modern day Jim Crow right in front of our eyes

If you want more proof on why we need to invest more in local organizing and traditionally ‘red’ states, look no further than my home state of Mississippi…The white supermajority in the Republican-led Mississippi House just voted to create a separate, unelected, state-appointed court system and expanded police force in America’s Blackest city – Jackson. Yes, Jackson, the same population still in the throes of a preventable crisis that left its residents without access to safe drinking water, is facing another politically and racially motivated attack on their basic rights. [Groundwork Project] If you want more proof on why we need to invest more in local organizing and traditionally ‘red’ states, look no further than my home state of Mississippi… The white supermajority in the Republican-led Mississippi House just voted to create a separate, unelected, state-appointed court system and expanded police force in America’s Blackest city – Jackson. Yes, Jackson, the same population still in the throes of a preventable crisis that left its residents without access to safe drinking water, is facing another politically and racially motivated attack on their basic rights. {NAME}, Jackson is 83% Black, yet the state House voted to give two white, Republican leaders sole discretion over judicial appointments in the city, with no public say. Republicans defend this unconstitutional power grab as a public safety measure, but it’s impossible not to see Jim Crow in this attempted apartheid. Right now, we need your help to shine a light on what is happening in Jackson. I’m sharing some articles here where you can learn more – be sure to share them with your networks: [Mississippi House votes to create an unelected, state-appointed court system within majority-Black Jackson]( [READ ARTICLE]( [Jackson Could Soon Be the Center of an Apartheid Mississippi]( [READ ARTICLE]( This bill denies Jackson residents the right to elect their own judges and district attorneys – in other words, leaving them voiceless in a criminal legal system that already steals Black lives. It’s racist, plain and simple. You can understand the fury and frustration I feel alongside my fellow Mississippians. Decades of investment from conservatives won them this terrifying power and they’ll do anything to protect it. This reality in my home state led me to work with Groundwork – I believe that serious, long-term investment in local organizing is our best (and maybe only) chance to take our state back. They are afraid of our collective organizing power. That’s our cue to use it. The truth is that here in Mississippi we’re used to these fights. We’re used to voter suppression tactics that make jaws drop in other states. We’re also used to being left to fight back on our own. That’s what makes me proud to be a part of Groundwork and grateful for all of you. You keep showing up with us on the frontlines. We’ll make sure to keep you updated. On behalf of Mississippi, thank you for your time and attention on this. Charles – Charles Taylor (he/him) Southern Organizing Advisor Groundwork Project P.S. If you want to read more about the history of a white state legislature’s attempt to take over America’s Blackest city, [here’s a great article to walk you through it.]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Founded by Joe Kennedy III, Groundwork Project invests in year-round, local community organizing in places Democrats have gotten used to writing off. With a focus on Appalachia, the Deep South, and the Plains, we support local advocates and activists working to build durable political infrastructure and secure power for those historically excluded. [CONTRIBUTE]( Individual contributions will be allocated as follows: $5,000 per calendar year to a bank account that operates as a Federal PAC, and the remainder to the Non-Contribution Account of our PAC. --------------------------------------------------------------- We want to respect your boundaries while keeping you informed. Too many emails? Instead of unsubscribing, check out our [Email Lite Program](. We will only send you the most important messages each month. [Sign up for Email Lite here.]( If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please [unsubscribe](. Paid for by Groundwork Project, www.groundworkproject.com, not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. Groundwork Project 124 Washington Street, Suite 101 Foxboro, MA 02035 United States