Color Of Change has been advocating for Democratic trifecta states to redistrict ahead of the midterm elections since the summer, including launching a petition to its millions of members that received over 3,000 signatures. Color Of Change responded when Proposition 50, the Election Rigging Response Act, was on the ballot in California, participating in multiple rallies and canvases to contribute to its passage. In the aftermath of this win, Color Of Change is committed to continuing the fight for fair maps that protect Black political power in Maryland.

Local organizations that sponsored the event include: Maryland Poor People’s Campaign, Black Voters Matter Fund, KAIROS Democracy Project, Social Security Works, Indivisible, People’s Action, National Association of Social Workers, People Power United, Seed the Vote, People for the American Way, Turnout Education Fund, Transformative Justice Coalition, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, MoveOn, Venice Resistance, Public Citizen, Stand Up America, SEIU Local 500, 1199SEIU, United Healthcare Workers East, CASA in Action, UFCW Local 1994, MCGEO, Maryland Legislative Coalition, One Fair Wage, Progressive Neighbors, Advance Maryland, Montgomery County Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, Inc., Cambridge Indivisible, HoCoMD, and Third Act Maryland.

Earlier today, the coalition sent a letter to House Speaker Adrienne Jones and the House Democratic Caucus, as well as to Senate President Bill Ferguson and the Senate Democratic Caucus, urging them to call a special session and act swiftly to protect Maryland’s democracy.

“This fight is about more than lines on a map. We need accountability at the federal level,” said Larry Stafford Jr., Executive Director of Progressive Maryland. “Trump’s allies are redrawing maps to choose their voters and lock in power. Maryland can’t play it safe or sit this out. The control of Congress could come down to one vote, and we need our leaders to stand with the people and fight back now.”

“Our democracy is in danger, not from a faraway enemy, but from politicians right here in America who are rigging maps to keep power they haven’t earned,” said Jenna Crocker, a  Progressive Maryland member and resident of Cherry Hill in District 46. “What good is being a blue state if we won’t stand for true democracy? Maryland must meet the moment, call the special session, and protect our vote.”

In response to this critical event, Color Of Change’s Interim Executive Director Portia Allen-Kyle issued the following statement:

“California showed what’s possible when we stop playing defense and start playing offense for democracy. Now it’s Maryland’s turn. Governor Moore and state leaders have the power to call a special session to fight against national efforts to rig elections. The coalition here—spanning every age, race, and gender—makes clear that Maryland’s families are united in one belief: our freedoms are worth fighting for. Maryland’s got next, and Maryland must lead…for all of us.”

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Color Of Change is the nation’s largest online racial justice organization. We help people respond effectively to injustice in the world around us. As a national online force driven by millions of members, we move decision-makers in corporations and governments to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America. Visit www.colorofchange.org.

Progressive Maryland is a grassroots organization dedicated to building power for working families and advancing progressive policies across the state.  You can view the Progressive Maryland website and find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.