National President & CEO America, TAKE THE CAR OUT OF REVERSE…

As I watch my grandchildren grow up and my oldest grandchild turned 16 years old, I began to feel anxious.

My oldest grandchild is learning to drive. I am excited yet a little nervous about what lies ahead for him as he becomes a young adult. This is very similar to the way I feel about the new generation of civil rights leaders in our community. I am filled with joy that we have young leaders ready to put on the full armor of God and stand up to the injustices of our society, but I’m quite nervous about their journey. This journey is not an easy path. Sure, you can always find a faster way to get to where you’re going, absolutely. However, that route will be full of pot holes and crowded with cars in every direction. Going in the fast lane may cause you to pass or miss a very important stop simply because you were going too fast. The slowest way is not always the most enjoyable. It may take a while to get there, sometimes the scenery is not as appealing and sometimes you get tired of seeing the same thing over and over, but you must keep going. Make sure you see the necessary things you need to see. Do you see what I see?

My own journey as a civil rights leader and politician has not been and is not an easy one. I continue to grow weary at times, frustrated, depleted and exhausted with this journey. I am exhausted because it has been 60 years since the signing of the civil rights act in America. Yet still, African-Americans are still well behind in the wealth gap. We must keep going and finish what we started 66 years ago, because we see daily that the struggle for voting rights, human rights and racial equality continues in 2024. Do you see what I see?

We have so much work that needs to be continued. There is so much that has been reversed despite what the media tells you. One of the biggest setbacks is the U.S. Supreme Court, whose members voted 6-3 to overturn affirmative action on college campuses in the United States. Not to mention the 8th circuit court of appeals has now gutted section 2 of the 1965

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Voters Right Act. This act supports the right for individuals or organizations to sue for voting discrimination. The act states, “Section 2 is a general provision that prohibits state and local government from imposing any voting rule that “results in the denial or abridgement of the right of any citizen to vote on account of race or color” or membership in a language minority group.” In addition, the 1965 Voting Rights Act was gutted when the US Supreme Court gutted section 4 and 5. Now, if section 2 makes it to the US Supreme court we will virtually have no protection under the 1965 Voter’s Rights Act. Do you see what I see?

I am saddened for America. The action of the Supreme Court is an attack against the African American community. However, the Supreme Court is not the last word. God has the final say. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference has always believed in the power of Jesus and believed in the trinity, The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit. We have seen the works of God in our past as he has cleared a path for civil rights leaders and foot soldiers to press forward when it seemed impossible. Yes, we have had continuous struggles in this country to become free, equal and as financially healthy as other citizens.

We have moved in the slow lane, consistently protesting, marching and standing up for freedom. The journey has been slow and tiring, but always consistent. Moving in the fast lane can cause you to miss something that may be vital or crucial to our success. The Supreme Court will try to delay the progress of Blacks in America. We must continue to pray and stand up for what’s right and just in this country. We must continue in the slow lane, steady and consistent. You must continue to drive until you reach your destination. We will reach the promised land! Stay in the slow lane, steady and consistent so that you can see what I see.

FNF is proud to support the SCLC's commitment to continuing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by activating the "strength to love" within the community of humankind.

SCLC National Magazine/ King 2024 Issue

In Honor of

Dr. Martin Luther

King Jr. 1929 – 1968

Gray Television and our employees honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. May his wisdom, words and dreams continue to shape our hearts and minds for years to come.

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FROM THE FI RST L ADY

The State of Blacks in America By: Mrs. Cathelean Steele, Founder, Justice for Girls

I am concerned about the state of Black America, the mistreatment in the Justice system, the access to guns and the denial of teaching Black history in our classrooms. “One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all” does not seem to apply to all Americans. If there is a real concern about the wellbeing of Blacks in America, why is America taking away access to our history? Republicans are banning black history books in the classrooms, blocking gender-affirming care, bringing back child labor. Also, we are all aware that that the Supreme Court has ruled against affirmative action.

Sotomayor stated that this opinion “stands in the way and rolls back decades of precedent and momentous progress.”

I often ask myself why do teens choose guns rather than fighting. Researchers have found that there is a brain chemistry factor. Leonard a researcher noted that a teen may compensate for his or her insecurity by acting big and not thinking about the consequent of his action. Statistics show that in 2021 2,590 teenagers under the age of 18 died from gun violence. ABC news reported that in 2023 1,306 teens died from gun violence.

Law enforcement officers, parents, teachers, and elected officials must do more to curtail this violence. Youth violence leaves a lasting effect on victims, their families and the communities. There is the impact on the justice system with more of our youth behind bars for years and some for life. I answered my cell phone a few days ago, the man on the other end told me that he was giving away guns among other items. This system must find ways to keep guns off the streets.

The CDC suggest the following ways we can support teens and prevent violence.

Parents and Families Can: 1.

2.

3.

Learn about links between teens’ experiences with violence and their health.

Talk with teens about violence and ask how you can support them.

Reach out to local programs to learn effective parenting practices.

SCLC National Magazine/ King 2024 Issue

Communities Can: 1.

Make teen mentoring, apprenticeship and leadership programs more available 2.

Collaborate with health departments and other partners to promote healthy and safe neighborhoods.

3.

Make use if effective social and economic policies that reduce violence.

The CDC suggest that we empower teens to be a part of the solution. Directly engaging teens in preventing violence helps them.

In my research I found this, ten things kids can do to stop violence.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Settle arguments with words, not fists or weapons. Don’t stand around and form an audience.

Learn safe routes for walking home. Trust your feelings, and if there’s a sense of danger, get away fast.

Report any suspicious actions to the police and your parents.

Don’t open the door to strangers.

If anyone tries to abuse you get away and tell an adult.

If someone tries to abuse you, say no and get away.

Don’t use alcohol or other drugs.

Stick with friends who are against violence and drugs and stay away from known trouble spots.

Get involved in a school safety program.

Help younger children learn to avoid being a victim.

Parents and concerned citizens let’s work together to save our youth.

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Ch airman’s Co rne r

Reflections on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Written By: Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Chairman of the Board

The Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday is an important time to consider the division in the country. It is not unrelated to the 1960s Civil Rights Movement led by Dr. King. We are in turmoil now and we’ve been in turmoil before.

We must face the situation by asking how to make the changes that we urgently need. When our country and world is in crisis, it tells us that we have to do something different. If we do not change our actions then we get the same outcome.

Americans must realize that no country and no-one is unto themselves. We are part of the global community.

This is why Martin Luther King, Jr. received the Nobel Peace Prize. It was not just because of the sit-ins or the bus boycotts we had back in the early ’50s and ’60s. It was the impact and example that he showed to the world proving that despite our problems, we can make an impact and make some changes toward building a better world. That is the power of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy.

I look back on my participation during the sit-ins in Tennessee, the nonviolence workshops with Rev. James Lawson, Jr., the Freedom Rides and the Selma movement. I recall my time with the original, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). All of these experiences have had a profound effect on me. It directed and shaped my life in substantial ways.

Dr. King was tragically taken from us and we can all agree he only lived a short period of time. It is remarkable when you consider that he was involved in the movement for twelve short years. Look at what happened in those years. He led a historic march on Washington galvanizing thousands of people through mass nonviolence actions that were instrumental in legislative change toward the Civil Rights bill and the Voting Rights Act. He earned the Nobel Peace Prize, and was a highly regarded person in the United States and in the world. We now have a national holiday in his name. How can we honor it substantively?

SCLC National Magazine/ King 2024 Issue

I was with Dr. King on the morning of April 4th, 1968. The day of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel.

I was preparing to leave the motel for my flight to Washington D.C. to begin organizing the Poor Peoples’ Campaign. I met with him briefly and he said, “Bernard, the next thing we have to do is institutionalize and internationalize the work of Nonviolence.” I had heard the news of his assassination when my flight arrived in D.C. later that day. Since then, I have worked tirelessly to help fulfill Dr. King’s request. My colleagues and I have led Kingian Nonviolence trainings internationally for tens of thousands of people. Each has different walks in life including academics, police, and felons, parents, and youth.

Preceding Dr. King’s assassination, some strides were made to create institutional changes within governmental departments and other agencies. Many of those resources have become underfunded and or eliminated entirely over time.

What happens to a society when economic stability is jeopardized by greed and injustice?

Entire sectors of society are devalued and unheard. The effects of this deficit are exacerbated when hospitals, schools and governmental agencies are not grounded in nonviolence principles. It is time to reinvigorate Dr. King’s charge by spreading nonviolence philosophy and practice. It’s a crucial time to renew efforts that instill ethical practices and nonviolence principles into daily interactions across a wide sector of humanity. It has the potential to embolden hope, increase agency and amplify moral imagination.

We can build a society with greater equity and justice by institutionalizing nonviolence in organizations that have strong community connections. Kingian Nonviolence practitioners are training with the police, in community organizations, working in schools and in universities. Books are being written to document these efforts.

We need more practitioners nationwide. We must conduct Kingian Nonviolence trainings and grow peace and justice everywhere. We need to build a strong base of young Nonviolence leaders who will ensure that the work Dr. King lived and died for continues and thrives for generations to come.

It’s one thing to be disgusted with an existing problem and then also protest about that problem. It’s another thing to put together a strategy to bring about change. We must have a vision for a peaceful world and do our part to create change for the better as Dr. King did during his short and extraordinary lifetime.

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DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION We are inspired by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who said, “The time is always right to do what is right,” and proud to bring those words to life through Kroger’s FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION. www.thekrogerco.com/community/standing-together/

SCLC National Magazine/ King 2024 Issue

New Orleans Gift of Music to Modern Civil Rights By: Rev. Dr. Levon A. LeBan, SCLC New Orleans Chapter President

“As I visit services around the metropolitan New Orleans area, I’m excited by the plethora of talented young people displaying their gifts. In the Southern regions, Christian leadership throughout the country recognizes the importance of having a dynamic choir or songstress before the message is delivered. Internationally known for her unique style of gospel singing, Mahalia Jackson was often referred to as the Queen of Gospel. Her active involvement also speaks to the participation of renowned figures such as Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Dick Gregory, and Sammy Davis, Jr. in the struggle for civil rights.”

The undisputed Queen of Gospel, Mahalia “Halie” Jackson, daughter of John A. and Charity Jackson, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 26, 1911. She is considered by many as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

Jackson grew up in the Carrolton-Hollygrove section of the city in a neighborhood called the Black Pearl. The classic uptown New Orleans-style “shotgun” homes typically housed numerous people and often pets. Popular folklore associated with the name “shotgun” is said to have originated from a remark (author unknown) that stated that if you fired a shotgun through the open front door, pellets would travel straight through each room and out the back door in case someone tried to escape. In addition, the name may have derived from the West African Yoruba word ‘togun,’ which translates to “house.” Her mother died when she was about five years old and in the tradition of many African American homes, Mahalia went to live with her aunt, Mahala Clark-Paul.

At the National Baptist Convention in August of 1956, Jackson met Rev. Dr. Ralph Abernathy who introduced her to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Months later, they asked her to assist them in a fun-raiser by singing at a rally in Montgomery, Alabama for the bus boycott. Jackson lived with the Abernathy’s while in Alabama. The concert was on December 6, 1956, and raised significant money to support the cause. In a landmark case, the United States Supreme Court ruled that bus segregation was unconstitutional. However, the ruling was not implemented with all deliberate speed. When Jackson returned to Dr. Abernathy’s home early in 1957, she was surprised it had been bombed. In fact, there were four church bombings and two homes bombed on January 10, 1957. The bombings prohibited Drs. King and Abernathy from attending an organizing meeting of the Southern Leadership Conference on Transportation and Nonviolent Integration 15 SCLC National Magazine/ King 2024 Issue

in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Detroit Council on Human Rights sponsored an event on June 23, 1963, where over 125, 000 people gathered at Cabo Arena to hear Dr. King speak. In addition to the Officers of the SCLC, Jackson was also there as a supporter. It was the culmination of the Detroit Walk to Freedom which was the precursor to the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It was there that Dr. King first spoke about the “Dream.” Two months later, Dr. King spoke to the largest crowd of Civil Rights activists in the history of the United States. According to Dr. Clarence B. Jones, former speechwriter, and advisor to Dr. King, as he was near completion, “Mahalia, who was sitting near the podium shouted, ‘Tell them about the dream Martin, tell them about the dream!” Dr. Jones further states that Dr. King moved his speech to the left of the podium and began the closing that resonated throughout history.

Mahalia “Halie” Jackson (1911-1972) received multiple Grammy Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award. Mahalia collapsed after a performance in Germany and later died on January 27, 1972, in Chicago at the age of 60. She was laid to rest at Providence Park Cemetery in metropolitan New Orleans. The Theater of Performing Arts and an elementary school (formerly McDonogh Number 36) are named in her honor by the City of New Orleans.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: A six-generation Louisianan, Rev. Dr. Levon LeBan has served as President of one of the oldest affiliates of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the New Orleans Chapter, for seven years. In 2019, the Chapter was recognized as the SCLC National Chapter of the Year. Twice selected a Fulbright Scholar, Dr. LeBan focuses on disaster mitigation with the American Red Cross, Justice for Girls, human trafficking, scholarships, and serving the unhoused community. For more information and current events, visit https://sclcnola.org.

SCLC National Magazine/ King 2024 Issue

We’re all

unique.

Each person has different perspectives, experiences, and dreams. It’s through inclusion that we learn, grow, and create a better world around us.

At Lowe’s, we believe in making homes better for all, without exceptions. By celebrating the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., we also honor the legacy of equality for everyone. ©2024 Lowe’s. Lowe’s and the gable mansard design are registered trademarks of LF, LLC.

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Learn about the woman who led a movement.

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks’ simple act of bravery helped inspire and lead the Civil Rights Movement. Today, visitors can step back in time and experience the sights and sounds that forever changed our country.

Troy University’s Rosa Parks Museum honors one of America’s most beloved women who helped lead by her actions.

The museum is currently undergoing some exciting renovations, so plan a visit after its January 2024 reopening to learn about the life and legacy of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

For Grand Reopening information, visit troy.edu/rosaparks or call 334-241-8615. © 2023 Troy University

SCLC National Magazine/ King 2024 Issue

Southern Christian Leadership Conference celebrates

WOMEN’S

HisttyMONTH HERSTORY IS NOW

March 2024

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SCLC National Magazine/ King 2024 Issue

A Journey Through Voting Rights: From Alabama to East Berlin and Back Again By: Evan Milligan, Executive Director, Alabama Power

On June 8, 2023, I found myself in East Berlin's Marienkirche (St. Mary’s Church), a place steeped in history, notably hosting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1964. This location, a symbol of division and unity, set the stage for a poignant discussion I was part of, alongside fifteen scholars and civic leaders, on Holocaust and race massacre remembrance.

It was here, amidst this reflective gathering, that I received a momentous text from Deuel Ross, my lawyer, simply stating, "We won." This victory was in reference to our challenge against Alabama's racially gerrymandered congressional map - a significant stride in the ongoing fight for voting rights.

However, this win was more than just a legal triumph; it was personal. It evoked memories of my late father, Bill Milligan, who had passed away two years earlier at the age of 75. His absence was profoundly felt during the redistricting advocacy efforts that later culminated in our federal lawsuit. The year 2021, marked by loss and isolation due to the pandemic, also saw the passing of many mentors and peers. Serving as a plaintiff in this case offered a unique opportunity to leverage the 1965 Voting Rights Act (VRA), honoring those we lost and fighting for the rights they championed.

Preparing for this legal battle, I braced for a loss, seeing it as the most likely outcome. My approach was intense, perhaps even abrasive at times, as I pushed for readiness against the potential gutting of the VRA. Through song and speech, I advocated not just for awareness about fair districts but also for the need to support federal legislation like the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. My mindset was not of optimism but of determination, without allowing any false hope of victory to console me.

The moment of learning

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we had won was overwhelming, evoking a flood of emotions tied to my father's memory. In the historic setting of East Berlin, my colleagues provided comfort, allowing me a moment of vulnerability and reflection.

The Ongoing Struggle In the five months following the Supreme Court’s opinion in Allen v. Milligan, the emotional landscape surrounding our case mirrored the dynamic nature of the Black freedom struggle. In Alabama, a state with a

history marked by extremes, activists like myself have become acclimated to the long arc of political battles. From the harsh realities of enslavement and segregation to the triumphs of civil rights movements, Alabama has been a stage for significant racial and political shifts.

The recent creation of a new congressional district, with a 49% Black voting age population, was a monumental achievement. However, history has taught us to be wary of potential obstacles in realizing the full potential of such advancements.

Complicating matters further, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals recently made a ruling in a case brought by the Arkansas State Conference of the NAACP concerning redistricting. This decision, which bars voters from suing to protect their rights under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, contradicts decades of precedent. This decision would have prevented my co-plaintiffs and I from bringing the suit in our case.

This new development signals another challenging phase in the fight for voting rights, necessitating renewed legal and grassroots efforts.

A Call to Action The path forward remains clear and urgent. We must cultivate a grassroots movement, diverse and inclusive, resembling a large family gathering, full of lively debates yet united in a common goal: the sanctity of the right to vote. This movement should bridge ideological divides and span generations, rallying support for unequivocal voting rights protections at both federal and state levels.

The ultimate goal is a simple yet profound amendment to the U.S. Constitution: "Every American citizen of voting age has the right to vote and have their vote counted." This amendment would serve as an unambiguous guarantee of voting rights, immune to misinterpretation. The road to achieving this amendment will require building movements powerful enough to secure passage of companion amendments to state constitutions, as well as passage of essential federal and state voting rights legislation such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. This effort is crucial because democracy, much like a garden, requires constant care.

SCLC National Magazine/ King 2024 Issue

Neglect leads to the growth of disenfranchisement, overshadowing the fruits of representation. In this shared garden, we all have roles to play, whether it's planting seeds, watering, or simply enjoying the space. It's a collective responsibility to ensure that our democratic principles are not just ideas written in legal documents few people read, but living, breathing realities.

The path towards growing this movement starts with our being open to even imagining it. Our journey is not merely about legal battles or staging huge rallies; it's about amplifying every voice, ensuring every vote counts, and realizing the true promise of democracy. It's about transforming the current landscape of our voting rights into a narrative of triumph, a testament to the resilience and determination of those who believe in the power of democracy. Achieving this requires imagination.

Democracy as World Building Rather than repeating all the reasons why it would be impossible to achieve a voting rights amendment to the U.S. Constitution, we could imagine the conditions and social networks that would be necessary to make this effort even possible to attempt. We have the time to dream and then build towards what we’ve envisioned. When Dr. King challenged Berliners to imagine a unified Germany, many questioned his maturity. He was met with similar critiques when he described a world freed from racism, economic exploitation, and militarism. These types of criticisms have the power to shut down liberation at the dream stage. As opponents of Black history education demonstrate the connection between policing thought and political coalition building, it is important that those devoted to the expansion of democracy in America lean into imaginative thinking now more than ever.

If you are searching for networks doing pro-democracy work that can help inspire or sustain your creative world-building, please explore any of the State Voices affiliates near you. If you’re from or living in Alabama, we’d love to get you connected to any of the Alabama Forward member groups and the exciting work we’re doing with our Shake the Field program.

Thank you for all of your support.

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www.faa.gov/deia

WE ARE FLYING HIGH ON THE POWER OF A DREAM. Dr. King had a dream that everyone was created equal and the threat to justice anywhere was a threat to justice everywhere. The Federal Aviation Administration honors the legacy and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Our mission is to ensure a safe aerospace for everyone.

Thanks to leaders like Dr. King, we are able to meet and exceed our mission with the diverse and dedicated workforce at the FAA.

Play To learn more about job opportunities at the FAA.

SCLC National Magazine/ King 2024 Issue

We believe in equal opportunity for all regardless of race, creed, sex, age, disability, or ethnic background.

Western Construction Group Inc. Cooperative Energy Associated Grocers Inc. Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP Harley Ellis Devereaux (HED)

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Do more.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Let us help you combine your experience and know-how. With our shipping solutions, you can expand your reach and grow your business.

©2021 FedEx. All rights reserved.

SCLC National Magazine/ King 2024 Issue

“SOMETIMES SILENCE IS BETRAYAL.” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The working men and women of the UAW proudly support the SCLC and your commitment to achieve social, economic, and political justice.

President: Shawn Fain | Secretary-Treasurer: Margaret Mock Vice Presidents: Chuck Browning | Mike Booth | Rich Boyer

Congratulations to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference on 67 years of making progress in your work towards Peace, Unity, Love, Brotherhood, and Respect.

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The New Youth Movement In Civic Action

By Nicholas Eden, State Director of Field Operations for Mississippi Votes

Civic action has historically been spearheaded by the youth. Legendary organizations such as the Montgomery Improvement Association, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference all have their roots in grassroots efforts led by young people with a vision for change and progression. Now more than ever, the time calls for the youth to take the reins, and honor those before us in effort to continue the much needed work towards a new America.

America has identified the definitive moment in the advocacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his 1963 “I Have A Dream” speech. The Atlanta preacher was a mere 34 years of age at the time, and yet managed to turn the world on its ears at the March On Washington. A 23 year old John Lewis shared the stage on that same day, and in his own right made history in that iconic moment. For both of these young men, this was not the beginning of their activism, but a culmination of grassroot organizing along with the other members of the “Big Six,” and many more who aided in the movement. That movement was rooted in the need for action, and the need for change. It was the vigor, and the audacity for something better.

That movement finds itself at a crossroads today. For the youth of that time, into the decades that followed, the fight remains in them. As their efforts have continued, a new generation of activists have emerged, poised to continue that fight for the next several decades.

In Montgomery, Ala., the birthplace of the civil rights movement, the youth led coalition Alabama Forward continues the fight started 68 years prior by tackling the predatory practices of redistricting in the state. Evan Milligan, Executive Director of AL Forward was inspired by the work of the youth led movements before him. “There wasn’t really a moment when we weren’t attached to the movement in some way,” says Milligan. “With parents who were doing movement work in the ’60s and ’70s, all of that shaped how I was thinking and how I was feeling.” As a plaintiff in the 2022 redistricting case, the Supreme Court sided with Milligan, and made way for a new congressional district map to be drawn in the state that had previously diluted the black voting power. Similarly in Mississippi, the civic engagement organization Mississippi Votes, led by Arekia Bennett-Scott has made similar strides in reinvigorating the youth vote by way of high school and college programs aimed at increasing registered voters, reducing voter apathy, and reinstating the ballot initiative process. With a clear vision of using the process to restore voting rights to the previously incarcerated, Bennett-Scott firmly stands on the youth-led group’s efforts to create an awareness not seen in the state at that level since the Freedom Riders of 1961.

SCLC National Magazine/ King 2024 Issue

As we enter this new stage of the fight for rights, it is imperative that we continue to empower the generations behind us. This wisdom and experience of those who came before is a key factor. As the baton is passed, our elders must be honored and consulted, while the youth of America take action. Merging the past and present is the only path to the future

Nicholas Eden is the State Director of Field Operations for Mississippi Votes, and Advisor to the Extend A Hand, Help A Friend, Foundation. He is a native of Gulfport, MS.

We Join the SCLC in Honoring the Memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. May his dream become a reality for all people.

Provides equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, natural origin, age, status as a protected veteran or qualified individual with a disability.

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Burgess Pigment Co., Inc. Beck Boulevard Sandersville, Georgia

P.O. Box 1908, Rocky Mount, NC 27802

Klaasmeyer Construction Co. Inc P.O. Box 847 Conway, AR 72033

Equal Housing Lender. ©2016 M&T Bank. Member FDIC.

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Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania

999 Lake Drive Issaquah, Washington Supports Equal Opportunity for All, Regardless of Race, Creed, Sex, Age, Disability or Ethnic Background

Why not change the world?

For employment opportunities visit us at https://rpijobs.rpi.edu

We welcome candidates who will bring diverse intellectual, geographical, gender and ethnic perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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BE TOMORROW’S

SECRET SERVICE secretservice.gov/CAREERS or call us at 888-813-USSS TTY: 202-406-5370 | EOE

SCLC National Magazine/ King 2024 Issue

Are you ready for a challenge?

The U.S. Secret Service is seeking qualified individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds who are interested in a challenging career with our federal law enforcement agency.

Our values of

togetherness, integrity, making a difference, and excellence

have helped us haveahelped us build uniquely buildapproach a uniquely Hershey to Hershey approach to making more moments of goodness. making more moments of goodness.

BAC

is proud to join with the

Southern Christian Leadership Conference in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King on equality, justice and peace by supporting a stronger and brighter future for all Americans.

Timothy J. Driscoll President

Jeremiah Sullivan Secretary-Treasurer

Keith Hocevar

Executive Vice-President

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THE ONLY THING MORE IMPORTANT THAN STARTING THE CONVERSATION IS KEEPING IT GOING.

We honor the men and women who began the dialog for social, economic and political justice through our commitment to help continue it.

The IBEW proudly stands with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Kenneth W. Cooper, International President Paul A. Noble, International Secretary-Treasurer

www.ibew.org

SCLC National Magazine/ King 2024 Issue

Empowering Black Communities: The Significance of Redistricting and How to Engage By:Christopher E. Bruce, Esq.

participate in and influence this critical process.

Redistricting is a crucial aspect of the democratic process that directly impacts the representation of communities across the United States.

For Black people, the stakes are high, as fair redistricting can be a powerful tool to combat historical injustices, amplify voices, and ensure equitable political influence. In this article, we'll look at Georgia as an example of how redistricting can go wrong, explore the importance of redistricting to Black communities, and discuss ways in which Black individuals can actively

The voter suppression tactics in Georgia are nothing new. It’s a decades-long, repeatedpattern for Southern states: A federal court rules an electoral map illegally dilutes the power of Black voters and orders a new one. Since 2008, states across the country have passed measures to make it harder for Americans—particularly Black people, the elderly, students, and people with disabilities—to exercise their fundamental right to vote. ACLU attorneys and others fighting for fair representation on the ground in Georgia remain focused on efforts to ensure Black voters and disenfranchised communities statewide have the same opportunities at the ballot box as white voters.

Understanding the historical context is essential to grasp the significance of redistricting for Black communities. Throughout American history, systemic racism has manifested in various forms, including the deliberate dilution of Black political power through gerrymandering. This practice involves manipulating voting maps to favor one political party, often at the expense of minority communities.

Gerrymandering has perpetuated the underrepresentation of Black voices in government, hindering the ability to address the unique challenges faced by Black communities.

Recognizing the impact of gerrymandering on political outcomes and policy decisions underscores the urgency of actively engaging in the redistricting process.

In 2023, attorneys with the ACLU of Georgia and its legal partners spent months in state and federal courtrooms

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arguing for better (legal) voting maps for Black voters in the state of Georgia. One such lawsuit, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity v. Raffensperger, currently making headlines across the world began taking shape a few years prior. The 2020 census showed tremendous growth in the state’s Black population over the last decade. Unfortunately, lawmakers reacted by creating legislative maps with district lines denying that undeniable demographic shift, diluting Black Georgians’ voting strength, especially in Metro Atlanta, where the Black population had increased by hundreds of thousands.

Fair representation is a fundamental principle of democracy, ensuring that all citizens have an equal opportunity to influence aspects of their everyday lives, from where their children attend school to how they receive medical care. Redistricting plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal by adjusting voting maps to reflect changes in population and demographic shifts.

For Black communities, fair representation means having districts that accurately represent their interests, concerns, and diversity.

A federal court ruled in October that Georgia’s newest voting maps discriminate against Black voters and needed to be redrawn, which prompted a special legislative session. In the same month, a lower federal court in Alabama overseeing a redistricting lawsuit chose a congressional map that the state will use in the 2024 election. In Louisiana, Black voters from the two largest and majority-Black cities in the state have long been packed into a single congressional voting district, weakening their political influence and ability to advocate for their concerns. Its Legislature has been ordered by a judge to draw a new map by May 2024.

The list goes on.

“From the beginning, when Black people were granted their Constitutional right to vote, there has been an ongoing battle to take that right away. As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, I knew the organization’s ‘A Voteless People Is A Hopeless People’ program fit within the realms of fighting disenfranchisement, which Black men typically are,” said Christopher Bruce, Director of Policy and Advocacy at ACLU of Georgia. “During Georgia’s Special Session this year, I had the honor of working with the non-partisan Georgia Legislative Black Caucus to stand up for the rights of Black voters. We will win this case, but the battle for Black voters to achieve their full rights as voting citizens will continue.”

The maps signed by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp following a two-week special session were disappointing, to say the least. They failed to address the dilution of Black voting strength found by U.S. District Judge Steve Jones; they instead perpetuate it. Plaintiffs quickly filed objections to the maps and are awaiting the judge’s next ruling.

“We were disappointed that the Georgia General Assembly, when given a chance to redraw lawful maps, squandered that opportunity by enacting maps that continue to violate Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act,” said Rahul Garabadu, Senior Voting Rights Staff Attorney at the ACLU of Georgia. “We hope that the court rejects the State’s proposed legislative maps and adopts a map that allows Black voters’ voices to be heard. Black Georgians and our democracy deserve nothing less.”

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In a separate Georgia-based case, a federal court blocked the Cobb County School Board from using its racially gerrymandered map in an upcoming election because it violates the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. It was a huge victory for Black voters, as well as Latinx voters. One of the plaintiffs, former Cobb County student Hylah Daly, said the ruling was important for her voice to be heard, as well as the voices of current students attending schools in the district. “We are standing against racial inequality so that all students will have fair representation,” she said.

Through litigation and advocacy, the ACLU of Georgia and its partners will continue to oppose these efforts and work to expand access to this fundamental right. Empowering Black communities through redistricting requires active engagement and advocacy. Here are several ways you can get involved: 1. Educate Yourself and Others: Understanding the redistricting process, its implications, and its historical context is the first step. Black communities should educate themselves and share this knowledge with others. Local organizations, community centers, and online resources can provide information about redistricting and its impact on political representation.

2. Participate in Community Outreach: Engage with local community organizations and leaders who are working on redistricting issues. Joining or supporting grassroots initiatives dedicated to fair representation can amplify the collective voice of Black communities. Community outreach efforts can include organizing information sessions, town halls, and workshops to raise awareness.

3. Advocate for Transparency: Push for transparent and inclusive redistricting processes. Attend public hearings, provide input, and demand accountability from those responsible for drawing district lines.

Transparency ensures that decisions are made in the best interest of the community rather than for political gain.

4. Support Legal Challenges: In cases where redistricting plans are deemed unfair or discriminatory, supporting legal challenges is a powerful way to advocate for justice. Collaborate with legal organizations and advocacy groups that focus on voting rights and fair representation.

5. Encourage Voter Registration and Turnout: Increased voter registration and turnout are vital for shaping the outcome of elections in newly redrawn districts. Black individuals can encourage their communities to register to vote, stay informed about election dates, and actively participate in the democratic process.

6. Run for Office: Representation matters. Black individuals should consider running for local offices to directly impact the decision-making process. By diversifying elected bodies, Black leaders can ensure that the concerns and priorities of their communities are properly addressed.

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For Black communities, active engagement in the redistricting process is not only an opportunity but a responsibility to rectify historical injustices and pave the way for a more inclusive democracy. By educating ourselves, participating in community outreach, advocating for transparency, supporting legal challenges, encouraging voter registration and turnout, and even running for office, Black individuals can contribute to a redistricting process that empowers their communities and strengthens the democratic fabric of the nation. In the fight for equitable representation, every voice matters, and the active involvement of Black communities is essential for creating a political system that truly reflects the diversity and interests of the American people.

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STANDING STRONG WORKPLACE AND IN

NEVER ON THE SIDELINES

Richard Davis President

John V. Chiarello Sec’y Treasurer

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Latonya Crisp Recording Sec’y

Lynwood Whichard Administrative VP