Metro Council Approves Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance

Policy Will Curb Discrimination by City Contractors Against Job Applicants with Prior Convictions BATON ROUGE, LA—The East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council voted 7-5 to approve an ordinance Wednesday that will require employers receiving money from the Parish to engage in “fair chance” hiring practices. The policy builds on a 2016 ordinance aimed at providing opportunities to apply for Parish …

Ordinance to help convicted criminals get hired passed through Metro Council

BATON ROUGE – After deferring the Fair Chance Ordinance two weeks ago, the ordinance passed through the Metro Council by 7-5. The ordinance aims to help convicted criminals get a job with contractors in the City-Parish by stopping employers from asking potential hires about their criminal record until a proper assessment of their skills.

Baton Rouge contractors now required to ‘ban the box,’ intended to give ex-convicts job opportunities

Private businesses that want to work with East Baton Rouge’s city-parish government will have to change their hiring process to comply with a new ordinance that advocates say will provide more opportunities for formerly incarcerated people.  The ordinance, which the Metro Council narrowly approved in a 7-to-5 vote Wednesday, bars contractors and sub-contractors doing work with the city-parish from asking …

Power Coalition Hosts Legislative Roadshows Throughout the State

For Immediate Release: April 3, 2023 The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice started their annual legislative roadshow on March 28th in New Orleans and March 30th in St. James. This legislative roadshow is aimed at being a space where legislators, advocates, and communities can come together to discuss the upcoming legislative session and the issues and policies that are of …

In Memorium: James Joseph

For Immediate Release: February 27, 2023 “I keep on trying because I think I hear these words echoing in the clouds and bouncing off the mountaintop. I keep the faith because I believe that once again the longed-for tidal wave of justice can rise up and hope and history rhyme. My fondest hope is that you will too. We did it …

HousingLOUISIANA Statement on the Extraordinary Special Session

This week, in an Extraordinary Special Session, the Louisiana Legislature is discussing the authorization of $45 million in funding to entice insurance companies to return to the Louisiana markets. We think that this is a misguided approach that will lead to more harm than good. There are several key problems in this approach: 1. There is no guarantee that stable and reputable …

HCR 14 Disability Voting Task Force to Reconvene

For Immediate Release:  January 23, 2023 BATON ROUGE, LA— Tomorrow, January 24, 2023, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ) will reconvene at 1 p.m. (CST) at the Claiborne Building in the Thomas Jefferson Room with others who are a part of the HCR 14 Disability Voting Task Force. The 13 member group came about after the 2022 Legislative Session …

Free Expungement Event Hosted in Orleans Parish

For Immediate Release: January 10, 2023 NEW ORLEANS, LA— Tomorrow, January 11, 2023, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ) will work with a group of partners to host an expungement event that will be located at 4035 Washington Avenue, Suite 203, in New Orleans, LA. The event will begin at 5 p.m. and is aimed at expunging records for moderate …

Voter Advocacy Organization Prepares for Runoff Election Day

For Immediate Release:  December 10, 2022 NEW ORLEANS, LA— Today, December 10, 2022, is runoff election day and polling locations across the state will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Throughout the day, the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ) will be providing rides to the polls, voter protection services, and other information and support to people …

Televised Debate For Louisiana Public Service Commission District 3 hosted by Alliance for Affordable Energy, HousingLOUISIANA, and Power Coalition for Equity and Justice  

New Orleans, Louisiana | November 28, 2022 – The two candidates in the Runoff Race for Louisiana Public Service Commission District 3, incumbent Lambert Boissiere III, and challenger Davante Lewis, will face off in a televised debate airing on WLAE-TV on Wednesday, November 30th at 8pm. The debate is being hosted by the Alliance for Affordable Energy, HousingLOUISIANA and Power Coalition for …

Louisiana Statewide Election Tuesday, November 8th

For Immediate Release Voters across the state of Louisiana will have the opportunity to cast their vote for important elected positions and amendments this November 8th. The 2022 elections in Louisiana are proving to be extremely crucial this year, with some positions and amendments on the ballot that we may not have a chance to vote on for years to …

Souls to the Polls Mini Grants available for Faith Leaders

For Immediate Release This Election Season the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice is providing Faith Leaders across the state of Louisiana with mini-grants to bring Souls to the Polls. This initiative is a part of PCEJ’s statewide Get Out The Vote (GOTV) strategy that has been in place leading up to the general election and the following run-off. As …

Storm Survivors, 16 Advocacy Orgs Recognize Sandy, Major Storm Anniversaries & Release New Report On Fixing Federal Disaster Recovery System

MEDIA ADVISORYOctober 29, 2022 CONTACTKatie Baker, Petkanas Strategiespress@zpstrategies.com Dozens of Storm Survivors, 16 Grassroots Organizations From New Jersey, Texas, Louisiana, Florida and Puerto Rico Gathered to Mark 10-year Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy and 5-year anniversary of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, 1-year Anniversary of Hurricane Ida  Release New Roadmap With Recommendations For Congress and Federal Government To Improve Broken Federal …

Power Coalition for Equity and Justice Advocating for Early Voting in Caddo Parish

For Immediate Release Shreveport, LA– Today, October 21, 2022, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ), along with partners will celebrate the commencement of a second early voting location in Caddo Parish at the Shreve Memorial Library- Hamilton/South Caddo Branch. This significant moment and location will be marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m.  “This moment is a …

Get Out and Vote Canvassing Efforts Begin to Engage Black Voters Statewide

For Immediate Release New Orleans, LA–  Yesterday,  Monday, September 26, 2022, the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ) started an on the ground canvassing initiative in major cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Alexandria, and Lake Charles. The campaign is part of a statewide Get Out and Vote (GOTV) strategy currently underway ahead of the November 8, 2022 …

Power Coalition for Equity and Justice Works to Increase Black Voter Engagement

For Immediate Release Shreveport, LA– The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ) is gearing up for the November 8, 2022 Primary Congressional election with a number of events aimed at engaging and registering voters throughout north Louisiana. In 2019, Black voters in Caddo Parish used only 35% of Black voter potential. PCEJ’s data shows while there are over 100,000 …

Statement from Power Coalition CEO Ashley Shelton on Amicus Brief Release

For Immediate Release: Saturday, July 19, 2022 Baton Rouge, LA–  CEO and founder of Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ), Ashley Shelton, released the following statement with the amicus brief filing in support of the plaintiffs in the Robinson v. Ardoin case: “Paul Weiss and Southern Coalition for Social Justice submitted an amicus brief on behalf of Power Coalition …

PCEJ Celebrates Judicial Court Ruling that Declares EBR School Board Plan 22 Null and Void 

For Immediate Release: Saturday, June 18, 2022 Baton Rouge, LA–  Yesterday, June 17, 2022, a decision from the 19th Judicial District Court determined the previously ratified nine member plan, SB 22, voted on by the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board (EBRPSB) during the Redistricting Special Meeting to be in violation of Louisiana law. Based on a ruling made by …

Statement from Power Coalition CEO Ashley Shelton on the Special Session 

***PRESS STATEMENT*** For Immediate Release: Wednesday, June 15, 2022 Baton Rouge, LA–  CEO and founder of Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ), Ashley Shelton, released the following statement ahead of the Redistricting Special Session scheduled Today, June 15, 2022: “This moment is an important one for the people of Louisiana. They have been standing up and speaking throughout this …

Federal Court Rules in Favor of Plaintiffs to Block Enacted Congressional Map 

Federal Court Rules in Favor of Plaintiffs to Block Enacted Congressional Map  For Immediate Release: June 6, 2022 Baton Rouge, LA–  On Monday, June 6, 2022, a decision was made in favor of Black voters to block Louisiana’s enacted congressional map in Robinson v. Ardoin, the case challenging Louisiana’s congressional map in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights …

Power Coalition to put equity and justice at the front of the State Capitol

Baton Rouge, LA– On Thursday, April 21, 2022, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ) will host a Lobby Day and Press Conference at the Louisiana State Capitol. The event will start at 9 a.m. on the steps of the capitol as an opportunity for the community to come out to hold elected officials accountable to their respective communities and …

Louisiana Legislature Overturns Governor’s Veto of Map Lacking a Second Majority-Black Congressional District; Civil Rights Groups File Suit Under Voting Rights Act

March 30, 2022 – Today, the Louisiana legislature voted to overturn Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto of the Congressional map passed earlier this year, which failed to add a second majority-Black district. In response, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), ACLU of Louisiana, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP filed a  …

Power Coalition for Equity and Justice Press Conference Webinar

For Immediate Release: March 18, 2022  New Orleans, LA– On Monday, March 21, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. (CST), Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ) will host a Press Conference Webinar releasing the 2021 Annual Report: Power Building Activate. The conference will open with comments from PCEJ founder and CEO, Ashley Shelton. PCEJ partners will discuss highlights from the year-in-review. …

Civil Rights Groups File Federal Lawsuit Challenging Louisiana Congressional Map

For Immediate Release: March 15, 2022  Today, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), ACLU of Louisiana, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP filed a federal lawsuit challenging Louisiana’s congressional map. Filed on behalf of the Louisiana State Conference of the NAACP, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, and individuals Dorothy …

Governor Vetoes Proposed Congressional Maps

For Immediate Release: March 11, 2022  Baton Rouge, LA– Wednesday evening, Governor John Bel Edwards announced the decision to veto the congressional redistricting map drawn by the Louisiana Legislature. Gov. Edwards stated the map did not add a second majority-minority district and did not meet federal law compliance requirements.  “I thank Governor Edwards for listening and taking a stand with …

Legislative Redistricting Roadshow Comes to Lake Charles On Wednesday, December 15, 2021

For Immediate Release: December 14, 2021  Lake Charles, LA– On Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at the Tritico Theater at McNeese State University, legislators will continue the Redistricting Roadshow at 5:30 P.M. CST. This is the final stop on the roadshow in 2021. This is an opportunity for legislators to hear comments and testimony from the public about the redistricting process.   …

Power Coalition Makes Redistricting Grants to Encourage Equitable Redistricting Process

Power Coalition Makes Redistricting Grants to Encourage Equitable Redistricting Process For Immediate Release: December 6, 2021  New Orleans, LA– Power Coalition for Equity and Justice is providing mini-grants to support small nonprofit organizations, churches, social clubs, and neighborhood groups across the state organizing their communities around the redistricting process. The grants support hosting community listening sessions, town halls, text and …

Louisiana Statewide Election Saturday, November 13

For Immediate Release: November 12, 2021  Voters across the state can cast their ballot for Constitutional Amendments and local races on Saturday, November 13 from 7:00am-8:00pm.  Baton Rouge, LA– Every voter in the state has the opportunity to cast their vote during the election on Saturday, November 13. The ballot has 4 statewide Constitutional Amendments and many parishes and towns …

Legislative Redistricting Roadshow Comes to Alexandria On Tuesday, November 9, 2021

For Immediate Release: November 9, 2021  Alexandria, LA– On Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at the LSU Alexandria Ballroom, legislators will continue the Redistricting Roadshow at 5:30 P.M. CST. This is the 4th stop on the roadshow where legislators hear comments and testimony from the public about the redistricting process.   Political Redistricting happens every 10 years after the census and is …

Louisiana Postpones Statewide Elections

For Immediate Release: September 8, 2021  Baton Rouge, LA– On September 8, ten days after Hurricane Ida made landfall, Governor John Bel Edwards approved Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s emergency election plan, pushing the fall elections back by a month. The primary election will now be Saturday, November 13 and the runoff election will take place on Saturday, December 11.  …

Power Coalition Continues Canvassing for COVID-19 Vaccinations in Communities with Low Vaccination Rates

For Immediate Release: July 19, 2021  Shreveport, LA –Louisiana’s vaccination is still lagging behind other states in the nation. Despite a slow start, people continue to get vaccinated due to increased understanding of the vaccine in communities, increased access to the vaccine, and now a shot at a million dollars.  Power Coalition, the Louisiana Department of Health, and other partners …

Governor Edwards Signs Two Democracy Expanding Bills Into Law

For Immediate Release: July 15, 2021  New Orleans, LA–Since April 2021, Power Coalition has been a part of the Bring Back Louisiana campaign to get more Louisiana residents vaccinated. Baton Rouge, LA–Yesterday, voting rights advocates joined Governor Edwards to sign two new democracy expanding laws into effect.  Act 365 extends early voting for Presidential elections in Louisiana, increasing the early …

Power Coalition Canvasses Communities to Get Out the Vaccine

For Immediate Release: July 12, 2021  New Orleans, LA–Since April 2021, Power Coalition has been a part of the Bring Back Louisiana campaign to get more Louisiana residents vaccinated. The Louisiana vaccination rate is one of the lowest in the nation at just over 35%. We lag behind other states in vaccination rates for a number of reasons but Power …

Power Coalition and SCSJ Train 3 Redistricting Fellows

Power Coalition and SCSJ Train 3 Redistricting Fellows  Power Coalition and Southern Coalition for Social Justice train three redistricting fellows with the goal of engaging and educating communities around Louisiana about equitable redistricting.  New Orleans, LA– As the nation gears up for political redistricting, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, in partnership with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, is …

Power Coalition and YWCA Greater Baton Rouge Partner on Juneteenth Bail Out

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, June 18 Power Coalition for Equity and Justice and YWCA Greater Baton Rouge pay bail for people awaiting trial in the East Baton Rouge jail in celebration of Juneteenth.  Baton Rouge, LA– Power Coalition for Equity and Justice and the YWCA Greater Baton Rouge are partnering for the annual Juneteenth Freedom Bailout. Juneteenth, also referred to …

Juneteenth Weekend Events

For Immediate Release: Thursday, June 17 Power Coalition and partners across Louisiana are hosting events and engaging in work in celebration of Juneteenth.  Power Coalition and YWCA Greater Baton Rouge will be hosting their second annual Juneteenth Bailout on Sunday, June 20 at the Eastern Baton Rouge Jail. They will be posting bail for people currently being held awaiting trial.  …

Democracy Expanding Bills Become Law

For Immediate Release: June 16 Power Coalition and partners help to pass democracy expanding bills in Louisiana.  Baton Rouge, LA– While states across the country pass voter suppression bills and limit access to the ballot box, Louisiana passed 3 important democracy expanding pieces of legislation this session. Louisiana had one of the most stringent voting booth time limits in the …

Prominent Southern University Alumni Release New Book: The HBCU Experience: Southern University System Edition

For immediate release– June 9, 2021 Prominent Southern University Alumni Release New Book: The HBCU Experience: Southern University System Edition Baton Rouge, LA– A new best selling book: The HBCU Experience: Southern University System Edition, features stories from prominent Southern University Alumni who are doing amazing things in their careers, businesses, and communities nationally and internationally. Visionary Author Dr. Ashley …

House Bill 286 to Extend Early Voting Passes Senate and Headed to Governor’s Desk

House Bill 286 to Extend Early Voting Passes Senate and Headed to Governor’s Desk Baton Rouge, LA– HB 286 to extend early voting for presidential elections passed the Louisiana Senate unanimously and is now headed to the Governor’s desk. The bill, sponsored by Representative Fred Jones out of Monroe, extends in-person early voting for presidential elections. Under this new law, …

Power Coalition and Partners Hosting COVID-19 Vaccination Events to “Bring Back Louisiana”

For immediate release- April 27, 2021 Power Coalition and Partners Hosting COVID-19 Vaccination Events to “Bring Back Louisiana” New Orleans, LA– Power Coalition has joined forces with the Department of Health, Louisiana Public Health Institute, and other partners to vaccinate our communities.  The Power Coalition has deep roots in communities across the state and is a trusted voice to increase …

“Time” Oscar Watch Party and Celebration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE– April 23, 2021 “Time” Oscar Watch Party and Celebration New Orleans, LA– Criminal Justice reform advocates will be hosting an Oscar Watch Party and Celebration for the Oscar nominated documentary “Time”. This documentary, filmed over 2 decades, shares the story of matriarch Fox Rich as she fights for her husband Robert’s release from Angola while raising their …

Political Redistricting Shapes Local and Federal Elections

**PRESS RELEASE** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- April 20, 2021 Political Redistricting Shapes Local and Federal Elections New Orleans, LA– On March 20, Louisiana had special elections for 2 Congressional House seats. Congressional Districts 2 and 5 turned out to vote, some people for the 3rd time since the November election. Power Coalition and partners activated our command center that includes an …

Marijuana Decriminalization Bill passes in Shreveport

**PRESS RELEASE** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- March 24, 2021 Marijuana Decriminalization Bill passes in Shreveport SHREVEPORT, LA On Tuesday, March 23rd, the Shreveport City Council voted 5-2 in favor of an ordinance which would decriminalize possession of less than 14 grams (half an ounce) of marijuana for residents 18 years of age or older. The proposal came about as a result …

Power Coalition and Partners Host Congressional House District 2 Candidate Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-February 10, 2021 Power Coalition and Partners Host Congressional House District 2 Candidate Forum To help the public prepare for the March 20 special elections, the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice and our partners will be hosting virtual candidate forums. The Congressional House District 2 Candidate Forum will take place virtually tomorrow, Thursday, February 11, at 6:30 …

Artists & Advocates Join Forces to Call for an Equitable and Just City Budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-December 3, 2020 Artists & Advocates Join Forces to Call for an Equitable and Just City Budget Election Day Power and Praise Giveaway   The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ) and our partners will be joining forces to give out care boxes with food, masks, hygiene products, and voter education materials.  BATON ROUGE, LA | December 3, …

Artists & Advocates Join Forces to Call for an Equitable and Just City Budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–November 16, 2020 Artists & Advocates Join Forces to Call for an Equitable and Just City Budget   As the New Orleans City Council winds down its hearings on the 2021 city budget, artists and advocates will join forces for an event at Ashè Cultural Center on Tuesday, November 17, from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m., to demand that Mayor …

Power Coalition & Partners to Provide Rides to the Polls & Voter Protection on Election Day

Power Coalition & Partners to Provide Rides to the Polls & Voter Protection on Election Day    The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ) and our partners will be joining forces to protect voters and provide rides to the polls all Election Day long. Louisiana voters can visit powercoalition.org to find their polling place, sample ballot, a ride to the …

Power Coalition Executive Director Ashley Shelton to Join Webinar to Launch “Portrait of Louisiana 2020” Report on Thurs., Oct. 29

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–October 28, 2020 Power Coalition Executive Director Ashley Shelton to Join Webinar to Launch “Portrait of Louisiana 2020” Report on Thurs., Oct. 29   A new report from Measure of America, “A Portrait of Louisiana 2020,” shows that the pandemic could significantly worsen statewide disparities in well-being, with the analysis broken down by race, place, and gender to show …

Voters Overcome Long Lines in West Jefferson Parish

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–October 23, 2020 The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, Voice of the Experienced (VOTE) & others to host 10 early voting events statewide to celebrate Early Voting Day, Saturday, Oct. 24.  The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, Voice of the Experienced (VOTE) & others to host 10 early voting events statewide to celebrate Early Voting Day, …

Voters Overcome Long Lines in West Jefferson Parish

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–October 17, 2020 Voters Overcome Long Lines in West Jefferson Parish   Concerns about polling locations not being able to handle a rush of voters were unfortunately borne out on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish, as voters have been forced to wait in line for hours to vote at the Charles Odom Building in Marrero. NEW ORLEANS, LA …

Every Day of Early Voting is Election Day!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–October 16, 2020 Every Day of Early Voting is Election Day!   Early voting opens in Louisiana today, Friday, October 16, and runs through Tuesday, October 27 (except on Sundays). Polls are open from 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice and our partners want to make sure that every day of Early Voting …

Workers to Rally on Capitol Steps Monday Morning Before House Labor Committee Hearing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–October 11, 2020 Workers to Rally on Capitol Steps Monday Morning Before House Labor Committee Hearing   Louisiana’s workers are hurting, and tomorrow, Monday, October 12, they will head to the Capitol to make their case to the state legislature that they need more support during these difficult times. Unemployed workers, labor unions, and advocates will hold a rally …

Federal Judge Rules that Louisiana Must Expand Early Voting, Vote-By-Mail Options

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–September 17, 2020 Federal Judge Rules that Louisiana Must Expand Early Voting, Vote-By-Mail Options   In a decision handed down on Wednesday, Federal District Court Judge Shelly Dick ruled that Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin must extend early voting and expand vote-by-mail options for the state’s November and December elections. NEW ORLEANS, LA | September 17, 2020—On Wednesday, September …

Power Coalition Hosts Census Week, Voting Mass Meeting & Redistricting Academies Amid Voting Lawsuit Hearings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–September 14, 2020 Power Coalition Hosts Census Week, Voting Mass Meeting & Redistricting Academies Amid Voting Lawsuit Hearings   While a federal judge was holding hearings last week on our lawsuit over Louisiana’s November and December election plan, the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice continued to fight for people power outside the courtroom as well. We spent the …

Federal Judge to Hear Louisiana Election Lawsuit on Tuesday & Wednesday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–September 4, 2020 Federal Judge to Hear Louisiana Election Lawsuit on Tuesday & Wednesday   The plaintiffs (who include the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice) in the lawsuit over Louisiana’s election rules for November and December will present their case on Tuesday, September 8, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., followed by the defendants on Wednesday during those …

Hurricane Laura Victims Are Suffering in Silence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–September 3, 2020 Hurricane Laura Victims Are Suffering in Silence   Hurricane Laura was yet another blow to a state that was already suffering from a cascading set of disasters. Now, it appears the immense damage caused by the storm, and the recovery and relief efforts that are needed, have almost entirely disappeared from the public consciousness outside of …

Federal Court to Hold Status Hearing on Lawsuit Challenging Louisiana’s Election Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–August 25, 2020 Federal Court to Hold Status Hearing on Lawsuit Challenging Louisiana’s Election Plan   Tomorrow, Wednesday, August 26, Judge Shelly Dick will preside over a status hearing on the lawsuit challenging Louisiana’s emergency election plans (or lack thereof). This is the next major step in the legal process that will likely determine the state’s election rules for …

With State Government at an Impasse Over Election Plan, Lawsuit Likely to Decide Issue

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–August 4, 2020 With State Government at an Impasse Over Election Plan, Lawsuit Likely to Decide Issue   Yesterday, Gov. Edwards made it clear that he will not sign the current version of Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s Emergency Election Plan, which will still be heard in front of the House & Governmental Affairs committee this morning. Deadlock over …

Census Deadline is Cut Short; But Why?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–August 4, 2020 Louisiana Unemployed Power Coalition for Equity and Justice Joins NAACP Election Lawsuit  This week, the Trump Administration announced its plan to cut the 2020 Census deadline short by one month, moving it from October 31 to September 30. Critics argue that the move is intended to disenfranchise poor communities and communities of color.   NEW ORLEANS, …

Power Coalition for Equity and Justice Joins NAACP Election Lawsuit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–August 4, 2020 Louisiana Unemployed Power Coalition for Equity and Justice Joins NAACP Election Lawsuit  Yesterday, Monday, August 3, the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund and Covington and Burling, LLP filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, the Louisiana State Conference of the NAACP, and three individual voters challenging Louisiana’s …

Louisiana Unemployed Workers to Visit Regional Offices of Sens. Cassidy & Kennedy to Demand Continuation of $600 Unemployment Benefit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–July 29, 2020 Louisiana Unemployed Workers to Visit Regional Offices of Sens. Cassidy & Kennedy to Demand Continuation of $600 Unemployment Benefit Tomorrow, Thursday, July 30, unemployed workers across Louisiana will visit the regional offices of Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy to demand that they support extending the $600 unemployment benefits that have kept our people, our …

Advocates Reach Out to Sec. of State Ardoin About Emergency Election Plan for the Fall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–July 28, 2020 Advocates Reach Out to Sec. of State Ardoin About Emergency Election Plan for the Fall Earlier today, more than 25 Louisiana advocacy organizations joined a letter that was sent to Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin asking for an Emergency Election Plan for the fall elections, and offering suggestions about what needs to be included in …

First grants awarded; second round application process underway

The Southern Poverty Law Center today announced the first 12 organizations to receive grants from its Vote Your Voice initiative – a program investing up to $30 million in organizations across the Deep South working to conduct voter registration, education and mobilization activities among people of color over the next several election cycles. The initiative is focused on increasing the number of …

Louisiana Mayors to Discuss Federal Aid for Local Governments During Tele-Town Hall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–July 21, 2020 Louisiana Mayors to Discuss Federal Aid for Local Governments During Tele-Town Hall Tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22, at 5:00 p.m., the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice and the Louisiana Budget Project will co-host a tele-town hall with three Louisiana mayors–Shreveport Mayor Adrien Perkins, East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, and New Roads Mayor Cornell …

Power Coalition’s July 11 Louisiana Election Report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–July 15, 2020 Power Coalition’s July 11 Louisiana Election Report Louisiana’s twice-delayed Presidential Primary elections, which finally took place this past Saturday, July 11, were a test of how well the state can conduct elections during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicate we have a lot of work to do. NEW ORLEANS, LA | July 15, 2020—The Presidential …

Turn Up Tuesdays to Confront Barriers to the Ballot Ahead of Primaries in Alabama and Louisiana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEKiren Marshall, The Leadership Conference, marshall@civilrights.orgPhoebe Plagens, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. 212.965.2235, pplagens@naacpldf.org WASHINGTON –  The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and All Voting is Local, with its joint And Still I Vote℠ campaign, along with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc, will hold a Facebook Live event on Tuesday, July 7, at 5:30 p.m. …

Louisiana House Unanimously Passes House Resolution 46

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–July 1, 2020 Louisiana House Unanimously Passes House Resolution 46 The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice teamed up with Step Up Louisiana, the Louisiana Budget Project, and State Rep. Ted James to help pass House Resolution 46. NEW ORLEANS, LA | July 1, 2020—On Monday, June 29, the Louisiana legislature passed House Resolution 46, by Rep. Ted …

Power Coalition Announces Three Staff Additions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–June 30, 2020 Power Coalition Announces Three Staff Additions During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice has managed to expand our work. The key to building on our statewide civic engagement, community organizing, and policy advocacy has been the additions of three new staff members whose knowledge and skills have helped us reach new …

Looking Back on a Powerful Juneteenth Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–June 26, 2020 Looking Back on a Powerful Juneteenth Week The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice and our partners celebrated Juneteenth by fighting for racial justice in a weeklong series of events and actions. NEW ORLEANS, LA | June 26, 2020—Juneteenth couldn’t have come at a better time this year. It gave us an opportunity to add …

Dynisha Hugle Becomes First Black Woman in National Network to Lead Statewide Data Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–June 23, 2020 Dynisha Hugle Becomes First Black Woman in National Network to Lead Statewide Data Department The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice is proud to announce the promotion of Dynisha Hugle to Statewide Data & Targeting Director. At just 25 years old, Ms. Hugle will become the first Black woman to run a statewide data department …

Celebrating Juneteenth: Looking Back and Looking Forward

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–June 19, 2020 Celebrating Juneteenth: Looking Back and Looking Forward Today, Friday, June 19, is officially Juneteenth–the holiday where we celebrate when the last African-Americans were emancipated, in Texas, on June 19, 1865. All week, the Power Coalition and our partners have been creating space for community and fighting for modern-day liberation, and we will continue to do …

“I Am A Man”: Power Coalition Supports Striking Sanitation Workers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–June 17, 2020 “I Am A Man”: Power Coalition Supports Striking Sanitation Workers Today, Wednesday, June 17, the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice will continue our Juneteenth Week of Action with a day of support for striking New Orleans sanitation workers. NEW ORLEANS, LA | June 17, 2020—The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ–http://powercoalition.org) will continue …

Power Coalition to Kick-Off Juneteenth Week with Interfaith Healing & Day of Action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–June 15, 2020 Power Coalition to Kick-Off Juneteenth Week with Interfaith Healing & Day of Action Today, at 12:00 p.m., the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice will be hosting an Interfaith Day of Healing & Action to kick off our “Journey to Equity and Justice” week of Juneteenth events. Leaders from several different faith traditions will be …

Celebrate Juneteenth Week with the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–June 12, 2020 Celebrate Juneteenth Week with the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice As part of the Power Coalition’s “Journey to Equity and Justice,” we will celebrate the Juneteenth holiday (June 19) with a series of events from Monday, June 15 – Saturday, June 20. NEW ORLEANS, LA | June 12, 2020—On June 19, 1865, the Governor …

Power Coalition for Equity and Justice Calls for Reflection, Action & Systemic Change

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–June 3, 2020 Power Coalition for Equity and Justice Calls for Reflection, Action & Systemic Change Now is the time for us to ask each other and ourselves difficult questions, and to explore the answers to those questions honestly. But we also have to turn those reflections into action to change the systems that have marginalized people for …

LDF Files Federal Lawsuit Challenging Louisiana Voting Requirements That Put Voters at Risk Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–May 7, 2020 LDF Files Federal Lawsuit Challenging Louisiana Voting Requirements That Put Voters at Risk Amid COVID-19 Pandemic Today, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) and the firm Covington & Burling, LLP filed a federal lawsuit challenging voting requirements imposed by the State of Louisiana, including restrictions on the use of absentee mail-in ballots, …

Councilmember Brossett and Colleagues Adopt Resolution to Suspend of Residential Evictions During COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–May 7, 2020 Councilmember Brossett and Colleagues Adopt Resolution to Suspend of Residential Evictions During COVID-19 NEW ORLEANS – The Council adopted Resolution R-20-110 by District “D” Councilmember Jared Brossett urging New Orleans First and Second City Court officials to suspend residential evictions until August 24, 2020, the deadline established in the federal CARES Act. The many changes …

Advocates Object to Legislature’s Timing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–May 2, 2020 Advocates Object to Legislature’s Timing  In a letter to Senate President Cortez and House Speaker Schexnayder, more than 20 advocacy organizations object to the timing of the state legislature re-convening. NEW ORLEANS, LA | May 2, 2020—The COVID pandemic, and its resulting loss of life and livelihood, has hit Louisiana hard. The state legislature knows …

Louisiana Legislature to Consider New Emergency Election Plan This Morning

Voting Officials Checking Ballots by Jason Redmond

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–April 22, 2020 Louisiana Legislature to Consider New Emergency Election Plan This Morning After failing to approve Secretary of State Kye Ardoin’s emergency election plan last week, the Senate and the House & Governmental Affairs Committees are set to consider a new version this morning. NEW ORLEANS, LA | April 22, 2020—After getting his initial emergency election plan …

Senate Committee Kills Emergency Election Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–April 16, 2020 Senate Committee Kills Emergency Election Plan Yesterday, the Senate & Governmental Affairs Committee deferred on voting on the Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s emergency election plan, potentially putting voters’ health and lives at risk during the upcoming presidential primary and municipal elections NEW ORLEANS, LA | April 16, 2020—Yesterday, Wednesday, April 15, the Senate & …

Louisiana Advocacy Groups to Monitor Secretary of State’s Emergency Election Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–April 14, 2020 Louisiana Advocacy Groups to Monitor Secretary of State’s Emergency Election Plan More than two dozen Louisiana advocacy organizations plan to protect democracy by fighting for the elections and voting measures they outlined in a recently released list of comprehensive policy demands and ideas for an equitable COVID-19 response and recovery. NEW ORLEANS, LA | April …

Advocacy Groups Release Comprehensive Roadmap to an Equitable COVID-19 Response and Recovery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–​April 13, 2020 Advocacy Groups Release Comprehensive Roadmap to an Equitable COVID-19 Response and Recovery Louisiana advocacy organizations and nonprofits release comprehensive list of policy demands and ideas to help guide Gov. Edwards, state legislators, local officials, and other public and private stakeholders to develop a racially and economically equitable COVID-19 response and recovery. NEW ORLEANS, LA | …

DOZENS OF CIVIL RIGHTS GROUPS DEMAND CORONAVIRUS PRECAUTIONS FOR PEOPLE IN STATE PRISONS, JAILS AND FEDERAL DETENTION IN THE DEEP SOUTH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–March 17, 2020 DOZENS OF CIVIL RIGHTS GROUPS DEMAND CORONAVIRUS PRECAUTIONS FOR PEOPLE IN STATE PRISONS, JAILS AND FEDERAL DETENTION IN THE DEEP SOUTH Montgomery, Alabama — With the coronavirus spreading quickly across the country, dozens of civil rights groups including the Southern Poverty Law Center, (SPLC) are demanding that the federal government and Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida officials ensure that …

Power Coalition for Equity and Justice Informs Louisiana’s Communities About Local Resources During Outbreak

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–​March 17 2020 Power Coalition for Equity and Justice Informs Louisiana’s Communities About Local Resources During Outbreak The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice has turned our website–powercoalition.org–into an emergency resources page for communities across Louisiana. We will update it as new information becomes available. NEW ORLEANS, LA | March 16, 2020—The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice …

DOZENS OF CIVIL RIGHTS GROUPS DEMAND CORONAVIRUS PRECAUTIONS FOR PEOPLE IN STATE PRISONS, JAILS AND FEDERAL DETENTION IN THE DEEP SOUTH

Montgomery, Alabama — With the coronavirus spreading quickly across the country, dozens of civil rights groups including the Southern Poverty Law Center, (SPLC) are demanding that the federal government and Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida officials ensure that the health and safety of people in jails,  prisons and immigrant detention centers in the Deep South are being protected from the virus, and release those people …

Dozens of Civil Rights Groups Demand Coronavirus Precautions For People in State Prisons, Jails and Federal Detention in the Deep South

Montgomery, Alabama — With the coronavirus spreading quickly across the country, dozens of civil rights groups including the Southern Poverty Law Center, (SPLC) are demanding that the federal government and Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida officials ensure that the health and safety of people in jails,  prisons and immigrant detention centers in the Deep South are being protected from the virus, and release those people …