State of emergency: Our democracy in distress
For the past 72 hours, over 6 months, and in the culmination of over 160 years, North Carolina’s highest court has been held hostage—caught in the crossfire of what is now our state’s second rebellion in a centuries-long battle to disenfranchise voters. With a deadly swipe, this devastating decision is the latest blow in a relentless assault on our democracy—stripping away the rights of Republican, Democrat and Independent voters across the state.
Ultra-partisanship has infected our judicial process, and the people of North Carolina must unite to protect ourselves from this dangerous redaction of our fundamental right to vote.
Friday’s ruling on Jefferson Griffin v. N.C. State Board of Elections and Allison Riggs case is a painful reminder that attempts to overturn election results, similar to the failed January 6 insurrection, are still being attempted by those very much intent on taking North Carolina back to the days of the Wilmington Insurrection of 1898. History tells us that when voters from all backgrounds come together despite racial and party differences to engage in the political process, we tip the scale of money on politics and back closer to the people. When that happens, our right to vote comes under attack, which opens the door to broader assaults on other freedoms—like equitable access to public education—and fuels dangerous efforts to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion in government. These attacks create clear danger zones in counties and systems across North Carolina.
This is not just a racial issue—it is a democracy issue.
Changing the rules after the game is not just childish—it’s disrespectful and disingenuous to all residents of North Carolina. There was a time when the people had the final say, but now our democracy can be sold to the highest bidder, and that check is depleting the balance of judicial oversight of our constitutional rights.
Our organization and dozens of partners from across the state have knocked on doors, had real conversations, and engaged with thousands of voters—regardless of political affiliation. And they are stunned. Stunned that their vote has been made a pawn in a power grab that distorts and misrepresents 65,000 votes in the 2024 election.
OUR democracy is in a state of emergency!
Now more than ever, we must reclaim our collective power and demand impartial courts that respect the law—not rewrite it in service of partisan interests. This ruling, days before our 19th Annual NC Black Summit, further emphasizes the collective need to chart a course forward in this current political crisis. Until then, the future of North Carolina’s democracy depends on our ability to respond urgently at ground zero by packing the general assembly on April 8 at 3 p.m. dressed in all black to stand in watch as lawmakers attempt to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion.