Times Weekly, news
The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. in conjunction with the Transformative Justice Coalition and other groups have launched a multi-state GOTV voter registration drive aimed at registering 10 million African Americans before the November 8th general election. Rev. Jackson made the announcement Saturday, September 17th, on the same day he was released from the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab where he underwent 20 days of extensive physical therapy and much-needed rest. At the press conference, Rev. Jackson, and Bishop Tavis Grant, national executive director for the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, outlined the national, non-partisan voter registration drive that is partnered with Attorney Barbara Arnwine, president/CEO of the Transformative Justice Coalition. “The midterm elections are critical as we are facing the headwinds of voter suppression, the insurrectionist, and those who are seeking to succeed from the nation,” said Bishop Grant. “Turnout is crucial. We too have the power of change on our side, and we must mobilize, and organize in the midterm elections,” Grant said, urging everyone to exercise their right to vote.
Operation PUSH Voting Rights Advocate Welcomes Rev. Jackson Back to PUSH Headquarters
Arnwine said the idea of the campaign was conceptualized by the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and is dubbed the VoterJustice#10millionmoreblackvoters campaign. Attorney Arnwine said partnerships are being especially sought with the “Arc of Voter Justice Tour” scheduled for October 8 through October 21. The tour will target 13 states from Minnesota to Florida and will encompass 23 cities. According to Arnwine, the NNPA, the Transformative Justice Coalition, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and ROC NATION have been working on a calendar and logistics “for this ambitious and inspirational tour.”
Arnwine said there will be three national days of action to engage Black voters in every state. In Illinois, according to Betty Magness, Illinois political director, the National Black Voter Day was held on September 16th. “The mid-term election of 2022 will be a test of our democracy,” Arnwine said. “With the voting barriers that have been erected to dissuade, confuse and frustrate Black, Brown, Native American and young voters, the 2022 mid-term election will be the greatest challenge our democracy has faced.” However, Arnwine added, “The Black community has a history of overcoming evil and ill-will barriers to equality.”
The Arc of Voter Justice Tour, Arnwine said, “is ambitious, innovative design to really inspire and motivate people to register to vote. It is designed to make sure people are aware of the voter deadlines. “The GOTV Tour is meant to be inspiring and a celebration of their right to vote. It is a reminder of how important it is that they safeguard their vote by being involved,” she said. The 10 Million More Black Voters campaign is designed to help highlight and enrich these efforts.