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Why Marriage Matters to African Americans
"The NAACP's mission is to help create a society where all Americans have equal protection and opportunity under the law. Our Mission Statement calls for the ‘equality of rights of all persons.’ Prop. 8 strips same-sex couples of a fundamental freedom, as defined by the California State Supreme Court. In so doing, it poses a serious threat to all Americans. Prop. 8 is a discriminatory, unprecedented change to the California Constitution that, if allowed to stand, would undermine the very purpose of a constitution and courts-assuring equal protection and opportunity for all and safeguarding minorities from the tyranny of the majority."
Use the links below to learn more about why marriage matters to African Americans
The Basics:
Your Toolbox:
To Deepen Your Knowledge:
Michael & Xavier
Watch this new ad from Equality California to win marriage back.
4th Annual Black Church Summit
Date: 3/28/2009 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Pacific Time)
Hosted By: NBJC
info@nbjcoalition.org (202) 319-1552
RSVP by: March 27, 2009 at 12:00 pm (Pacific Time)
National Black Justice Coalition 4th Annual Black Church Summit
Speakers and guests to include NAACP President Alice Huffman and Bishop Yvette Flunder
The National Black Justice Coalition will have its fourth annual Black Church Summit on March 28th, 2009 at Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco, CA. Featured speakers are Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder, Senior Pastor of City of Refuge United Church of Christ, and Rev. Frederick Haynes III, Senior Pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church.
They will be joined by dynamic special guests Rev. Deborah L. Johnson, Rev. Byron Williams, California NAACP President Alice Huffman and others. NBJC is proud to welcome these notable additions to this important event.
View ads from Let California Ring that appeared during the fight against Prop 8 across California featuring African American families and leaders.
In letters to legislative leaders, NAACP national board chair Julian Bond and President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous urged passage of House Resolution 5 and Senate Resolution 7 to put the legislature on record calling for invalidation of Prop. 8 as an improper and dangerous alteration of the California Constitution. (link)
Evan Wolfson and civil rights attorney Bernard S. Cohen, who argued the Loving's case, write together about Loving v. Virginia as a milestone in racial equality, an important vindication of marriage as a cherished civil right, and a testament to the importance of fighting for equality, rather than sitting by silently, indifferently, or complacently in the face of cruel exclusion. (link)
Nyansapo, the magazine of the National Black Justice Coalition
In this article (pdf), Samiya Bashir outlines the history and current issues involved in the freedom to marry for African Americans and urges both gay and non-gay African Americans to stand up and fight for equality.
An excellent publication (pdf) released by the National Black Justice Coalition and Equality Maryland offering a "Black Perspective on Same Gender Marriage." This important resource includes data, personal stories, and quotes in support of ending discrimination in marriage from African American leaders across the country.
