You got here how every Black woman in America who has gotten anywhere has done: by being like Ginger Rogers said, “I did everything Fred Astaire did but backwards in heels.'"- Senator Cory Booker
Urge Senators to Confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson
Invoking Ginger Rogers, NJ Senator Cory Booker offered a full-throated and emotional defense of SCOTUS nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson following GOP attempts to distort and malign her experience and record. If you watched any of the hearing, you no doubt agree with
Booker's assessment that GOP questioning - including asking her to define "woman" and opine on the racism of babies - was "outrageous" and "beyond the pale." The DEMS have the votes to pass Judge Jackson's historical confirmation - but we shouldn't let FL Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio off the hook. Contact them today and tell them what you think about Judge Jackson and GOP tactics opposing her.
Moms for Liberty: Raising Alarms in NE Florida
Moms For Liberty, a right-wing group with roots in Florida, is amping up its attacks on public education in northeast Florida under the guise of protecting parental rights, according to speakers at the recent webinar co-hosted by BAM and Indivisible Mandarin. Adrienne Hinds, a professor at Columbia State College, shared information about the group and its efforts in Tennessee. Local LGBTQ+ activist Dan Merkan presented information on the origins of the organization, its leadership and funding, and advocacy to restrict teaching and student learning during the recent legislative session. Most alarming, a Moms For Liberty member has announced her candidacy for the Duval County School Board in the upcoming election. Elizabeth Andersen, who is vying for the seat as an incumbent, recounted her experience dealing with the group as the board set protective mask requirements in response to Covid. Participants discussed the importance of supporting public education and responding to attacks by this alarming organization. If you missed the webinar, you can listen to it here.
Voting Rights Matter! Northside Coalition Training Wednesday, March 30th
Help support voters and voting rights by attending the Voter Registration/ Canvassing Training sponsored by the Northside Coalition on Wednesday, March 30 at 6:30 pm. The training will be held at the Jessie Ball DuPont Center (old library building) downtown. The training is co-sponsored by Black Voters Matter, 904ward, Jacksonville Community Action Committee, ACLU, BAM & JaxNOW.
Register here.
Jax Young DEMS Host Candidates for Sheriff
The Jacksonville Young Democrats are hosting a Sheriff's Candidate Forum at the IBEW Union Hall (966 N. Liberty St) on Tuesday, 3/29 at 6:30 PM. They need your input on the issues that are important to you! Get to know the current candidates running to be Jacksonville's next Sheriff in 2023. For more information, click here.
Help Us Register Voters at Arts in the Park April 9th
BAM and partners will be registering voters and promoting vote-by-mail renewals at the Arts in the Park festival April 9 from 10 am to 4 pm at Johansen Park in Atlantic Beach. It's a great opportunity to meet voters and talk about the importance of voting for candidates that support democratic ideals! Interested in helping? Sign up here.
Check Out Our Founder's New Business!
BAM Founder and member emeritus Althea Lachicotte has a new businessoffering à la carte in-home services and care for families in the Beaches and NE Florida. Moore Boutique is holding its grand opening from 2 - 5 pm on Saturday, April 2. For more information call (904) 913-7400 or check out the website.
It's All About the Messaging
Here are some upcoming opportunities to learn more about effective social media strategies and messaging to reach voters:
The Education Team of the newly organized Win Elections Network (W.E.N.) is hosting its first training on Thursday, March 31 at 7 pm via Zoom. Effective Messaging is a critical factor in preparing to WIN elections during the 2022 mid-term elections and beyond. Take advantage of this training session provided by the Seminole Democratic Party. This event is open to all W.E.N. members, democratic organizations/groups, democratic candidates, and their communication staff who are interested in WINNING ELECTIONS!! Register here!
The Statewide Indivisible Florida Taskforce (SWIFT) is holding Part 2 of its training on social media advocacy on April 5 at 5:30 pm via Zoom. Dive into how to strategically use Twitter for advocacy, Indivisible's Truth Brigade & effective political messaging, and how social media can be used as a way to get our messages out into the world. Interactive – bring your tablet or computer! RSVP here.
You can also access the recording for Part 1 if you missed it here.
New Yellow House Exhibit Casts Light on Racial Injustice
If you are concerned about racial justice, you won't want to miss Screams Echo - the Legacy of Lynching, the current exhibit at the Yellow House. The gallery, located at 577 King Street in Jacksonville, is open Wednesdays and Saturdays and by appointment. Learn more here.
Interesting Reads & Some Reasons to be Cheerful
Given the recent disappointing vote on redistricting by the Jax City Council ignoring citizens' input and concerns about racial packing, it is worth asking: can we all be like Michigan? A few years ago, a group of average citizens started a grassroots movement to end gerrymandering and completely redraw the electoral maps. They succeeded, and now the Great Lakes State is preparing to hold its fairest, most competitive elections in decades. Read about it here and let's figure out how to get it done!
Here's a great piece by TU columnist Mark Woods on the creation of Dutton Island - with a shout out to BAM member and former AB Mayor Susanne Shaughnessy.
Another must read is this Folio Weekly article on Rory Diamond, who represents the Beaches and District 13 on the Jax City Council. Oh the tangled webs. . .
And a p.s. on District 1 Congressional candidate Rebekah Jones, guest speaker at February's joint meeting of Indivisible Mandarin & BAM - a promising poll shows her beating opponent and right-wing sycophant Matt Gaetz.