This post was updated on January 31, 2022.
Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is a month-long annual celebration of the contributions and achievements of African Americans in United States history. While so much has been accomplished in the fight for racial justice and civil rights, we also know that the path toward true justice is long.
Our Jewish tradition encourages our active participation in such efforts. As descendants of those who faced extreme oppression, we understand that we cannot stay silent as fellow Americans are treated unfairly on the basis of their race or skin color. The Jewish Center for Justice is committed to fighting back against persistent racial injustice that leads to the marginalization of communities and people of color.
In honor of Black History Month, we’ve compiled a short (and non-exhaustive) list of actions we as a Jewish community can take to achieve justice outcomes for Black Americans.
1. Call your Senators and urge them to support The John Lewis Voting Rights Act
The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would strengthen and modernize the Voting Rights Act and ensure that its strong provisions would apply to voters across the country. It would again give the Justice Department and courts the power to block states and localities from taking racially discriminatory steps to curb voting rights.
- Learn more through the Brennan Center for Justice
- Click here to find your Senator’s contact information
2. Connect with The Voting Rights Lab
The Voting Rights Lab is a nonpartisan organization that works across the country and within states to help fight voter suppression bills, and brings state advocacy, policy, and legislative expertise to the fight for voting rights. We work in partnership with organizations across the country to build winning state legislative campaigns that secure, protect, and defend the voting rights of all Americans.
3. Follow AND Support civil rights organizations
The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Brennan Center, and Congressional Black Caucus are all causes worthy of our deep support. Please follow these organizations on social media and support them as you would the Jewish Center for Justice.
- Read how the new administration aims to tackle issues of racial injustice.
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What are you doing, be it on a national level or in your own community, to help advance the cause of racial justice? There are of course hundreds of other actions we can all take, so let us know how you plan to act. Check out JCJ’s resources on racial justice.