Img source: apnews.com
May 10, 2024 Story by: Editor
Ahead of the upcoming general election, a coalition of young Black lawyers and law students is stepping into a new role: engaging with Black voters in key battleground states to boost voter turnout and safeguard against voter suppression.
The Young Black Lawyers’ Organizing Coalition (YBLOC) has enlisted the support of legal professionals and students, dispatching them to states like Michigan, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas. Their mission is to identify and address the systemic barriers facing Black voters when it comes to voter registration and access to the ballot.
These recruits are leading educational forums and focus groups with an ambitious objective: to renew the confidence of weary Black voters in the democratic process.
Abdul Dosunmu, a civil rights attorney and founder of YBLOC, remarked, “What sets us apart is that we bring a fresh perspective as messengers. The idea of Black lawyers serving as advocates for civic empowerment is a novel approach.” Source: APnews
Dosunmu emphasized that the coalition’s strategy involves active listening rather than simply advocating for voter participation. The insights gathered from these focus groups will inform strategies aimed at making democracy more inclusive and accessible to Black communities.
Recent data from the Pew Research Center underscores the challenge: only 21% of Black adults expressed trust in the federal government to consistently do what is right, up from a low of 9% during the previous administration. In contrast, 26% of white adults trusted the government in 2020, a number that dropped to 13% under the current administration.
YBLOC’s journey began in Michigan in February and is now making its way to Texas and North Carolina. Focus group venues have included community spaces like barbershops, churches, and union halls.
Alyssa Whitaker, a third-year law student at Howard University, emphasized the responsibility legal professionals have to engage with and empower marginalized communities: “As attorneys, we have a deep understanding of the law, and with that knowledge comes a duty to actively participate.”
Recruits like Whitaker and others have listened to the concerns of Black voters in Michigan, including frustrations over representation and limited choices on the ballot. Despite these challenges, voters remain committed to the electoral process.
Tameka Ramsey, interim executive director of the Michigan Coalition on Black Civic Participation, remarked on the enduring enthusiasm of engaged voters: “It’s heartening to see that, despite the obstacles, Black voters are informed and eager to participate.”
YBLOC’s efforts have garnered praise for their emphasis on community engagement and grassroots organizing. Felicia Davis, founder of the HBCU Green Fund, commended YBLOC for their commitment to listening and understanding diverse perspectives within the Black community.
For many young lawyers like Tyra Beck and Kahaari Kenyatta, this experience has reinforced their dedication to promoting democracy and civil engagement. Kenyatta expressed his enthusiasm for future collaborations with YBLOC, emphasizing the importance of their mission.
