Black women applaud House vote to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (HR 4)

Statement from In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda

WASHINGTON — On August 24, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (HR 4). Marcela Howell, founder and president of In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, issued the following statement in response:

“We applaud the House for passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021 — and we demand that the Senate do the same immediately. Time is of the essence because conservative lawmakers across the country are working overtime to stop Black people — and other people of color — from exercising our right to vote. The protection of our most fundamental constitutional right requires swift action; we will not accept delay.

“On the eve of Women’s Equality Day, the commemoration of white women’s suffrage, Black women have cause to celebrate a step toward the protection of our right to vote. Knowing that Black women and people have died fighting for that right, we will not sit by idly, watching the onerous Jim Crow attacks. We will vote no matter what the obstacles. And when we cast our ballots, we will vote to support our rights.

“Today, we call on the U.S. Senate to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act now. We encourage voters across the country to join us in resistance by holding their elected representatives accountable.”

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In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda is a national reproductive justice organization focused on lifting the voices of Black women at the national and regional levels in our ongoing policy fight to secure reproductive justice for all women and girls. Our eight strategic partners include Black Women for Wellness, Black Women’s Health Imperative, New Voices for Reproductive Justice, SisterLove, Inc. SisterReach, SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW, The Afiya Center and Women With A Vision.