The world sat in shock and utter disgust on January 6, 2021, as we watched hundreds of people storm the Capitol. As we recognize the one-year anniversary of the day we watched the United States Capitol being overrun by terrorists let this day always be a reminder of the battles we continue to fight. It was a wake-up call for the nation, that although we have come so far we have to continue the work for equality and democracy for all.
This day will forever be etched as another stain in American history. The day of infamy ignited by the former President, who said “If you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore.”
As President of the NAACP Philadelphia branch, we will continue to work to eliminate the racist and unjust legislation that continues to affect people of color throughout the nation.
Between January 1 and December 7, at least 19 states passed 34 laws restricting access to voting. More than 440 bills with provisions that restrict voting access have been introduced in 49 states in the 2021 legislative sessions. Our right to vote must be protected and we must continue to stand against those who are working to dismantle those rights.