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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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Black History Month Focuses on Right to Vote

As February ushers in this year’s national Primary season, it’s important to remember the sacrifices and historic milestones that brought each of us (at different times, through differing means) the right to vote. One way to celebrate history is to educate yourself on the issues and the candidates – from the most local offices to the White House – and make a plan for when and how you will vote.

February 20, 2020

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History has declared “African Americans and The Vote” as the theme for this year’s Black History Month.

It isn’t just because there’s a high-stakes national election going on.

The year 2020 marks the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment and the culmination of the women’s suffrage movement. This year also marks the sesquicentennial of the Fifteenth Amendment (1870) and the right of black men to the ballot after the Civil War.  Still, those events didn’t immediately ensure people of color could exercise their rights at the ballot box.  

In fact, the hard-fought struggle continues.

Voting rights campaigns and legal suits marked much of the twentieth century. While the Voting Rights Act of 1965 allowed more black Americans to cast their ballots, the fight for voting rights is still the subject of legal battles in 2020.

Local History Highlights Public Service

Here in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, many of our community’s black history milestones are related to elections and public service –  from Fred Alexander’s election to City Council in 1963 to Harvey Gantt’s election as Charlotte’s first African American mayor in 1983 to Vi Lyles’ installation as the same city’s first black female mayor in 2017.

Did you know that the Mecklenburg County seal was designed by Harvey Boyd, a black graphic designer who worked at The Charlotte Observer at the time? After a successful career, he now lives in his childhood home in the Crestdale community in Matthews.  You can read his reflections in this week’s profile in the Matthews Mint Hill Weekly.

Honor History By Planning To Vote

As February ushers in this year’s national Primary season, it’s important to remember the sacrifices and historic milestones that brought each of us (at different times, through differing means) the right to vote.

So many of the challenges facing individuals served here at Crisis Assistance Ministry can only be solved through systemic change. Changing those systems starts with the ballot box – where the voices of those most affected must be heard – in 2020 and in every election.

One way to celebrate history is to educate yourself on the issues and the candidates – from the most local offices to the White House – and make a plan for when and how you will vote.  

In Mecklenburg County, you can check your voter registration, polling places, sample ballot, and early voting options online here.  Any North Carolina voter can do the same via the state’s Board of Elections website.

These resources are available to everyone for every election – in 2020 and beyond.

Filed Under: Advocacy Tagged With: ASAALH, Black History Month, Fred Alexander, Harvey Boyd, Harvey Gantt, Mecklenburg County, Vi Lyles, voter registration, Voting Rights

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When this small but mighty team from @redventures arrived on a recent morning, they brought sausage biscuits, juice, water, willing hearts, and inquisitive minds. They came not only to serve but to learn— "in hopes of embedding empathy into our everyday work." {Read more at the linkinbio}

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"I enjoy doing it and knowing we're doing something to help people."
"You volunteer because something needs doing and you can do it"
It's as simple as that for this group of #volunteers from St. John's Episcopal Church who we recently dropped in on as they spent the morning inspecting and preparing donated clothing and household goods for Free Store shoppers.
Volunteer opportunities for groups and individuals, onsite or off-site, are available right now through the volunteer tab on our website.

crisisassistmin

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One of the upsides of pandemic-inspired innovation are expanded grassroots partnerships like this one with @project70forward which brought new shoes and other essentials to a Pop-Up Shop for @home4mefostercare participants in Hidden Valley. Gotta love the smiles on these faces!

crisisassistmin

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Swipe for a Mother's Day message to all the parents out there struggling right now, from the heart of an adult who grew up in a family a lot like yours.

crisisassistmin

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We couldn't let 5/3 come to a close without saying a HUGE thanks to our friends from @fifththirdbank who shared their special day with the 100+ families served here each day. Happy Fifth Third Day!

#53day

crisisassistmin

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We're still celebrating firsts here! Last week we hosted the first corporate-led group of @BankofAmerica #volunteers since the pandemic began. With their help, families who shop here for essentials will find what they need in the Free Store this week. Help us say thanks!

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Time is running out to double your impact and your gift. Make a donation today to offer help and hope for our neighbors in need. You can make a difference with a life-changing gift by midnight on April 30.

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Early voting in Mecklenburg County begins TODAY. Primary day is just 3 weeks away on May 17. 
What's your plan?  When and where will you vote?
This year's primary includes US Senate and House, some State Senate and House districts, Charlotte Mayor, City Council, County Commissioners, Sheriff, District Attorney . . .  These local roles often have a more direct impact on our daily lives than higher profile national races.

crisisassistmin

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LOVE the sweet message these @UNCCharlotte 49er #volunteers added to a dresser they built themselves for families served by our Furniture & Appliance Store. ❤️❤️ Furniture recipients are referred by a network of 100+ partner agencies across Mecklenburg County to shop free of charge for essential items like dressers, couches, tables & chairs, and even appliances that are donated by the community.

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