Check out our May Wrap Up!

Here's what we were up to in May [Black Voters Matter logo]( Friend, Welcome to our May Recap Newsletter!   This month, we're shifting our focus to Mental Health Awareness Month, a critical period for spotlighting the significance of mental health and overall well-being. This month, we directed our attention to the unique challenges faced by Black communities.  Systemic racism, economic disparities, and historical trauma contribute to a mental health crisis that often remains unaddressed. When it comes to Black folks, we encounter obstacles in accessing mental health services and frequently receive inadequate care when they do seek help. By raising awareness and advocating for equity in mental health resources, we aim to bolster the resilience and well-being of Black communities. Let's work together to break the stigma, foster open conversations, and ensure that mental health care is accessible and effective for everyone.  This newsletter will highlight May's events, news, and our efforts across different states, where every action matters. Join us as we continue to advocate for a healthier and more equitable world for all.   Black Voters Matter's Impact PONTIAC, MICHIGAN WARRANT CLINIC To kick off the month, the Pontiac, Michigan community came together for an incredible event! With 329 total participants, we made a real impact. 129 individuals had their warrants lifted, and 200 more discovered they had no warrants and accessed free legal and other services.  Black Voters Matter and GRAE teamed up with local partners to host this vital event, ensuring community members could address traffic and misdemeanor warrants without fear of arrest or deportation. The warrant clinic provided a safe space for resolution, featuring food, childcare, community resources, entertainment, and more.  Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this initiative. Together, we're building a stronger, more empowered community!   'WE FIGHT BACK' IN FLORIDA This month we travelled from Miami to Orlando as we celebrated Florida Emancipation Day and Haitian Flag Day, honoring the rich history of liberation and resilience.  In Orlando, we joined forces with local partners for a special election for City Commission, District 5. Their tireless efforts mobilized 10% of registered voters, setting the stage for a crucial runoff on June 18th. Together, we are empowering communities and shaping the future of democracy.  We're deeply thankful for everyone who joined us on this journey. Your passion, dedication, and commitment to democracy inspire us. Let's carry the spirit of empowerment and unity forward as we create a brighter, more inclusive future together.    'SURVIVOR JUSTICE IS RACIAL JUSTICE' TEXAS TOUR Black Voters Matter and Me Too International proudly conclude the second leg of our [Survivor Justice is Racial Justice]( tour in Texas! This partnership sheds light on the pressing need for survivor justice, particularly in communities of color. Visiting Houston and Dallas, we connected with locals, discussing policies prioritizing survivors. Texas's concerning sexual violence rates set the stage for our discussions on racial and survivor justice.  Me Too International's launch of a nonpartisan "Survivor Justice" [voter toolkit]( complements our efforts, providing crucial resources for supporting survivor-centric legislation and candidates. This collaboration emphasizes the vital connection between survivor justice and racial justice, especially for Black communities disproportionately affected by sexual violence.  As we look back on the tour, we express gratitude to all who participated. Your support fuels our mission for a fairer society. Let's continue advocating for change and amplifying survivors' voices everywhere!   Black Voters Matter Updates ART & ACTIVISM AT THE APOLLO At The Apollo Theater in NYC, the powerful collaboration between Black Voters Matter and Public Wise came to life in an unforgettable event: "Black Voters Matter - A Documentary Screening & Conversation about Art as Activism."  Attendees saw how Black voters in Georgia helped change the state's politics, and they talked about how art can make a big difference in making society better. After the screening, co-founders Cliff Albright and LaTosha Brown of Black Voters Matter, along with Christina Baal-Owens of Public Wise, led a discussion on community empowerment and how art intersects with activism. Their conversation inspired attendees to take action together for progress and equality, showcasing the strength and determination of Black communities.   JUNE VOLUNTEER EVENTS Get ready to make a difference this June with Black Voters Matter! Join us for our upcoming volunteer events where you can be a part of driving change and building power in Black communities across the U.S.  - Texting Tuesdays: Every Tuesday at 6pm ET, join us for digital organizing through our texting campaigns, empowering residents to create positive change in their communities. - Volunteer Orientation: June 4th and June 18th, learn more about Black Voters Matter and how you can get involved in our mission to increase civic engagement. Bring friends, family, and colleagues! - Juneteenth Event: Celebrate Juneteenth with us on June 15th in Atlanta, GA. Enjoy food trucks, games, workshops, and entertainment while helping with event logistics. - Postcard Writing: Join our virtual postcard parties on June 20th to send personalized messages reminding individuals of their power in their communities. - Volunteer Resolution Campaign: On June 27th, continue your commitment to volunteering with our resolution campaign. Set goals and get training on building power in your networks. All events welcome volunteers of all backgrounds. Visit our website to register and make your mark in building a better future! [GET INVOLVED](   EMPOWERMENT HUB Welcome to our Empowerment Hub!  This is where you'll find valuable knowledge and opportunities for action. Explore educational content aligned with our mission, stay updated on national news impacting Black communities, celebrate milestones, and access helpful resources. It's not just about information—it's about our shared path toward justice.  Let's set out on this journey together, learn, grow, and make a difference!   Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month During Mental Health Awareness Month, we shined a light on the unique challenges faced by Black communities due to systemic racism.  From increased poverty and incarceration to limited healthcare access and persistent microaggressions, the impact is profound. Historical injustices like the Tuskegee experiment have eroded trust in medical systems, further hindering access to mental health support. With [only 2% of psychologists]( being Black, finding culturally competent care is challenging. Combatting mental health stigma requires acknowledging racial trauma and incorporating racial socialization into therapy. It's time for systemic changes to ensure equitable access to mental healthcare for all.   Teacher Appreciation Day During Teacher Appreciation Day, we celebrate the dedication and hard work of educators who shape the next generation. However, appreciation must extend beyond this week. Teachers face increasing challenges and responsibilities without adequate support, often dealing with roles beyond teaching and facing political attacks that undermine their work. Attacks on education, including efforts to dismantle diversity initiatives and censor curriculum, directly impact students' learning experiences by stifling critical discussions and perpetuating inequality. These actions not only harm educators but also jeopardize the quality of education that students receive. To truly support teachers, we must advocate for their involvement in decision-making, fair wages, and reduced workloads. We must resist policies that harm public education and recognize that educators are vital to our democracy. By providing year-round support and respect, we ensure a better learning environment for all students.   National News Impacting Black Communities Stay informed about what's happening in Black communities nationwide! We're here to keep you updated on both the challenges and victories affecting us, whether they make the top headlines or not. Dive into articles covering critical issues and learn about the efforts of our partners and organization as we fight for our communities. - [Re-Engaging Black Voters for 2024 Election]( - [Supreme Court Upholds Discriminatory South Carolina Congressional Map]( - [A Pot of Unspent Federal Money Could Have Prevented Jackson’s Water Crisis]( - [More than half of Black women ages 15-49 live with little to no abortion access]( - [Everything's Political: Weekly Roundup]( SUPPORT BLACK VOTERS MATTER TODAY! Join us in the fight for justice and equality!  Your donation to Black Voters Matter this May ensures that we can continue our vital mission. With your support, we amplify the voices of marginalized communities and advocate for change. Together, let's create a future where every voice is heard, and every community thrives. Make a difference today by donating! [DONATE](   JOIN THE MOVEMENT [Support voter engagement and capacity-building through our 501c3]( [Support voter mobilization and political advocacy through our 501c4]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Threads]( [TikTok]( [X (Twitter)]( [YouTube]( [Black Voters Matter logo]( Black Voters Matter Fund is dedicated to expanding Black voter engagement and increasing progressive power through movement-building and engagement. Working with grassroots organizations, specifically in key states in the South, BVMF seeks to increase voter registration and turnout, advocate for policies to expand voting rights/access, and help develop infrastructure where little or none exists to support a power-building movement that keeps Black voters and their issues at the forefront of our election process. For more information, please visit our [website](. Sent via [ActionNetwork.org](. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Black Voters Matter Fund, please [click here](.