Andrew, we hope you'll read this entire email — it's important.
Last night, we chose to do a hard thing: although we recognize that many in our community are joyful and celebrating the prospect of Kamala's historic candidacy and path to the nomination (we see you and love you, 🥥 🌴 heads!) — it was important that we also call out the Democratic Party's undemocratic process and engage in a vigorous discussion on the issues our community cares about — democracy being one of those issues.
Here's our take: Kamala Harris is being nominated without any public voting process. Yes, she was Vice President, on the ticket. But no, a single vote for
her and her unknown vice president was not cast in a primary.
The solution is simple: the Democratic National Committee (DNC) should host an informal, virtual primary (an online vote) ASAP so that our communities can weigh in on this unprecedented moment.
Any attempt to evade or override the will of voters in the Democratic Party's primary system—no matter how historic the candidate—must be condemned.
We demand an informal, virtual snap primary now that the incumbent president is no longer in the running. Join us in calling on the DNC by adding your name to our petition now >>> Black Lives Matter is built on abolitionist principles, with a commitment to creating a multi-generational, multi-racial, anti-racist democracy that is essential for a society where Black lives can thrive. Sometimes standing up for our principles is unpopular, but we cannot turn a blind eye to anti-democratic processes anywhere.
Installing Kamala Harris — or
anyone — as the Democratic nominee along with some unknown vice president without any public voting process
would undermine democracy and set the nominee up to be challenged and delegitimized by the far-right (Cough cough, throwback to Pres. Obama's attempt to fill an empty Supreme Court seat. If you know, you know.) That means our Black Liberation policy agenda would face significant roadblocks, and that would make our advocacy more difficult. In this unprecedented moment, we are standing firm against any attempt to silence Black voters and other marginalized communities.
This is not about Biden or Harris; it is about demanding a political system that genuinely represents us and upholds democracy. If we want democracy to thrive, our right to participate in any voting system must be protected and safeguarded. Voting isn't just an expression of a worldview; it is also a manifestation of our insistence on safety and security. It is a manifestation of freedom. We demand a right to vote in this primary. We demand to be part of the selection of a democratic nominee. The DNC must listen to the people, not just the democratic party elite. Our democracy is strongest when it is inclusive, transparent, and fair.
We will never stop holding our politicians and political parties accountable. Our votes have power and we plan to use every ounce of it.
Please, sign our petition to protect democracy and our voices today! Thank you — your support helps us continue to show the sheer power and enormity of our collective voice.
— Black Lives Matter
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