05/19/2026
EHBC Statement On Ongoing Efforts to Erode Black Political Power in America
May 19, 2026
The East Hartford Black Caucus stands in unequivocal opposition to the dismantling of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and ongoing efforts to destroy Black political representation throughout the former Confederacy.
Let us be clear: what is happening in the South echoes the dark past of Jim Crow. The movement to dilute the power of Black voters not only erodes the fundamental right to vote, but will create new barriers to effective representation and weaken the voice of communities across the country--impacting us all.
This must be a wake up call to East Hartford, Connecticut, and our entire nation. Equal protection of voting rights have led to substantial progress, better representation, and increased trust—and this effort threatens that progress.
For far too long, Black and historically underrepresented communities have been excluded from the very conversations that shape policies impacting our lives. We will not accept a movement that once again sidelines our voices while decisions are made on our behalf. If this effort to "uphold" the U.S. Constitution is truly meant to serve the people, then the people—especially those most impacted—must be at the center of it.
We reject any approach that complicates participation, dilutes local input, or ignores the lived experiences of our community. Democracy does not function in theory alone—it must work in practice, for everyone.
We are calling on each of us to stand up and call out this effort to dismantle voting rights for what it is. Lawmakers must halt this process, return to the table, and engage in real, transparent, community-driven dialogue. In Connecticut, we must be vigilant and quickly respond to the overt and implicit ways that Black political power may be threatened. Not symbolic outreach. Not last-minute consultation. Real engagement that leads to meaningful change.
The East Hartford Black Caucus will continue to fiercely advocate for policies that do more than sound good on paper—we will demand policies that deliver real access, real equity, and real representation.
Our voices are not optional. Our participation is not negotiable. And our communities will not be overlooked.