By Aswad Walker
Recently, Black Voters Matter (BVM) announced a commitment of $300,000 to support Get-Out-the-Vote (GOTV) initiatives led by Divine Nine (D9) organizations in 11 critical states, including Texas.
This investment is part of a previously announced $15 million investment to build power and increase Black voter turnout in the 2024 election cycle.
The D9, which includes Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., have a long history of service, civic engagement and impact in Black communities and beyond.
A statement by BVM read, “By partnering with these organizations, we will expand our mobilization efforts by tapping into their networks to educate, organize, and turn out Black voters in key states.”
The 11 states targeted for this initiative are North Carolina, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, Maryland, Wisconsin and Arizona. Each state has significant Black populations and high-stakes elections that will shape the country’s direction.
“We are excited to partner with local Divine 9 chapters in the Houston and Dallas areas to increase our GOTV efforts leading up to the November election. These organizations truly are generational pillars that garner community trust and respect,” said Nomsa Hampton, media relations manager for Black Voters Matter.
Funds will be allocated to support a range of GOTV activities, including 1) mobilizing voters through direct contact; 2) relational organizing including texting and phone banking; and 3) canvassing efforts in neighborhoods with high concentrations of Black voters.
“This investment will help fund mobilization efforts in Texas through direct person-to-person contact which is incredibly important in our communities given the wave of recent voter purges and misinformation targeting Black voters. Grassroots organizing is how we make real change in our communities and this partnership with the Divine 9 helps us to do just that,” added Hampton.
“Black voters have the power to be the deciding factor in elections at all levels,” said Cliff Albright, co-founder of Black Voters Matter. “By investing in the Divine 9 and the communities they serve, we are building the infrastructure and momentum needed to harness that power and deliver meaningful change. This is just the beginning of our efforts to create a country where Black voices are truly heard and represented.”
BVM co-founder LaTosha Brown is certain the funds designated to supplement D9 GOTV efforts will pay dividends.
“These organizations have the trust, reach and dedication required to make a real difference in mobilizing Black voters,” said Brown. “This investment will help ensure our communities are heard loud and clear at the ballot box.”
To learn more about Black Voters Matter, visit www.blackvotersmatterfund.org and/or follow BVM on social media @blackvotersmtr.
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