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 registered Black voters in Caddo Parish, only 35,000 turned out to vote. A series of things impacted voter turnout during 2019, including rising rates of COVID. With more of the population vaccinated and lower rates of COVID cases, Power Coalition plans to continue tackling voter engagement in Black and brown communities through in-person candidate forums, listening sessions, and voter registration opportunities.
“Every election gains more importance as we work to move Shreveport forward. In this election, citizens of Louisiana have the opportunity to amend the Louisiana Constitution and say that slavery and involuntary servitude are prohibited. Ballot measures like this are prime examples why every citizen must vote in every election and understand its importance” said Billy Anderson Jr., North Louisiana Organizer for the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice.
PCEJ believes those closest to the problem are closest to the solution. The non-profit organization works in coalition to continuously give voice to those communities. We are kicking off this Get Out and Vote Season with listening sessions that will allow the concerns of the people to be brought forward. The sessions will highlight community needs and ask the question of what future the people would like to see. The four listening sessions will be across the Shreveport area in the evenings at various libraries. All are invited to attend.
Voter education is an important component of building power. In partnership with the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Louisiana Makerspace, and The National Pan-Hellenic Council District 4, PCEJ will host three candidate forums throughout September. These forums will focus on learning more about the Mayoral candidates, Caddo Parish School Board candidates, and Shreveport City Councilmember candidates. These in-person forums are open to the public and will be held at 624 Commerce Street.
Contact Information:
Billy Anderson, North Louisiana Organizer
Email: banderson@powercoalition.org
Phone: (318) 990-9617
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Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ) is dedicated to supporting and coordinating civic and voter engagement across Louisiana. We are guided by values of justice and racial equity and work with our partners to build an integrated civic engagement strategy that amplifies the voices of those who have historically been ignored, and organize them into a unified movement. PCEJ focuses on building power in traditionally marginalized communities, particularly Black and Brown communities, by equipping people with the knowledge and information they need to find their voice and learn where and when to use it.