Black America is in a 'state of emergency,' National Urban League report says
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In the report, the National Urban League said the Trump administration poses threats to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlawed discriminatory voting practices adopted in southern states after the Civil War.
It said that
gerrymandering, as well as bans on mail-in ballots and early voting, increase barriers for marginalized populations to vote.
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'I'm more than worried. I'm outraged that this nation, at this point in its history, would seek to undermine the most successful civil rights law,' Morial said.
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The report also said that rhetoric from conservative media commentators, like Ben Shapiro
Morial said those on the far-right 'weaponized the terminology of diversity, equity and inclusion.'
The National Urban League additionally criticized the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle affirmative action following Supreme Court rulings against the
Rahsaan Hall, President of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, a local affiliate of the National Urban League, said Trump gives 'voice to ideologies that are racist, nativist, xenophobic, homophobic, and anti-immigrant.'
'Much of what we're seeing is not necessarily new. It's just being amplified in a different way,' Hall said. 'It's now more so than ever for Massachusetts residents to bond together.'
Hall anticipates federal policies will have a 'significant impact' on marginalized populations in Massachusetts. Hall said cuts to Medicaid will worsen racial disparities in health, as many communities of color rely on the government program. Hall testified at the Massachusetts Statehouse Tuesday in support of a health equity bill.
'We've just been doubling down on the work that we do. Our efforts have been directed at defending democracy,' Hall said.
Hall emphasized that voting holds politicians accountable. In response to the 'state of emergency,' the National Urban League encouraged Americans to prepare for state, local, and mayoral elections across the country.
'It's more important for people to be civically engaged — not just voting on election day, but (doing) all of the things that lead up to being an informed voter,' Hall said.
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To increase outreach among underrepresented voter populations, the National Urban League recommended strategies like automatic voter registration, ranked choice voting, and restoring voting rights for formerly incarcerated people.
The report called Massachusetts a 'site of resistance' for pushing back against the Trump administration, including
'We use this report as a call to action for people to stand up — whether through protests, litigation, political advocacy, community advocacy, selective purchasing,' Morial said.
This story was produced by the Globe's
team, which covers the racial wealth gap in Greater Boston. You can sign up for the newsletter
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Jessica Ma can be reached at
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