HYATTSVILLE, MD., July 14, 2020 — A collective of community leaders have declared their political independence and launched Our Black Party, a political home for those who are fiercely committed to improving the lives of Black people across this country and demanding meaningful political action that prioritizes the needs of Black people.
At a time where Black people are fighting for this country to value Black lives, listen to Black voices and count Black votes, Our Black Party will set forth a Black political agenda focused on the progression that “gives power to the people.” Standing at the intersection of policy and politics, Our Black Party brings together a network of Black organizers, advocates, elected officials, policymakers, community, cultural, and spiritual leaders all focused on one common goal; to secure the American promise for Black people.
“Our Black Party was born of this moment. As Black people force this country into a reckoning with centuries of racism and injustice, we must also harness our collective power to change the laws and the lawmakers that have fortified these systems of oppression. Our Black Party exists to do just that—we are seizing this moment to create lasting change for all of us,” says Candace Hollingsworth, Our Black Party Co-Chair and Mayor of Hyattsville.
There has been no comprehensive public policy of consequence affecting Black people since the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Our Black Party’s initial efforts will focus on advancing policies that defund the police, provide guaranteed income for all, decriminalize poverty, address racism in healthcare, grow black businesses, provide high-quality and affordable education, and more.
One of their stated goals is to help elect at least 1,000 more Black officials committed to the agenda in positions at every level. According to the 2018 Pew Research Center report, the Black community makes up 13% or 40 million of the total U.S. population. Nationally, there are a total of 500,000 elected positions and Black elected officials make up less than 1%.
“In this heightened era of showing the world that Black Lives Matter, we have to take control of our politics as well. In order to control our economics, our communities, our lives, we have to control our politics. It’s time for us to speak for ourselves. Our votes, our political positions, and our policies matter. Our Black party is the home for our people and those committed to helping us achieve our vision,” says Dr. Wes Bellamy, Our Black Party Co-Chair and former Vice-Mayor of Charlottesville, Virginia.
To learn more about Our Black Party and to receive updates, please visit: www.ourblackparty.org and follow them on Instagram and Twitter at @ourblackparty and on Facebook.
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About Our Black Party
Our Black Party exists to advance a political agenda that addresses the needs of Black people. We envision an America where Black people are liberated and participate freely in the political, economic, and social systems that work together for our benefit. We will power the Black political agenda by developing a coalition of people and organizations committed to building Black political power and fiercely advocating for radical change that dramatically improves the quality of life for Black people in America
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Na-Keta C. Michael
PR Coordinator, WhitPR
www.whitpr.com
(e): naketa@whitpr.com
(c): 973-474-6002
