In this recent ruling, SCOTUS essentially authorized partisan gerrymandering to override Black voters’ right to meaningful representation, erasing decades of progress in a single ruling. People fought, bled, and died for these protections. The Court has dismissed those sacrifices with the stroke of a pen. But this fight is far from over. While they are trying to strip away our voice, we still do have the right to vote and we need to continue to vote and make our voices heard.
That’s why, this July, six years after the passing of civil rights hero Congressman Lewis, we will continue the fight for voting rights with “Good Trouble Lives On Weekend of Action (GTLO).”
This year’s GTLO is a three-day national mobilization to honor the legacy of Congressman John Lewis by doing what he loved most – organizing, acting, and registering voters.
This year’s theme is “TEACH! REACH! PREACH!”, a call to demand “hands off our vote!” in the face of threats to our vote. The weekend will serve as a kick-off to voter engagement, community education, and activations to support and remind our friends, families, and neighbors that we still have the power and the freedom to vote.
Coined by civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis, “Good Trouble” is the act of coming together to take peaceful, non-violent action to challenge injustice. The power of collective direct action resulted in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and today, that same collective action can protect voting rights from the challenges posed today.
Anchored by civic education and community outreach, alongside faith leaders from all different religions, the weekend will bring together community members to continue our sacred fight for our freedom to vote and be heard.
It’s our responsibility to ensure our communities feel the urgency to exercise our power and make our voices heard.
We hope you can join us!