Since the onset of the African diaspora, the United States of America has been persistent and unapologetic about systematically devaluing the humanity of Black men, women, and children. These barriers to equality are imbedded in the culture of police brutality, facially neutral legislation with racially disparate impacts, and thinly veiled voter suppression tactics. The generational perpetuation of these practices has complicated the relationship between Black America and patriotism; this country continues to disenfranchise Black people despite the fact people of color have fought valiantly for a country since the revolutionary war.
Those who subscribe to these oppressive ideals have only been emboldened by a Commander in Chief who encourages ignorance, hatred, and domestic terrorism motivated by racist ideologies. As Black lawyers, judges, and elected officials, we are afforded the privilege of access to that system, the intellect to strategize therein, and a responsibility to balance the scales of justice by representing the interests of people of color in every space we occupy. We are gatekeepers and gladiators: it is our
duty
to advocate, educate, and agitate where necessary. The time is now.
CALL TO ACTION
The Greater New Orleans Chapter of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society will be protesting against Voter Suppression from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Duncan Plaza on this Juneteenth, Friday, June 19, 2020.
This demonstration is an extension of Martinet’s Voice Your Vote: Voter Registration Initiative. The purpose of this campaign is to (1) educate members of the community on the importance of participation in the political system; (2) increase participation in political system by registering at least 200 voters and ensuring at least 300 people complete the census; (3) Demand voter suppression reform in order to reduce disenfranchisement of felons and pre-trial detainees, (4) and removal of voter registration time delays to make allowance for same day voter registration.
We have organized a week of events to bring awareness to our efforts.
We are calling for the commitment and assistance of all members of the Martinet community in order to achieve this goal
!
It Takes A Village
(
June 12-14, 2020
) We started the week with “Make Your Groceries with Martinet.” This initiative involved members of the Martinet family, along with their families, visiting their favorite grocery stores to register shoppers to vote. The goal was for each member to commit two hours, over the course of two days, in order register two new voters.
Black To The Table
(
Monday, June 15, 2020
) This community partnership will promote black-owned restaurants in New Orleans by neighborhood. We encourage each of you to support one of the restaurants that day and tell them Martinet sent you!
Say It Loud: Pro Bono Protestor Defense Training
(
Tuesday, June 16, 2020 @ 6:00 pm
) As protests continue in our city, we want to have resources in place to provide pro bono legal services to protestors who may be arrested or cited. To that end, we are creating a database of attorneys who are willing and able to provide legal aid. Understanding that everyone who may be interested may not be familiar with handling these types of cases, criminal defense attorneys Will Snowden and Bianca Moore will provide training and resources to members and non-members who want to assist.
Lift Every Voice: Voter Education Training
(
Wednesday, June 17, 2020 @ 2:00 pm
) The purpose of this training is to educate volunteers regarding the voter registration process, common voter suppression practices, registration waiting periods, and important election dates to remember. Effective voter registration strategies will also be discussed at this time. Hosted by Voice Your Vote Chair, Erin Rigsby Hawkins.
Black Out, White Noise
(
Thursday, June 18, 2020)
In the age of misinformation, this social media campaign will promote verified information regarding voting statistics, consequences of not exercising the right to vote, common voter suppression tactics, and facts regarding the Black veterans and active duty military.
We will need members of the Martinet family to repost this material along with information about the Juneteenth protest.
VOICE YOUR VOTE - PROTEST AGAINST VOTER SUPPRESSION (06.19.2020)
AND THAT’S NOT ALL
--- The Martinet Black Market is officially open for business. Martinet members can purchase Voice Your Vote paraphernalia from this shop from now until Tuesday, June 16, 2020. If volume permits, CAD Printing, LLC will make these shirts available for the protest June 19, 2020. Proceeds from these sales will be funneled back into the Voice Your Vote initiative.
“OUR ONLY HOPE IS TO CONTROL THE VOTE”
- Medgar Wiley Evers
