“WE WILL NOT BE ERASED!” 

WASHINGTON, D.C./ATLANTA, GA (Thursday, November 5, 2026) — Following Tuesday night’s Mid-Term Election results, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) and Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR) lifted up Black women’s leadership and historic impact Black voters had on shifting power and ushering in a diverse, multi-racial generation of political leadership in the South and across the nation—including electing the first Black woman governor in Georgia and the first Black woman governor in the Virgin Islands; two Black men being elected governors in Florida and Wisconsin; electing the first native American woman governor of New Mexico; the first Latino woman elected as governor of Texas; the changing the balance of power in both chambers of the Congress; and shifting power in other state-wide races, state legislatures and more.

The NCBCP also hosted a successful Unity “Ronald W. Walters” National Election Day Command Center in Atlanta and Washington DC to monitor Black voter turnout, voter suppression and challenges to democracy; and closed out a Unity Black Women’s Roundtable Power of the Sister Vote GOTV & Democracy Defense Tour it organized, in coalition with over 40 national and state-based organizations in nine states—that helped drive record black voter turnout, especially amongst Black women and youth, including in AL, FL, GA, MI, MS, NC, SC, OH and PA. (see www.unitycampaign.org)

Melanie L. Campbell, NCBCP President and CEO and Convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable, issued the following statement:

“On November 3rd, the country sent a resounding message at the ballot box that they will not be governed by an authoritarian state, they want elected officials to serve ‘we the people’ and reject hate, corruption and the unrelenting attacks on our rights, freedoms and democracy. Voters affirmed that they want their government (federal, state and local) to put their needs first —one focused on reducing the cost of living, affordable health care, protecting rights, safety and equality.

“The overwhelming turnout and organizing could not have happened without the deep work, leadership and vision of Black organizers who have been sounding the alarm for decades about the need for investment in our communities, especially in the South. They have shown what it takes to fight back against partisan gerrymandering, direct attacks on the Voting Rights Act, the erasure of our history, assaults on diversity, equity and inclusion, and attacks on our bodily autonomy.

“The powers that be thought they could redraw the lines, dilute our voices and gerrymander their way out of accountability. But Black voters had a different plan. We refused to be intimidated. We organized, we voted early, we brought our neighbors to the polls and we protected one another’s right to participate. Black voters made a difference—and our leadership must be recognized in the telling of this election.

“These results did not happen overnight. They grew out of years of organizing in neighborhoods, churches, union halls and college campuses. Black organizers knocked on doors, answered questions, helped neighbors navigate voting barriers and made sure fear and confusion did not have the final word. When our communities faced obstacles, we worked harder to overcome them.

“Black women’s leadership is at the heart of that work. We built intergenerational coalitions, mobilized our families and communities, and helped build the voting rights, voter protection and democracy defense infrastructure that these times demand. Black women’s leadership was key to shifting power to save the democracy from peril and ushering in a diverse and historic new generation of political leadership.

“The lesson is clear: invest in the South, Black women, youth; and Black-led organizations rooted in our communities. Support the people who build trust and keep showing up between elections. Their work helped create this moment, and sustained investment will help turn this moment into lasting progress.

“The historic breakthroughs in Black leadership belong to the communities that made them possible. Representation carries a responsibility to deliver. Every elected official, regardless of party, must answer to people struggling to afford housing and health care, parents worried about their children, and families afraid for their immigrant neighbors.

“This is the beginning, not the end. We will protect every valid ballot, remain vigilant through counting and certification, and hold those elected accountable. We must keep organizing to create the country we want—one where our rights are protected, our families can thrive and every person is treated with dignity. Our communities showed up. Those entrusted with public office must show up for us.”

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Melanie L. Campbell is available for interviews on Black voter participation, Black women’s leadership, election protection, democracy and the work ahead.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL COALITION ON BLACK CIVIC PARTICIPATION

The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that, for 50 years, has been dedicated to increasing civic engagement and political participation in Black communities. Through its national network of organizations and grassroots partners, NCBCP works to strengthen civic leadership, promote voter participation and advance policies that support equity and opportunity.

ABOUT BLACK WOMEN’S ROUNDTABLE

The Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR) is the women and girls’ empowerment arm of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation. BWR brings together Black women leaders and organizations to advance civic engagement, economic security, leadership development and public policy priorities impacting Black women, girls and their families.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 11, 2026) — From July 3 to July 5, New Orleans, LA was THE place to celebrate Black women & culture that took place at the 31st Annual Essence Festival of Culture in the Big Easy!

The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) and our Black Women's Roundtable (BWR) joined the festival to celebrate Black women across generations, Black culture, leverage Black economic power, strategize and organize in the fight to protect our rights, freedoms and democracy! 

To get the celebration started, NCBCP hosted its 12th Annual BWR Women of Power Gathering & Jazz Brunch, in partnership with the Louisiana BWR, Black Voters Matter, Power Rising, NCNW, SEIU, and Win With Black Women at a Black-owned business, Chapter IV Restaurant on Friday, July 3rd!

Melanie L. Campbell, President & CEO, NCBCP and National Convener, BWR, shared “This year we were very intentional about making sure to leverage our black dollars by hosting our BWR Gathering in a Black-owned business, especially in light of the fact that there has been an all out assault against Black economic opportunities by the current federal government and that has adversely affected Black business opportunities in Louisiana and across the country.”

President Campbell also joined the Mississippi BWR and MS Voice to speak at their One Voice activation to celebrate Black women leaders from Mississippi!

Campbell finished off Friday’s hectic schedule serving on a panel at the Freedom Summer Justice Revival, hosted by the Rock of Ages Baptist Church and powered by Live Free USA---lifting up a powerful message: Prayer is Practice. Revival is Resistance.”

On Saturday, July 4th, during the Essence Festival's Global Black Economic Forum, held at the Ernest Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, President Campbell joined fellow leaders for an important discussion on the role Black institutions play in advancing civic engagement, protecting hard-fought rights, and expanding participation in our democracy. She was joined by Damon Hewitt, President & Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law, and Regina Wallace-Jones, CEO of ActBlue. The conversation, moderated by Monique Pressley, TV analyst and radio host of the Monique Pressley Show, highlighted the importance of collective action, community leadership, and building lasting power for future generations.