Jonathan Walters’ Post

On this Juneteenth, proud to opine with Aklima Khondoker on the promise and the future of our multiracial democracy and the impact of the Supreme Court. “The conversation about the Court's role in Black liberation must extend beyond the judiciary itself. It requires a holistic approach that includes legislative and policy reforms, educational initiatives, democracy and economic policies aimed at dismantling the structural barriers that perpetuate racial inequities.” Checkout our op-ed. Thanks Common Dreams. https://lnkd.in/eJ2RyYUN

The Niagara Movement was an African American civil rights organization founded in 1905 by a group led by W. E. B. Du Bois and William Monroe Trotter. It was named for the “mighty current” of change the group wanted to effect and Niagara Falls, near Fort Erie, Ontario, was where the first meeting took place on July 11-14, 1905. The Niagara Movement was a call for opposition to racial segregation and disenfranchisement, and it was opposed to policies of accommodation and conciliation promoted by African-American leaders such as Booker T. Washington. During the Reconstruction Era that followed the American Civil War, African Americans had an unprecedented level of civil freedom and civic participation, especially in the South. With the end of Reconstruction, this began to change. Many of the Southern states introduced laws that significantly restricted the political and civil rights of African Americans. All of them passed laws restricting voting rights or making them more difficult to exercise, and passed laws requiring racially segregated facilities. These policies became entrenched when the SCOTUS in 1896 ruled in Plessy v. Ferguson that the law requiring “separate but equal” facilities was constitutional. By the turn of the 20th century activists within the African-American community began demanding a more active opposition to racist government policies than the type advocated by DC. Groups of activists sought to gain a larger voice in the debate at the conventions of the National Afro-American Council but were procedurally marginalized because the conventions were dominated by Washington supporters. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

He Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American history when the last enslaved African Americans were freed in Galveston, Texas, marking the end of slavery in the United States. This day stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for freedom, equality, and justice. As we reflect on Juneteenth, we also honor the legacy of Shirley Chisholm, who, in 1968, became the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress. Her groundbreaking achievement was a beacon of progress, embodying the very essence of what Juneteenth symbolizes: liberation, empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Shirley Chisholm's historic run for Congress was not just a personal victory; it was a milestone for civil rights and representation in America. Her courage and determination continue to inspire generations to fight for equality and justice. Her famous slogan, "Unbought and Unbossed," underscores the importance of independent voices in our democracy. In celebrating Juneteenth and honoring Shirley Chisholm's legacy, we must also recognize the critical importance of protecting and upholding the Voting Rights Act. The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy and is essential for ensuring that all voices are heard, especially those of marginalized communities. Just as Juneteenth reminds us of the progress we have made, it also calls us to action against the ongoing threats to voting rights that many Americans face today. On this Juneteenth, let us commit to preserving and strengthening the Voting Rights Act to ensure that every citizen has equal access to the ballot. Let us honor the legacy of Shirley Chisholm by continuing her fight for justice, representation, and equality for all. Happy Juneteenth! Let us celebrate our progress, honor our heroes, and pledge to protect the rights that are the cornerstone of our democracy. - #Juneteenth #EssexDems #EssexCountyVotes #EssexForDemocracy #EssexCountyBlue #EssexStrong #UnionDems #UnionCountyVotes #UnionForDemocracy #UnionCountyBlue #UnionStrong #HudsonDems #HudsonCountyVotes #HudsonForDemocracy #HudsonCountyBlue #HudsonStrong

On Juneteenth, we not only celebrate Freedom Day, but we also reaffirm our commitment to exercise our hard-earned freedoms—chief among them, the right to vote. Historically, Connecticut has enacted policies that disproportionately restricted the voting rights of Black, Indigenous, and Puerto Rican communities. From biased literacy tests to poll taxes and grandfather clauses, these barriers were designed to dilute our voices. Despite the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, our state continued to maintain restrictive voting laws well into the late 20th century. Last year marked a significant breakthrough as Connecticut became the 47th state to authorize early voting, broadening access and making it easier for everyone to participate in our democracy. Today, as we honor Juneteenth, FaithActs is more dedicated than ever to empowering Black voters across Connecticut. We understand the sacrifices made for our right to vote, and we continue to fight against any barriers that threaten this fundamental right.

If the Black Vote didnt matter, they would not try so hard to suppress, regulate, or eliminate it. And as said in this video by those who believe these actions are ok: "Pure democracies are NOT the way to run a country" Voting: a right that is currently but has not always been awarded to every American. Remember, there have been black people Lynched and Hosed for not only voting, but if you even dared to ENCOURGAE black people to vote, you would be murdered (i.e. Voting Rights Activist Lamar Smith, 1955). I’m the direct descendant of those who marched and were hosed for voting right. No matter how indifferent I am about candidates, I’ll always vote. It feels like a fault not to. That’s just my personal story. For those who choose not to vote because they feel it does not matter, your feelings are valid. These candidates make a lot of promises and don’t hold their end of the bargain. Even still, if you want to see real change in your daily life, vote local and statewide. #SocialTalk #votingrights #vote #americanhistory #ushistory #banned #criticalracetheory #Blackpeople #Black #blackhistory #historylovers #DoddsEducates #dei #diversitymatters #UnitedStates #USA #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Polialertcom #segregation #intergration #Education

Sixty years ago, LBJ signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law. Today, the activism continues: https://lnkd.in/g2X7wa6s Over a five-year span between 1865 and 1870, following the end of the Civil War, three constitutional amendments were ratified to end slavery (the 13th), make formerly enslaved people U.S. citizens (the 14th) and give all men the right to vote regardless of “race, color, or previous condition of servitude” (the 15th). In the decades that followed, however, and despite provision that “the Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation,” various states and municipalities passed “Jim Crow” laws, abused poll taxes and literacy tests to limit voting and condoned racially motivated violence to enforce segregation and disenfranchise African Americans. Featured CU expert: Ashleigh Lawrence-Sanders, a University of Colorado Boulder assistant professor of African American and U.S. history

Simply; the Cowardness of Action(s). Even then the Constitution was then and still today not up holden to the Races of the +\-15%ers'. Equality will come when those without representation, we have token representation today, collectively built for themselves the #Infrastructure(s) to secure their own Constitutionality's and support that; which heretofore has yet to be established yet again and then sustained for generations. Will You Stand In the Gap?. Vote your position in All local voting opportunities with one thing on your agenda; the sustained growth & infrastructure of a Nation within the **US without a Tribal Domain. They are NOT called Native; rather Indigenous.

On July 2, 2024, we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a pivotal moment in American history. Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, this landmark legislation represented the culmination of decades of relentless advocacy by civil rights leaders, addressing deep-seated racial inequality and segregation across the United States. We are reminded of the ongoing struggle for equality and the imperative of sustained advocacy and vigilance. The parallels between past and present underscore the urgent need for collective voice and action to realize a more just and equitable society for all. Read more from Imari Paris Jeffries Ph.D. on why the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 serves as critical moments to reaffirm commitments to justice and equality below.

Understanding felony disenfranchisement and its impact on African Americans is crucial, especially in the context of Juneteenth. ✅ Learn how past injustices still affect voting rights today. Discover how disenfranchisement perpetuates systemic inequality. Understand the ongoing battle to ensure every voice is heard. Juneteenth, a symbol of liberation, reminds us of the continuing struggle for true freedom and civil rights. Read the full article at https://lnkd.in/e4uk5F4Q.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that aimed to address racial discrimination and segregation. Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964, the act prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in public accommodations, employment, and federally funded programs. The act effectively dismantled Jim Crow segregation laws that had enforced racial segregation and discrimination in public facilities, such as schools, restaurants, and hotels. It also empowered the federal government to enforce desegregation and take legal action against discriminatory practices. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a significant victory for the Civil Rights Movement and marked a turning point in the fight for racial equality in America. Its passage paved the way for subsequent civil rights legislation, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions. #unhiddenblackhistory #NationalParkService #yourparkstory #NationalGeographic #unhiddenminute