Johnson is a United Methodist pastor, the author of "Holding Up Your Corner: Talking About Race in Your Community" and program director for the Bridge Alliance, which houses The Fulcrum.
In the critical months leading up to the November presidential elections, the Bridge Alliance will spotlight unique initiatives that encourage and embody the very best of democratic values and uplift uniquely diverse constituencies. From nonpartisan voter registration drives to community forums fostering civil dialogue, programs run by the organizations in our network are on the frontlines of efforts to strengthen our democracy. By highlighting these inspiring programs, we aim to encourage citizenship, bridge divides and reaffirm the power of the American experiment.
An example of such work at the intersection of race, democracy and civic participation is Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.'s civic engagement initiative, "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People." Established in 1930, it remains a cornerstone of the fraternity's commitment to social justice and political empowerment.
Seven African American collegiate men founded the fraternity in 1906 at Cornell University. Alpha Phi Alpha has a well-documented history of leadership and service. The fraternity's founders sought to provide a supportive environment for Black students and promote manly deeds, scholarship and love for all mankind. Over the decades, Alpha Phi Alpha has produced numerous distinguished alumni, including civil rights leaders, politicians and professionals who have made significant contributions to American society.
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The origins of "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People" lies in the fraternity's recognition of the barriers to voting faced by African Americans in the early 20th century. During the Jim Crow era, many Southern states enforced discriminatory practices such as literacy tests and poll taxes to suppress the Black vote. In response, Alpha Phi Alpha launched its civic engagement initiative to register Black voters, challenge voting restrictions, and advocate for equal access to the ballot box.
Today, the fight for voting rights takes on new dimensions. Despite the progress made through the civil rights movement, modern-day efforts to limit access to voting, craft legislation that disenfranchises specific communities, and suppress the vote continue to threaten democratic principles. A recent report by the Brennan Center for Justice highlights the troubling trend of restrictive voting laws passed by Republican-controlled legislatures since 2010. These laws target practices like early voting, same-day registration and voter ID requirements that have historically benefited minority voters.
Alpha Phi Alpha's initiative is more critical than ever in this current political climate. The statistics on voting discrimination underscore the importance of Alpha Phi Alpha's civic engagement work. According to the Brennan Center, since 2010, 27 states have passed laws imposing stricter voter ID requirements, which disproportionately affect minority voters who are less likely to have government-issued photo identification. Additionally, states have closed hundreds of polling places, often in areas with high concentrations of low-income and minority voters. These actions contribute to longer wait times and reduced access to the ballot.
Another disturbing trend is the criminalization of voting. In some states, individuals with past felony convictions who have served their time and are otherwise eligible to vote face additional barriers to registration and voting due to discriminatory laws and practices. This disenfranchisement affects a significant number of Black and Brown citizens.
As a 28-year initiated member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, I am proud to be part of an organization that continues to fight for the right to vote and equal access to the democratic process. Our fraternity's history and commitment to social justice compel us to confront the modern-day threats to voting rights and work towards a more equitable democracy. "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People" is a moral means by Alpha Phi Alpha to empower Black and Brown communities to exercise their political power.
Through its grassroots organizing, voter mobilization and civic education programs, our fraternity continues the fight, challenging all efforts and practices seeking to restrict the vote while working towards a future where every eligible voter can vote freely and fairly — seeking to ensure full access to the ballot and a more just and democratic future for all.
