Another chance at true democracy – NCF’s statement on the 2020 Election.
In 2020, a year that has tested us like no other, our democracy was also tested. Despite a pandemic and deliberate barriers to prevent Black people and new Americans from casting ballots, our democracy held in a historic election. Voters turned out in record numbers, and for the first time ever, elected a woman of color as vice president.
Election officials and organizers across the country, including many of our partners, worked tirelessly to ensure all votes were counted, all voices were heard, and all the people’s power was felt. These votes – the bedrock of a true democracy – matter and must be upheld.
Now, the presidential race has been called and the Nathan Cummings Foundation stands by our partners in ensuring the will of the people prevails. We join the call to uphold our democracy and swear in the leaders that voters chose to move us forward together to tackle the very real issues our country still faces — like systemic racism, economic inequality, and the climate crisis.
The current threat to our democracy and a peaceful transition of power is clear, but it did not materialize overnight. It was fomented by the deep-rooted, systemic gaps and flaws of our democracy that were in place long before this election – and the year 2020. Yet, looking at the impact of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and people of color organizers and voters in this election, we see once again that those who are treated the worst by our democracy do the most to protect it. As Nikole Hannah-Jones says, “It is Black people who have been the perfectors of this democracy.”
This election is no exception. Multi-racial coalitions, especially those led by Black women, did incredible organizing to push us closer to the dream of a true democracy. What we saw in states like Georgia, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and more is the culmination of years of hard work by our partners and many others to build power with racial equity at the center.
In the days and months ahead, we will continue to support the proven leadership of our partners who have worked courageously for years to ensure that our democracy not only survives but evolves toward one truly rooted in inclusivity, justice, and equity.