Brown v. Board of Education
Today, we celebrate the glorious Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and reaffirm our commitment to the betterment of our schools and the advancement of equality for all.
DNC Statement on Fortieth Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Assassination
"Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a transformative American leader whose life was cut tragically short 40 years ago. As we reflect on this solemn occasion, each one of us should reaffirm our commitment to continuing Dr. King's fight for social justice, equality, fairness, and inclusion for all Americans. "Among the many lessons of Dr. King's life, he taught us that our Democracy must be nurtured. That the work of making America a better place is a lifetime commitment. Each one of us must fight for the shared values of an America where we stand up and stand together for the least among us, for our children, our veterans, our communities, the very things that define who we are and what we believe. "This year's presidential election provides a ray of hope in the realization of Dr. King's dream. Across the country we've seen historic turnout as Americans from all walks of life are making their voices heard to move our country forward. Today the Democratic Party reaffirms its commitment to work towards the beloved community Dr. King envisioned. "DNC Caucus Chairs Call on McCain to Stop Advertising on Hate Site
"John McCain can't apologize for one mistake while making another of the same ilk. As recently as 1994 John McCain voted to cut off funding for the Commission promoting Dr. King's holiday, but today says he made 'a mistake.' If McCain is truly regretful of those past actions, how can he justify advertising on a website that promotes the same type of hate and division Dr. King gave his life to end?"John McCain's Real Record on MLK Holiday
John McCain today brought his effort to reinvent himself for the general election to a new low by misleading the voters on his full record on a holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King.McCain Myth Buster: John McCain and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Today's McCain Myth: John McCain championed a holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.Commemorating Women's History Month
March 1st begins Women's History Month and that is particularly important for Democrats since we have a long, proud history of women's accomplishments to celebrate and honor. Simply going back to 1920, after battling for 72 years, the 19th Amendment...Dean: Republican Party's Statement Rings Hollow While They Pay to Test How Far They Can Take Race and Gender Attacks
The Republican National Committee is testing how far it can go in attacks against a potential woman or African American opponent.Shameless GOP Plots Disgraceful Attacks on African American/Female Candidate
While Senator John McCain pledged on Wednesday to treat his opponents "with respect" and said that as the nominee he would "make sure that everyone within my party knows that this has got to be a respectful debate," the Republican National Committee is testing how far it can go in attacks against a potential woman or African American opponent. [Los Angeles Times, 2/28/08; Politico, 2/24/08]Thousands March for Voting Rights in Texas
Burnt Orange Report tells an incredible story of 1,000 young people from Prairie View A&M University who marched 7.3 miles with 1,000 community activists to the only polling location in all of rural Waller County, Texas. The group marched to...DNC Statement on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
"Today we renew our call for the development of a comprehensive, science-based strategy for combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic that includes expanding access to treatment, fully funding research and education programs, expanding HIV prevention efforts, and reducing HIV-related racial disparities. If we do these things, we can save lives and ensure the quality of life for all Americans."DNC Celebrates Black History Month
Together our party will continue its long commitment to ensuring that African Americans have the same opportunities as their fellow Americans in realizing the American dream. For Democrats, Dr. Martin Luther King's call to 'Let freedom ring' is not just something we hear in February--it is all year round.Dean Statement on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
"Today we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On this day the Democratic Party reaffirms our long commitment to civil rights and social justice. Nearly 40 years after Dr. King's death, we remain dedicated to his dream of making a better America. This year, as Republicans continue their attack on voting rights, we'll fight to protect every American's right to vote and have that voted counted."Dean: Restrictive Indiana Voter ID Law Is a Manufactured Problem by Republicans Based on Fear Not Facts
Today, the Supreme Court heard arguments on Indiana's undemocratic voter identification law. While there has never been a report of voter impersonation fraud in Indiana, real voters - seniors, students, veterans, minorities and low-income families -have been disenfranchised at the polls because of this restrictive requirement.GOP Boasts About "Caging" Efforts
In a recent e-mail to party supporters, Kansas GOP Chair Kris Kobach bragged about the Republican Party's efforts at "caging" voters. In an e-mail message sent to state Republicans, Kansas Republican Party Chairman Kris Kobach reviewed the party’s accomplishments this...More Bernie Problems
"The city will pay $125,000 to settle a suit by a former Correction Department officer who claimed that disgraced ex-Commissioner Bernard Kerik sidetracked his career because he's African-American."DNC Statement on the Death of Former Congressman Augustus Hawkins
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement on the death of former Congressman Augustus "Gus" Hawkins:Bush Administration's Voting Rights Chief Apologizes
Bush administration voting rights division chief John Tanner created a firestorm when he said that, "minorities don't become elderly the way white people do: They die first." Now he has apologized.NEW VIDEO: For GOP Presidential Contenders, American Dream Excludes Most Americans
The Democratic Party released a new web video highlighting the fact that the leading Republican Presidential candidates have excluded the vast majority of the American people from their vision of the American Dream.New Video: What About the American Dream?
The leading Republican presidential candidates have skipped most debates that address issues important to people of color. We've responded with a new web video on the American Dream.Republicans Won't Debate Issues That Affect People of Color
Tonight Tavis Smiley will moderate a Republican presidential debate that will focus on issues important to minority communities. But the four leading candidates will not appear.50th Anniversary of the Integration of Little Rock Central High School
Fifty years ago today, nine students started the integration of Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.DNC Statement on Anniversary of Little Rock Nine
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued a statement marking the 50th Anniversary of the integration of Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.DNC Statement on Jena 6
Coinciding with today's march in Jena, Louisiana, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement in response to a recent ruling from the Louisiana appeals court overturning the verdict against a young student in the Jena 6 case:CDA Praises Democrats for Making College More Affordable for Minority Students
Washington, DC - Today the Democratic Congress sent landmark legislation to the President that reduces college costs for millions of young people. College Democrats of America issued the following statement praising Congressional Democrats and highlighting the bill's benefits for minority students.DNC Celebrates 44th Anniversary of March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
Today, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and DNC Black Caucus Chair Virgie Rollins issued the following statement in honor of the 44th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom:March on Washington, Forty-Four Years Later
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom happened forty-four years ago today.DNC to Host Constituency Summit in Nevada
Starting tomorrow, the Democratic National Committee will host the first joint American Majority Partnership Summit August 23-25 at the Paris/Bally's Hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada.Oliver Hill, Civil Rights Pioneer (1907-2007)
Oliver Hill, pioneering civil rights lawyer, has passed away at the age of 100.Who Exactly Are the Republican Candidates Willing to Talk To?
If recent reports are any indication, the 2008 Republican presidential candidates as a group refuse to talk to America’s teachers, young people, African Americans or Hispanics.Dean: A Democratic Presidency Will Work to Unite Americans
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement following tonight's Democratic Forum at Howard University in Washington, DC. The forum was moderated by Tavis Smiley with a focus on issues of concern to all Americans.The Face of the Giuliani Campaign in SC
Meet Arthur Ravenel. The South Carolina campaign co-chair for Rudy Giuliani made news for calling the NAACP the "National Association For Retarded People" and saying a committee chairman operated on "black time."Join DNC Caucus Chairs at the AMP Summit
Governor Dean, along with the DNC Caucus Chairs Bel Leong-Hong, Ramona Martinez, Mame Reiley, Virgie M. Rollins and Rick Stafford, will be hosting the DNC American Majority Partnership Summit on August 23-25, 2007, at the Paris-Bally Hotels in Las Vegas, NV.DNC Celebrates Juneteenth
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and DNC Black Caucus Chair Virgie Rollins issued the following statement commemorating Juneteenth, the oldest emancipation celebration held throughout the country.Statement on the Death of Former Congressman Parren Mitchell
Governor Howard Dean issued a statement today offering condolences on the death of former Congressman Parren Mitchell.Fox News Story on Voter Fraud Features Only African Americans
A Fox News story on potential voter fraud in South Carolina featured only African American voters. We have the clip.New Report: Katrina Hit African Americans Harder Than Whites
A new study shows that Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans and surrounding areas in August 2005, has hit African American residents of the city much harder than whites.Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-CA), 1938-2007
Juanita Millender-McDonald, the congresswoman who represented the 37th District in Southern California, died of cancer late Saturday in Carson, California. She was first elected to the House in 1996.Democratic National Committee Announces Leah Daughtry as CEO for Denver 2008 Convention
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean announced his appointment of Leah D. Daughtry to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC). Daughtry is currently the Chief of Staff at the DNC, responsible for managing day-to-day strategy and operations of the national party.FAMU will go on
"Members of the legislative black caucus promised Florida A&M University students, faculty and alumni Wednesday that chronic financial chaos at the only historically black state university will not be the death of their beloved campus."Organizing the "Post-Soul" Generation
Earlier this week, Dr. Rev. Otis Moss, III spoke in honor of Black History Month about "Engaging a New Generation of Prophetic Leadership." In the comments of our post about his speech (with video), SandyH asked for highlights, so we decided to follow up with a post.Rev. Otis Moss Speaks at a Black History Month Event
Reverend Otis Moss gave a remarkable speech in honor of Black History Month that discussed the intergenerational dynamics of political activism within the Black Church Community. Rev. Moss spoke with great passion about the challenges facing the faith community in the years ahead as politics and time change circumstances.Black History: Alfre Woodard
Accomplished actress and activist Alfre Woodard is well-known for her television and movie roles, with five Emmys, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Golden Globe. In addition to co-founding Artists for a New South Africa, she raised awareness of AIDS and fought against global poverty. She has been a surrogate for the Congressional Black Caucus and the Democratic Party.Black History: Bayard Rustin
Bayard Rustin played an important role in the battle for civil rights in America, serving as a key strategist and organizer during the civil rights movement. He is best remembered for his role as the organizer of the famous 1963 March on Washington. This "lost prophet" of the civil rights movement, as named by Historian John D'Emilio, gets special recognition as a hero of equality.Must Read: Lower Voter Turnout Seen in States That Require ID
A report in yesterday’s New York Times highlights how undemocratic voter ID laws are undermining the fundamental right of all Americans to vote. Across the country, Republican legislatures are implementing restrictive voter ID laws that disproportionately disenfranchise minorities, seniors, students and disabled voters. As the report demonstrates, states that have imposed these voter ID laws have seen overall voter turnout drop by about 3 percent, with African Americans 5.7 percent and Hispanics 10 percent less likely to vote in states that have voter ID laws.Bush Budget Fails African American Families
A new report by the Democratic Policy Committee shows that the President's recent budget engages in gimmickry to distract from the fact that he is once again cutting funding for education, housing, health care, economic development and other programs critical to the African American community.Black History: Governor Patrick
Governor Patrick holds the distinction of serving as the first African-American governor elected in the state of Massachusetts -- and only the second African-American elected governor in the history of the United States. With his administration, there is a chance to witness black history in the making. As we study black history, we also study those making American history today.Pulling the Rug Out
The Democratic Policy Committee put out a new report showing the failure of the president to address issues important to the African American community.Black History: Edward P. Jones
Edward P. Jones is a New York Times best-selling author and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, receiving the distinction for his first novel, The Known World. Jones gives voice to the stories of men and women often overlooked and too often ignored. This gifted writer has earned a special place in American history for his words and stories that continue to move us.During Black History Month President Bush Should Honor African Americans With His Policies
Today during Black History Month, President Bush participated in another hollow photo opportunity in an attempt to reach out to African Americans. But as we've seen in the past, President Bush's rhetoric rarely if ever matches his actual policy and judging by his most recent budget, nothing has changed.Black History: Ida Wells
Ida Wells, who has been called the "mother of the Civil Rights Movement," dedicated her life to the fight for justice in America. Not only was Ida Wells an incredible voice in the movement for justice and equal rights, but she also organized at the local level to make change happen. Her accomplishments showcase the difference that one talented and driven individual can make.DNC Recognizes National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, Vice Chair Lottie Shackelford, Black Caucus Chair Virgie Rollins, and LGBT Caucus Chair Rick Stafford issued the following statement recognizing National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.Black History: Langston Hughes
One of the great writers and thinkers of the Harlem Renaissance -- which helped lay the foundation for the battle for civil rights -- was the poet, novelist, columnist, and activist Langston Hughes. His words would help to inspire a movement for justice in America, as he celebrated black pride. As we celebrate black history, Langston Hughes stands out as an inspirational figure.In Honor of Black History Month
The following resolution was adopted by the DNC Resolutions Committee at its meeting on February 1, 2007, in conjunction with the meetings of the Democratic National Committee, February 1-3, 2007. Submitted by: Donna Brazile, At-Large/DC Lottie Shackelford, DNC Vice Chair/Arkansas...DNC Statement on DC Voting Rights
Today, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement on the DNC resolution advocating full voting rights for the District of Columbia: "I would like to thank Donna Brazile, who is the author of this important resolution, for her tireless and continued efforts to advocate for full voting rights on behalf of the residents of the Nation's Capitol. For too long residents of the District of Columbia have been denied Representation in the halls of Congress. The District of Columbia is home to over a half a million residents who work hard everyday, pay their taxes and serve proudly in the armed forces just like many Americans all across the country.DNC Celebrates Black History Month
Today, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, Vice Chairwoman Lottie Shackelford and Black Caucus Chairwoman Virgie Rollins issued the following joint statement celebrating the start of Black History Month:Black History Month: Maya Angelou
As we commemorate Black History Month, Democrats will continue to work to ensure that the rights, privileges, and opportunities of our nation are accessible to all Americans. Our first featured historical figure is Maya Angelou. An accomplished poet, memoirist, playwright, and civil rights activist, Angelou has been widely recognized for her work.Maya Angelou
An accomplished poet, memoirist, playwright, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou has been widely recognized for her work.An Immigration Application Fee Increase
The Bush administration has announced their intention to nearly double the immigration application fee, according to the Washington Post.Must Read: Democrats' Minimum Wage Increase Benefits African Americans
According to a Reuters article today, proposed increases in the minimum wage, such as those passed by Democrats in the House of Representatives, would result in a raise for nearly 2 million African American workers.McCain Spends MLK Holiday Pandering to the Far Right
Nearly 24 years after voting against creating a holiday honoring Martin Luther King, John McCain is spending today at the inauguration of Alabama Governor Bob Riley who is a member of an organization that has been criticized for excluding African Americans. The "Grand Master" of the Grand Lodge of Alabama admits he knows of no African American members among the groups 30,000 plus membership.Honoring the Memory of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Today we honor the life and memory of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Best known for his I Have a Dream speech, King was a civil rights leader who will remain part of our collective conscious forever.Supreme Court to Review School Integration
Today the Supreme Court will hear arguments for two cases that involve racial integration. The WaPost has more: More than 50 years after the Supreme Court decided in Brown v. Board of Education that separate schools are inherently unequal, the...GOP Rehashes Old History With Lott
Today the Republican Senate Leadership announced a return to the old guard with Trent Lott assuming the position of minority whip. It has been just four years since Lott was ousted from his position as Senate Majority Leader after he made derogatory comments that appeared to endorse segregation and made light of policies that made discrimination legal.GOP Continues Trickery at the Voting Booth
Last week's election provided many despicable efforts on the part of the GOP to intimidate and deceive American voters. Last Tuesday, despite the efforts of Republicans, the American people went to the polls and rejected the Karl Rove politics of hate and division, and overwhelmingly voted for fundamental change.DNC Celebrates MLK Groundbreaking
Today Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement on the groundbreaking for the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial on the national mall.Comprehensive Immigration Reform May Be Coming
From the Washington Post article that detailed policies that may change with the Democrats in power in Congress: Washington may sink into partisan fighting in the next two years. But there is one piece of proposed legislation that will have...Get Out The Vote
The Democratic Party's "Get Out the Vote" drive to push voters to the polls has begun. Election Day is Tuesday, November 7. Be a part of the new direction. Volunteer with your state Democratic Party and help get Democrats out to vote.Our Values, Our Voices, Our Vote Newsletter
SPECIAL ISSUE: ELECTION 2006 Election Day is only days away. Between now and then, we need to do all we can to turn out the vote and elect Democrats. As a leader in your community, there are a number of...Dean Sends Letter to Mehlman on 25th Anniversary
DNC Chairman Howard Dean sent a letter to Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman calling on the Republican leader to confirm that "the RNC will refrain from engaging in, assisting in or participating in any" program that could potentially disenfranchise voters in these midterm elections.Mehlman Again Refuses to Take Responsibility
Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman again refused to take responsibility for the despicable ads his RNC is running in Tennessee. In the CBS interview, Mehlman went so far as to tell host Bob Schieffer, "I didn't think it was necessarily a racist ad."GOP “Southern Strategy” Alive and Well
After promising the African American community that the Republican "Southern Strategy" had been put to rest, Ken Mehlman and the Republican Party are up to their old divisive and backward tricks using racist innuendo to try to win elections.Congressional Black Caucus PAC Stumps for Democratic Candidates
This Friday the Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee, with the support of the Democratic National Committee, will kick off its “Time For Change” tour to help get out the vote in key states including Ohio and Maryland.What's at Stake for African Americans
Republicans keep telling us things are going well in America, but most Americans know the country is headed in the wrong direction on everything from Iraq to the economy to health care and education. Time and again President Bush and...TN-Sen: The Latest Low for the GOP
Over at DailyKos, Georgia10 has a good update on the GOP's latest stunts in Tennessee, where their candidate is in a tight race with Rep. Harold Ford, Jr. Of course, rather than running on the issues, the GOP is running a campaign based on a combination personal attacks and divisive wedge issues meant to appeal to the worst in people.African Americans Can't Trust Bush to Create Opportunity
While the President would like to tout his economic record in the African American community, the truth is that the Bush economy has left African American families increasingly less secure.DNC Voting Rights Institute Chair Donna Brazile Calls on EAC to Release Study
During her testimony before the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Donna Brazile called on the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to release a report that proves there is little evidence of the polling-place fraud that is used to justify Voter ID around the country.50-State Turnout: North Carolina
There are some states that don't have high-profile statewide races this cycle. North Carolina is one of those states. But in 2006, they will be voting to keep control of both houses of the State Legislature and have a few...DNC African American Leadership Summit A Success
This past weekend the DNC's Black Caucus hosted a successful African American Leadership Summit in Detroit, Michigan. The summit had over 400 participants from all over the country who attended the conference which focused on issues important to the African American community.“Whatever It Takes” Republicans Embrace Intolerance
A week after Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman vowed to supporters in an e-mail that the RNC would "hold nothing back" and "spend whatever it takes" to "maintain our majorities," it's clear that Republicans across the country will do and say just about anything to get elected -- even resort to some of the most insidious forms of intolerance.In the last week alone, a Republican candidate in Minnesota attacked his opponent's faith, young conservatives in Michigan are running dangerous and divisive "Catch an Illegal Immigrant" and "Fun With Guns" events, and an Arizona Republican Congressional candidate refused to demand that former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke remove an endorsement and a link to his campaign from Duke's website
