Pro-Democracy Groups Stage “Funeral for Democracy” Outside U.N on Day One of Biden’s Global Democracy Summit
December 14, 2021
Contact: Karin Venegas, Anat Gerstein, 347.361.7049
Jawanza Williams, VOCAL-NY/Fair Elections for NY, 917.488.4961
(Andrew Kelly/AP Images for Center for Popular Democracy)
-View the press conference here-
- Additional photos can be accessed here-
(NEW YORK) — On the first day of President Biden’s Global Democracy Summit, approximately 50 activists staged a “funeral for democracy” outside the United Nations. Four of the activists engaged in civil disobedience. The Manhattan-based event, co-organized by Fair Elections for NY, was one of nine direct actions in states which took place across the country today during this national day of action organized by Black Voters Matter and the Workers Circle.
Over 30 voter suppression laws have already been passed by 19 states, some of which open the door to the overturning of elections; many more will be introduced into state legislatures in January. With hyper-gerrymandered Congressional maps locking in partisan advantage, dark money flooding our election system, and the intimidation of election officials, activists urged President Biden and the Senate to stop democratic subversion by passing the Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act immediately. Failure to pass this critical voting rights legislation this year could be the nail in the coffin for American democracy.
"Here in New York, even as we deal with elements of voter suppression, we've reaped the benefits of expanded voting access. It's past time to bring a strong democracy to the entire country," said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. "The Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act will ensure that the democratic principles we proclaim stand strong. It will fight voter suppression, ensure fair redistricting, and reduce the impact of money and corporate influence in our elections. They will ensure that Black and brown people, LGBTQ people, poor and working class people have their voices heard. Sadly this is precisely why so many refuse to support it. Congress must do everything in its power to get these bills passed, because even next year could be too late."
Cliff Albright, co-founder and executive director of Black Voters Matter, said: “Voters stepped up in unprecedented numbers in 2020 to elect leaders that would protect our rights. Almost a year later, we’re still waiting for action on voting rights, but Pres. Biden wants to talk about global democracy? You can’t sell something globally that you can’t even protect at home.”
“As Jews, we know too well what the slide into authoritarianism looks like. And we know the terrible price millions of people have paid and continue to pay when corrupt power takes control of a country. Right now, it looks exactly like what is happening here in the United States, as the right to fair elections is being subverted by partisan leaders who continue to demonstrate that they will use any means necessary to keep their power,” said Ann Toback, Chief Executive Officer of the Workers Circle. “Today, this attack on our democracy is happening in plain sight. President Biden, this is not the time to stand idly by. We need your leadership to pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act now. Our democracy can’t wait.”
"Federal inaction on voting rights could be the nail in the coffin for U.S. Democracy, and an insult to the Black and brown voters being targeted by vote suppression," said Jawanza Williams, Director of Organizing, VOCAL-NY; Fair Elections for NY Coalition. "We desperately need President Biden and Senator Schumer to use every tool at their disposal to pass the Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis bill by the end of this year."
“The United States government has never liked it when activists put our issues on the world stage. So, this is a courageous thing to do today,” said Rev. Mark Thompson. “The base put these people in power, but they aren’t responding to us. They’re not vocal enough. They are not doing enough about voter suppression.” The national day of action highlights the dangerous undermining of U.S. democracy, calling on President Biden and the Senate to put #RightsBeforeRecess and pass critical voting rights legislation into law THIS year. President Biden’s refusal to use his bully pulpit to pressure the Senate into action -- even as he hosts a global democracy summit -- represents massive #DemocracyHypocrisy.
About the Workers Circle
Founded more than 120 years ago, the Workers Circle (formerly known as the Workmen’s Circle) is a social justice organization that powers progressive Jewish identity through Jewish cultural engagement, Yiddish language learning, multigenerational education, and social justice activism. For over a century we have provided this 360-degree approach to Jewish identity-building. Through contemporary cultural programs, strategic social justice campaigns, vibrant Yiddish language classes, interactive educational experiences and more, we connect Jewish adults, kids and families of all affiliations with their cultural heritage, working to build a better and more beautiful world for all. Learn more at www.circle.org.