The U.S. wasn't a true democracy until the Voting Rights Act passed in 1965. 60 years later, those protections are under attack again. Maria Perez on Louisiana v. Callais, racial gerrymandering, and what comes next.
Decisions about education, healthcare, housing, and safety are shaped by democratic systems.
If you’re not participating, decisions are still being made. Just without you.
Find out how to make your voice heard by visiting: www.wearedemocracyrising.org/
For many communities of color, democracy has meant fighting to be included and using collective action to demand change. We see this today in efforts to protect voting access:
👉 Fighting strict voter ID laws
👉Reducing long wait times at polls
👉Expanding early voting
Democracy changes over time. Laws, policies, and participation evolve in response to social movements, public pressure, and changing ideas about equality.
The 15th Amendment.
The19th Amendment.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Even today, barriers to participation remain.
In a democracy, people participate by:
✅ Voting in elections
✅ Expressing opinions freely
✅ Organizing for change
✅ Holding leaders accountable
Democracy 101: people having a say in the decisions that shape everyday life.
Laws.Policies. Leadership.
But access, resources, and representation affect how much voice people actually have.
From enhancing democracy to uplifting women leaders, we're building an intersectional democracy where everyone can thrive. Stay connected with the women, movements, and moments making it happen. 🔗 wearedemocracyrising.org
Since 2020, #DemocracyRising has worked alongside leaders across the country to strengthen democracy through trust, collaboration, and collective action.
We are Democracy Rising, and we’ve been building.
Founded by Maria Perez & Grace Ramsey, our journey began with a shared fight for fair elections, helping to bring ranked choice voting to Santa Fe. 🔗 wearedemocracyrising.org
"Black women have led in protecting democracy." Maria Perez & Muthoni Wambu Kraal ask: Trump Is In. What's Next for Black, Brown & Indigenous Women? in this
@blackpressusa.bsky.social op-ed. When democracy dies in darkness, women of color lead the good fight.
#BlackHistoryMonth #Democracy
“It’s up to us. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.” Women of color persist & resist. Maria Perez & Muthoni Wambu Kraal join @makeitplain.bsky.social for a lively talk on how women of color can build an inclusive democracy. #BlackHistoryMonth #Democracy #MakeItPlain #SocialJustice #92percent