Election Day countdown: 151 days
White friends,
Since 1619, our country has been built upon the oppression of Black people. In the name of “progress,” we have passed the 3/5ths Compromise, Jim Crow laws, and the Crime Bill, destroying millions of Black lives. In March, our culture of white supremacy led to Breonna Taylor’s murder. Today, she should’ve turned 27. This spring, we also faced:
Over 106,000 lost to COVID19 – Black Americans experience two times their share of the population;
43 million unemployed – Black Americans experience 2.5 percent higher unemployment than white Americans;
Public police violence – Black Americans experience a third of reported cases, despite being just 12 percent of the population.
To address this, we must invest in sustainable Black leadership. The Next 50 will always prioritize supporting black candidates and organizations because in order to run for office and build power, you need networks with disposable income and we know that a white family’s average net worth is ten times that of a Black family. If we really mean Black Lives Matter, it is incumbent upon us to invest in Black candidates and Black-led organizations with our voice, time and money.
In the names of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Emmett Till, Eric Garner, George Floyd, Martin Luther King Jr, Michael Brown Jr, Oscar Grant, Philando Castille, Sandra Bland, Sean Bell, Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin, Walter Scott, and too many more whose names we might never know, let us lead by committing to justice and acting on our words: Black Lives Matter.
What we’re up to:
We have events with Desiree Tims for Congress (OH-10), Jaime Harrison for U.S. Senate (SC), and Pat-Timmons Goodson for Congress (NC-08). Reply to this email, if you want to help host these powerful Black candidates!
We’re hosting Act2020, a virtual solidarity and action event, featuring the rapper Eve, Miss Black America Ryann Richardson, music artist Gene Noble, and more. Join us.
Shout outs
Amanda Litman and Run for Something developed a slate of local candidates who have been fierce advocates to end police violence and brutality against Black people in their communities. Support them here!
Bo Machayo is raising money to support a family that lost their father to COVID19. They’ve nearly raised $8K of their $20K goal to cover the expenses for his funeral.
Jamie Engel and Sarah Grucza of The Next 50 Boston will host both Massachusetts Democratic Primary candidates for U.S. Senate, beginning with Rep. Joe Kennedy on Tuesday, June 9th at 8pm ET. The conversation is free, open to all, and will center on racial justice.
Khaair Morrison, with his sister Tunisia, led a Zoom check-in with 70 young black leaders and elected officials. He, also, hosted an IG Live with Congressman Meeks.
Liliana Bakhtiari’s allyship at Atlanta’s protests was featured in this New Yorker piece.
Max Rose worked with movement leaders to build a slate of Black-led organizations working to defund sheriffs and build voter power. Support them here!
Nikhil Goyal helped organize a Black Lives Matter protest in Nassau County, NY.
Ramon Contreras launched the Youth Bail Fund to provide emergency pro bono service and emergency bail/relief to low-income protestors. They raised over $7K. If you need their support or know someone who does, call (954) 546-3610 or email bail@youthbailfund.com.
The Next 50 and Blue Neighbors raised $16K from 60 people to help flip a Georgia State Legislature seat that could be won with ~$75K. You can help us reach that goal.
Are we missing any political work that you are up to that you’d like to share? Reply and let us know!
What we are reading
Why we vote: “Protest to demand attention to the wrenching pain of systemic injustice. Vote because we deserve leaders who see us, who hear us and who are willing to act on our demands.” (The New York Times)
For those desiring to be allies: “Privilege means that you owe a debt...It is up to you whether you choose to pay this debt and how you choose to do so.” (Sojourners)
A message from the (former) President: “But the elected officials who matter most in reforming police departments and the criminal justice system work at the state and local levels.” (Barack Obama)
Trump’s brutality: “The bombast hides the fundamental truth that the president is a coward, so crippled by the fear of appearing weak that he screams for blood from the safety of his darkened White House, emerging only to gas peaceful protesters and clergymen in an attempt to look strong.” (The Atlantic)
The anti-racist reading list: “Think of it as a stepladder to antiracism, each step addressing a different stage of the journey toward destroying racism’s insidious hold on all of us.” (The New York Times)
In solidarity,
Zak
P.S. Liked what you read? Recommend a friend and provide feedback here.