BLACK WOMEN’S AGENDA LAUNCHES GET OUT THE VOTE INITIATIVE
Collaborating Women’s Organizations – Serving Over One Million – Heed Agenda’s “Four For 4™” Call-to-Action
In October 2012, The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. (BWA) announced an ambitious initiative to get out the vote that is being powered by the members of 20 National Collaborating Women’s Organizations. “Four For 4™” – Four People, Four Votes, Four Years and Foresight – engages the members of participating sororities, civic and faith-based groups in raising awareness, educating voters and ensuring that at least four people, including themselves, vote on Election Day.
During the 2012 presidential election, the number of Blacks who voted in 2012 rose by 1.7 million and, for the first time in census history, America’s African-American population voted at higher rates than whites. Four years later, however, African Americans turned out in fewer numbers. Poll restrictions on early voting hours and voter registration drives, legislation requiring photo identification, and long lines at the polls in minority neighborhoods have all been cited as contributing to the decrease in Black voter participation.
Despite this, hundreds of African-Americans took the Four For 4™ pledge, each promising to see that four people made their way to the voting booth. “Exercising our right to vote is a fundamental part of being participants in this democracy,” explains BWA President Gwainevere Catchings Hess. “BWA will continue to educate our communities about the importance of making our voices heard and engage them in taking an active role to move our country forward.”
Collaborating organizations that have pledged their support for the “Four For 4™” initiative include: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Auxiliary to the National Medical Association, Inc.; Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.; Jack & Jill of America, Inc.; Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, Inc.; Mocha Moms, Inc.; National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, Inc.; National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.; National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.; National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.; The Girl Friends, Inc.; The Links, Inc.; Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.; Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
OTHER NEWS
BWA 42nd Annual Symposium
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Friday, September 13, 2019 – Six months away from the first 2020 presidential primaries and caucuses, The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. (BWA) hosted its 42nd Annual Symposium Town Hall and Awards Luncheon, encouraging the nearly 1,800 attendees to flex their political muscle and to help usher in the changes that they want to see in their communities and across the nation.
Joy-Ann Reid, host of MSNBC’s “AM Joy,” moderated the Town Hall, sharing the stage with a panel of journalists, political commentators, and other experts who encouraged participants to live their best lives by giving voice to the issues that are important to them and exacting promises for their support.
BWA Bill Alert: For the People Act of 2019: HR 1 What You Need to Know
On March 8, 2019, the 116th U.S House of Representatives passed the historic For the People Act of 2019 (HR 1), also known as “The Restoring Our Democracy” bill. Introduced by Representative John Sarbanes (D-MD) on January 3, 2019 and co-sponsored by 236 House members, HR 1 is a comprehensive bill that expands voter registration and voting access, makes Election Day a national holiday, and limits removing voters from voter rolls. Further, to guard against unjust gerrymandering, the bill provides for states to establish independent nonpartisan redistricting commissions. The bill is organized in three Divisions: A: Voting, B: Campaign Finance and C: Ethics.
Spirit of Change Conversation Series
Relatedness is a basic psychological experience. We all need to feel connected to other human beings: to care and be cared for, and to belong. We believe that bringing our country together starts with meaningful conversation. Our goal is to reduce polarization and social bias, to increase the willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue, and create an increased understanding and appreciation for our differences and similarities.
© 2019 The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy