National voting rights organization to make stops in multiple states including Florida and Texas to bring awareness to harmful legislation impacting Black communities

GEORGIA — Today, Black Voters Matter (BVM) announced its Juneteenth community event schedule, as part of its ongoing We Won’t Black Down campaign and bus tour. The weekend of community events are designed to empower Black people as they reflect on the history and significance of Juneteenth, the work ahead to realize Black liberation, and ways to continue fighting for the protection of Black families against oppressive legislation meant to hurt Black  communities. Events are taking place in Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama and Florida.

In addition to the Juneteenth events, BVM will join national partner Transformative Justice Coalition (TJC) and other civil and voting rights organizations for the Stay Woke Florida bus tour, which will include week-long protests across the state, hosted in opposition to the wave of oppressive laws impacting Black and marginalized communities. While in Florida, BVM has committed to patronizing Black-owned businesses and restaurants, and labor-friendly hotels when possible, in an effort to support the local economy. 

BVM will partner with more than 50 local organizations nationwide to host block parties, documentary film screenings, voter rallies and food pantries during the weekend of Juneteenth (June 16-19) with a focus on mobilizing Black voters, young people, policymakers and faith-based leaders. Organizers intend for these community events to uplift Black joy, increase voter registration and educate voters on oppressive legislation.

Florida and Texas have both passed new laws that severely restrict the voting rights of marginalized communities. Voter suppression laws like Florida’s SB 7050, which targets voter accessibility, and SB 266, which bans colleges and universities from promoting, supporting or maintaining diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Texas legislators are passing similar bills including SB 17, which bans DEI offices in colleges and universities, as well as SB 990, which eliminates countywide polling places.

“Juneteenth is an opportunity for Black communities to celebrate our progress towards freedom as much as it is a reminder for us to protect what we’ve won, and fight for what’s still owed. We are not free until all of us are free and right now states are passing racist and discriminatory laws that seek to oppress our communities, and we will not stand for it,” said Cliff Albright, executive director and co-founder of Black Voters Matter. “Our mission has always focused on providing Black people with the knowledge, tools and resources to advocate for themselves while also spreading love and joy. Through these community events, we will be doing just that – building power through community action.”

 

WHEN & WHERE:

    • Texas Bus Tour (Friday, June 16th – Monday, June 19th) 
  • Fort-Worth
  • Dallas
      • Galveston
  • Florida Bus Tour (Sunday, June 18th – Saturday, June 24th)
  • Gainesville
  • Ocala
  • Leesburg
  • Miami
    • West Palm Beach
    • Daytona Beach
  • Louisiana Bus Tour
    •  New Orleans
  • South Carolina (Friday, June 16th) 
    • Mullins
  • Alabama Bus Tour (Saturday, June 17 – Monday, June 19th)
    • Selma
    • Tuscaloosa
    • Carrollton
  • Statewide Georgia Bus Tour (Friday, June 16th – Monday, June 19th)

 

LEARN MORE: To view the full schedule of events and learn more about the We Won’t Black Down campaign, please visit the website for the most up-to-date information. 

MEDIA RSVP/QUESTIONS: For members of the media who wish to attend these events, please RSVP using this form. Please direct any questions or requests to media@blackvotersmatterfund.org.