While it’s hard to overlook the events that have dominated our news cycle for the last 12 hours, we must celebrate the work of organizers and communities across Georgia to elect Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff to the U.S. Senate. Their victories are a testament to over a decade of organizing led by Black women and a broad multi-racial coalition. Their vision, leadership, courage and hard work has led us to a new governing moment.
Yesterday’s attack on our Capitol and the dozens of events that unfolded at state legislatures across the country were the consequence of lies by a president who refuses to accept that we continue to stand with and for each other.
As you continue to process this moment, we also want to make sure you have the resources you need to support and protect your communities:
- Protests & Public Safety: A Guide for Cities & Citizens
- Counting Election-Motivated Violence Extremism in 2020 and Beyond: ADL’s Practical Guide for State and Local Governments.
- Election Violence Prevention Toolkit: Guide for Mayors & City Leadership
- Best Practices for Communicating in this Moment
Progressive movement partners and our allies in Congress are organizing to meet this moment, calling for accountability and swift action — including the impeachment and removal of the president (either by invoking the 25th Amendment or through impeachment proceedings), as well as for the investigation and expulsion of the Republican members of Congress who incited political violence. Many of you are also helping draw attention to the undeniable ways in which policing has and will continue to be used to uphold white supremacy in this country, and echo calls for investigations into yesterday’s security response. We encourage you to continue adding your voice in this crucial moment for our democracy.
The past 24 hours illustrates painfully and so clearly both the promise and underlying peril of America — in the historic election of Raphael Warnock as the first Black Senator from Georgia and the incredible multi-racial organizing that made it possible, and in the blatant demonstration of white supremacy and violence that rocked our country to its core.
In the hours, days, and weeks ahead, it will take all of us to chart a new way forward, to ensure accountability for Trump and his enablers, to provide immediate, inclusive and sufficient relief for the millions of Americans struggling as the pandemic rages on, and to work together to rebalance power and reform our democracy so that we, the people, are its anchoring and centering force.
In moments like this, it can feel hard to see the light and overwhelming to know what comes next. Rest assured that Local Progress members have been the leaders we needed in these moments. And remember that, we are here for you — so don’t hesitate to reach out.
In solidarity,
Sarah
