Dear Members and Friends,
As the chair of the Justice Committee for the Alaska Black Caucus, I want to take a moment to emphasize the critical importance of voting and ensuring that every individual has the right to participate in our democracy. The historical context of voting rights for Black Americans is a testament to the struggles we have faced, and it underscores the need for ongoing vigilance to protect those rights.
For decades, education has played a pivotal role in determining access to the polls. Literacy tests and other barriers were systematically employed to disenfranchise Black voters, suppressing our voices and erasing our influence in the political process. Today, while we have made significant strides, we still face new challenges that threaten our right to vote and engage fully in our democracy.
One of the initiatives we are proud to promote at the Alaska Black Caucus is the REP initiative, which stands for Register, Educate, and Participate. Through this initiative, we aim to ensure that everyone in our community is registered to vote, educated about the voting process, and actively participating in elections. We must empower each other to exercise our rights and make our voices heard.
Unfortunately, contemporary threats to education are also emerging as barriers to voting. We see it in the form of book bans, attacks on inclusive curricula, and efforts to dismantle the Department of Education. These actions disproportionately impact young people and marginalized communities, creating a landscape where access to information and quality education is increasingly at risk. As we know, an informed electorate is crucial for a thriving democracy, and limiting access to education undermines our collective ability to participate effectively.
The current push to dismantle the Department of Education and roll back critical protections for students jeopardizes equitable access to education and, ultimately, to the polls. If we do not take action to stop these regressive measures, we will deepen disparities and hinder the progress we have fought so hard to achieve.
As members of the Alaska Black Caucus, we have the responsibility to advocate for the rights of all citizens to vote. We must work together to ensure that everyone is aware of their rights, understands the importance of voting, and is equipped to make informed decisions at the ballot box.
I urge you all to engage with our REP initiative. Let’s ensure that our community is registered to vote, that we are educating ourselves on the issues that matter, and that we are participating actively in the electoral process. The power of our collective voice is a force for change, and together we can make a significant impact.
Thank you for your commitment to justice and equity in our community. Let’s stand strong and ensure that everyone’s right to vote is protected and valued.
In solidarity,
Rich Curtner
Chair, Justice Committee
Alaska Black Caucus
