2019 State of Black America, Getting 2 Equal: United Not Divided

2019 State of Black America, Getting 2 Equal: United Not Divided

by 06/17/2019

 

The 2019 State of Black America, Getting 2 Equal: United Not Divided, focuses on the state of the Black vote with an emphasis on its power—and heightened vulnerability to suppression.

Now in its 43rd edition, the State of Black America has become one of the most highly-anticipated benchmarks and sources for thought leadership around racial equality in America across economics, employment, education, health, housing, criminal justice and civic participation. Each edition contains thoughtful commentary and insightful analysis from leading figures and thought leaders in politics, the corporate and tech sectors, the nonprofit arena, academia and popular culture.

The 2019 State of Black America, Getting 2 Equal: United Not Divided, focuses on the state of the Black vote with an emphasis on its power—and heightened vulnerability to suppression.

Today, there is no denying that American democracy is under serious threat and sustained attack.

Our reporting takes a deeper dive into voter suppression’s bold new frontier: social media. Through our partnership with The Alliance for Securing Democracy at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, we expose the massive, state-sponsored Russian operation to interfere in and influence the high stakes 2016 presidential election. Russian internet trolls were on a seek, destroy and divide mission, targeting African Americans with surgical precision on social media platforms and chipping away at our nation’s exposed racial fault lines. Our research partners, the Brennan Center for Justice, generously provided the National Urban League with maps that lay out in alarming and full display where barriers to the ballot are being feverishly erected and where civil rights groups, grassroots activists and men and women of good will are tearing down the walls of obstruction brick by brick.

It is impossible to untangle voting rights and the ability (or inability) to exercise political power from the history of race in America: a history that has advantaged some while perpetually disadvantaging others. Our authors explore the potential impact of the For the People Act, a House bill that expands access to the ballot box, reduces the influence of big money in politics and strengthens ethics rules; and the Voting Rights Advancement Act, designed to restore key provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Our nation’s pursuit of liberty, justice and economic empowerment for all hinges largely on the right to determine who will govern us and how. Because the right to vote is the price of full admission to participate in our democracy, the National Urban League will remain on the frontlines of the battle to protect your fundamental right to vote. From the testimonials of first-time voters to the platforms of presidential candidates, we explore the solemnity and significance of voting and its power to effect change at the local, state and national level.

To access the 2019 State of Black America suite of offerings—including author essays, data and expert analysis and a ready-for-download version of this executive summary summary—head to the State of Black America website.


Learn more and get more at www.stateofblackamerica.org

Print Friendly, PDF & Email