By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Political Writer
Tmcqueen@afro.com
By Tierra Stone
AFRO Intern
tierrastone@afro.com
The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) is hosting its annual four-day convention at the Four Seasons in Baltimore from June 19-22. This year, the event consists of an array of sessions concerning the Black Press, Black communities, families and voter turnout.
Damon Todd Hewitt, president and executive director of the Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, was keynote speaker of the June 20 session titled, “What is at Stake for African Americans: the 2024 Vote,” held on day two of the convention. He spoke primarily about the range of challenges Black people are facing throughout the nation today.
“We actually exist in a moment of strategic and orchestrated erasure,” said Hewitt. “They’re trying to erase references to facts. They’re trying to erase everything that we use to understand ourselves, to know ourselves, to know our identity, to know what our struggles are and to know what our plan should be next.”
The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law was founded in 1963 by urging of John F.Kennedy to ensure that lawyers used their expertise to bring awareness to the fight of the civil rights movement and to help bring it inside the courtroom. Hewitt not only detailed the history of voting but how the Lawyers Committee has worked to maintain and increase the voting numbers of African Americans.
“It wasn’t until 1965 that the passage of the Voters Rights Act which resulted from Bloody Sunday and the March from Selma to Montgomery, where everybody came to Selma— including Malcolm X. That was the first opportunity for Malcolm X to join the Civil Rights Movements in a larger context,” he said. “It is this civil rights event that is commemorated annually because of its urgency and importance. The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law has poured into that over the years.”
Hewitt highlighted why African Americans should take to the polls during this year’s general election on Nov. 5.
“Our voice is on the line,” said Hewitt. “We fought so long for a voice in the political process. I think that our vote is the loudest and clearest part of our voice.”
This year, Americans are voting for the president, congressional members and state and local legislators.
Hewitt explained that there’s been a recent wave of voter restriction laws, voter intimidation, misinformation and disinformation. For example, Georgia passed laws in 2021 to ban voters from receiving food and water while waiting in line to cast their ballots.
According to the Brennan Center for Justice, a non-profit public policy organization, in 2021 more than 440 bills restricting voter access were introduced in 49 states throughout the country. From January 2021 to December 2021 the Brennan Center for Justice recorded that around 19 states passed 34 laws effectively restricting voting access.
Hewitt shared that when voter suppression happens online it can also play a part in prohibiting people from voting.
“Voter suppression is not just when they close polls early or play those little tricks,” he said. “What people do online is a form of voter suppression. When they discourage you to vote online and try to make you think you shouldn’t vote or there’s a reason not to vote, and ‘somebody ain’t doing enough for the Black man’ and that’s why you shouldn’t vote’ that’s a form of voter suppression in some countries even voter suppression online is outlawed for some reason in America that’s not enforced,” he said.
To fight against these actions Hewitt suggests African Americans turn out to the polls this November and use the Election Protection hotline, 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683), a voter information helpline where people can access election facts and options.
Furthermore, Hewitt prompted the Black Press to answer the call to action by publishing and spreading information Black Americans need this election season.
“We need your help. I mentioned the election protection hotline. The hotline only works when people call it,” he said. “We need targeted advertising to reach the Black community.”
He also encouraged local Black publications to write about the opportunities and Black power in the communities they operate within.
“We need space, opportunity and publications and platforms to lift the ideas ,” said Hewitt. “We need to leverage that reputation capital.”
Aside from Hewitt’s presentation, the day included a panel on GenZ voter issues and a session called “Get Your Money Right for Your Business.” Convention attendees were then able to tour Baltimore’s famed National Great Blacks in Wax Museum. The second day of the conference concluded with the NNPA Fund’s Messenger Awards Reception.
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