NCBCP 2 0 0 6 Y e a r - I n - R e v i e w Lest We Forget

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements...... 3 NCBCP Board of Directors...... 4 NCBCP Member Organizations...... 6 NCBCP State Affiliates...... 7 Executive Summary...... 8 NCBCP Overview and Program Descriptions...... 10

2006 Accomplishments

30th Anniversary-9th Annual Spirit of Democracy Awards Celebration ...... 12

NCBCP GULF COAST RECOVERY & REBUILDING EFFORTS • Unity ‘06/Rebuild Hope Now Leadership Retreat...... 13 • Gulf Coast Assistance Efforts in the States...... 13 • New Orleans Mayoral/Municipal Elections &Voter Empowerment Weekends...... 16 • Hip Hop Caucus/H.R. 4197 Campaign...... 17 • 4th Annual Spirit of Democracy Symposium...... 18 • Black Women’s Roundtable “Hear Me Now” Listening Sessions Tour...... 19

NCBCP ON PUBLIC POLICY • Continued Dialogue with Government Response Agencies...... 20 • NCBCP and the National Policy Alliance...... 20 • Addressing Katrina Displaced Voter Issues at U.S. Department of Justice...... 21 • Vigil to Demand theVoting Rights Act Renewal ...... 22 • Hands Off the Internet Coalition...... 22 • Kappa Alpha Psi Capitol Hill Days...... 22 • Defending Affirmative Action in Michigan...... 22

NCBCP’S ELECTORAL ENGAGEMENT...... • Black Youth Vote! Campaign Management Training, Voter Registration Project & 6th Annual Civic Leadership Conference...... 23 • Power of the Sister Vote Gatherings...... 25 • Election Day War Room Operations, Voter Protection/ • 1-866-MYVOTE-1 Voter Assistance Hotline...... 26 • Election Day Exit Poll & Analysis...... 26 • NCBCP Post-Election Briefing...... 30

NCBCP TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & TRAINING • Membership, Ally & Partner Support...... 31

NCBCP MEDIA OUTREACH...... 32

NCBCP RESEARCH PROJECTS...... • New Orleans, LA Post-Election Survey Analysis...... 35 • Black Women’s Roundtable “Hear Me Now” Listening Tour Survey Analysis...... 36 • Black Youth Vote Pre-Election Survey and NCBCP/Unity ’06 Election Day Exit Poll Analyses...... 38

APPENDICES • Appendix A—2006 Sponsors & Contributors...... 42 • Appendix B—NCBCP 2006 Official Partners ...... 43

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review |  Acknowledgements

The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation’s 2006 Accomplishments were phenomenal. This effort would not have been possible without the support of the Board of Directors, Advisory Board, Membership Organizations, sponsors, and the dedicated commitment of the NCBCP staff, affiliates, site conveners, coordinators, consultants and volunteers. We thank our supporters who helped the National Coalition succeed in 2006 through your financial and in-kind contributions.

A. Shuanise Washington Melanie L. Campbell Chair of the Board of Directors Executive Director & CEO

2006 NCBCP National Staff and Professional Support Team Kevin Parker, Chief Operating Officer Nancy Harvin, Membership and Affiliate Services Manager, Irene B. Schwoeffermann, Program Associate LaTosha Brown, Regional Director Vincent Sylvain, Regional Director Jean Bennett, Resource Development (JB Martin-Mose Consultants) Dana Lucas, Accountant (The DMP Group) Marvin Dickerson, IT Specialists (Dickerson Technologies) Jordan Thierry, Graduate Assistant Lamar Lockridge, Intern Tinia McCoy, Intern Kendra Whitaker, Intern

 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review Acknowledgements

The Unity ’06 Civic Engagement and Voter Empowerment Campaign/Rebuild Hope NOW, which was the main focus of all of our programs and resources, would not have been possible without the experience, skills and expertise of a remarkable national team of co-chairs, support team, local staff, volunteers and other partners, including:

National Co-Chairs Marc Morial, Co-Chair, Field Mobilization and Training Clayola Brown, Co-Chair, Resources and Technology Reginald Weaver, Co-Chair, Communications & Messaging Ted Shaw, Esq., Co-Chair, Voter Protection Sheryl Lee Ralph, Celebrity Spokesperson

NCBCP 2006 Program and Organizational Support Team Consultants and Volunteers Faye Anderson, VOTE Program and Public Policy Consultant Derrick Humphries, Legal Counsel (pro-bono) Kirk Clay, Black Youth Vote, (Common Cause) Y. Edrea Davis, Media Director (Dogon Village) J. Bradley Starks, Media (Persuasion FX) Joanne Williams, Media (Barrington Consultants) Beth Hodges & Ruby Pulliam, Event Support (Spirit of Democracy Gala) David Hardrick (Rebuild Hope NOW) Greg Moore (Rebuild Hope NOW) Natasha Jennings, BYV Coordinator (Alabama) Steven Waddy, BYV Coordinator (Georgia) Sherika Wilson, BYV Coordinator (Louisiana) Hassan Allen, BYV Coordinator (Maryland) Stephanie Moore, BYV Coordinator (Michigan) Christina Sanders, BYV Coordinator (Texas) Carmen Watkins, BYV Advisor (Texas) Salandra Hanna, BYV Advisor (Florida) Felicia Davis, Special Projects Support Brian Young, Graphic Design Consultant (Young Design) Leslie Watson-Malachi, Consultant Opel Simmons (Program Support) Darwin Fishman (Program Support)

2006 Year-End Report Team Melanie L. Campbell, Editor-In-Chief Kevin Parker, Co-Editor Nancy Harvin, Co-Editor Irene Schwoeffermann, Contributor Joanne Williams, Contributor LaTosha Brown, Contributor Y. Edrea Davis, Contributor Jordan Thierry, Contributor Brian Young, Graphic Designer

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review |  NCBCP Board Of Directors

CHAIR PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT Ms. A. Shuanise Washington Ms. Jennifer Henderson Vice President President Government Affairs, Policy & Outreach Strategic Directions, LLP Altria Corporate Services, Inc. Mr. Michael Brown VICE CHAIR Corporate Relations Manager Mr. Foster Stringer State Farm Insurance Company Director, Human Rights & Community Relations Department NOMINATIONS American Federation of Teachers Dr. Dorothy I. Height President Emerita and Chair SECRETARY National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Ms. Leslie Jackson Civil Rights Director BYLAWS Communication Workers of America Mr. Eddie Williams NCBCP Executive Director and President CEO Melanie Campbell (far TREASURER Eddie Williams & Associates left) stands with new 2006-2007 Ms. Dorothy Jackson Board of Directors officers (l- Vice President r), Dorothy Jackson-Treasurer, BOARD MEMBERS Foster Stringer-Vice Chair, Leslie American Gaming Association Ms. Diane Babineaux Jackson-Secretary and A. Shuanise Executive Assistant to the International Washington-Chair at a reception EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO President held in their honor in July 2006. Ms. Melanie L. Campbell International Association of Machinists National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Inc. Ms. Clayola Brown President NCBCP LEGAL COUNSEL A. Philip Randolph Institute Mr. Derrick A. Humphries, Esq. Humphries and Brooks, Attorneys at Law Mr. Diallo Brooks BYV Representative CHAIR EMERITUS Director of Legislative Relations Mr. Eddie Williams Center for Policy Alternatives President Eddie Williams & Associates Ms. Jo Ann Davidson Chair, NCBCP By-Laws Committee Co-Chair Republican National Committee IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Mr. Richard Womack, Sr. Mr. Howard Dean Assistant to the President Chairman AFL-CIO Democratic National Committee

FINANCE Mr. Albert E. Dotson Mr. Melvin Bazemore Chairman Director of External Affairs 100 Black Men of America, Inc. General Motors Corporation Mr. Samuel Hamilton** PERSONNEL Grand Polemarch Ms. Leslie M. Watson-Malachi Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Public Member Chair – Black Women’s Roundtable Mr. Gerald Hudson International Executive Vice President Dr. Delisa Saunders Service Employees International Union Public Member American Federation of Teachers

 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review Mr. Garrison Jackson Ms. Cynthia Swann President & CEO Special Assistant to the President Circulation Experti, LTD Director of Governance and Policy National Education Association Mr. Bruce Gordon President & CEO Dr. Ronald Walters NAACP Public Member African American Leadership Institute Ms. Sharhonda Knott University of MD – College Park BYV Representative Director Mr. Michael Williams Chicago Coalition on Black Civic Special Assistant to the President Participation Coalition on Black Trade Unionists

Dr. Joe Leonard Ms. Robin Williams Executive Director Associate Director Black Leadership Forum Human Rights & Community Action Dept. Sam Hamilton, Grand Polemarch, United Food and Commercial Workers Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Reverend Joseph E. Lowery International Union presents NCBCP Executive Director & CEO, Melanie Public Member Campbell, check for 2006 NCBCP Joseph E. Lowery Institute for Justice and NCBCP Advisory Board board assessment, with other senior Human Rights officials of fraternity. Mr. Norman Hill Mr. William Lucy President Emeritus International Secretary Treasurer A. Philip Randolph Institute AFSCME Ms. Gloria Johnson Mr. Marc Morial President (Retired) President & CEO Coalition of Labor Union Women National Urban League Mr. John Sweeney (Open Seat) President United Auto Workers AFL-CIO Ms. Carlottia Scott Public Member *A new slate of officers was inducted at the LaCause, LLC NCBCP Annual Joint Board and Membership Meeting on February 22, 2006. A. Shuanise Dr. Elsie Scott Washington took the helm as chair, and in so Interim President doing, became the Board’s 3rd and only female Congressional Black Caucus Foundation chair in its 30-year history.

Dr. Yvonne Scruggs-Leftwich **Mr. Hamilton’s request to join the NCBCP Board of Directors was resoundingly approved Public Member at the NCBCP’s Spring Board Meeting on National Labor College May 5, 2006. Kappa Alpha Psi is the only Black fraternal organization which is expressly Dr. Margaret Simms represented on the Board. Interim President Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies

Ms. Stacey Davis Stewart President and CEO Fannie Mae Foundation

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review |  NCBCP Member Organizations

100 Black Men of America, Inc. Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. A. Philip Randolph Institute Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies Advance America Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. African Methodist Episcopal Church Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Law Altria Group, Inc. Listen, Inc. American Federation of Government MLK, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Employees Change American Federation Of Labor and Congress National Alliance of Black School Educators of Industrial Organizations National Alliance of Postal and Federal American Federation of State, County and Employees Municipal Employees National Association of Black County American Federation of Teachers Officials American Postal Workers Union National Association of Black Owned Auxiliary to the National Medical Association Broadcasters Benjamin E. Mays Educational National Association of Black Women Resource Center Attorneys Black Congress on Health, Law and National Association of Investment Economics Companies Black Leadership Forum, Inc. National Association of Minority CPA Firms Blacks in Government National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. Church of God in Christ National Association of Social Workers Circulation Experti, LTD National Association for the Advancement of Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Colored People Coalition of Labor Union Women National Bankers Association Communication Workers of America National Baptist Convention of America Congressional Black Caucus Foundation National Baptist Convention-U.S.A., Inc. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. National Bar Association Democratic National Committee National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus Fannie Mae Foundation National Black Caucus of School Board Frontiers International, Inc. Members General Motors Corporation National Black Caucus of State Legislators Improved Benevolent Protective Order National Black Child Development Institute of the Elks National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame International Association of Black Foundation *The IABPFF was voted in as a new member Professional Fire Fighters* National Black MBA Association, Inc. of the NCBCP at its Annual Joint Board International Association of Machinist and National Black School Boards Association and Membership Meeting on February 22, Aerospace Workers 2006, having been an active participant in National Black United Federation of the Unity ’04 Voter Empowerment and Civic International Brotherhood of Electrical Charities, Inc. Engagement Campaign, Rebuild Hope NOW, Workers and numerous other NCBCP activities. National Committee to Preserve Social International Union of Operating Engineers Security and Medicare  | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review NCBCP State Affiliates

National Congress of Black Women Alabama North Carolina National Council of Black Family and Child Natasha Jennings Cynthia D. Brown Development Alabama Coalition on Black North Carolina Coalition Civic Participation (ACBCP) on Black and Brown Civic National Council of Churches Participation (NCBBCP) National Council of Negro Women California Robert Phillips Ohio National Education Association Bay Area Coalition on Black Petee Talley National Medical Association Civic Participation (BCBCP) Ohio Coalition on Black Civic Participation (OCBCP) National Newspaper Publishers Association Florida National School Boards Association Salandra Hanna Pennsylvania National Urban League Florida Coalition on Black Rev. Judith Moore Civic Participation Pittsburgh Area Coalition Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on Black Civic Participation (PACBCP) Opportunities Industrialization Centers of Georgia America Helen Butler Georgia Coalition for the Donna Frisby-Greenwood PACE International Union Peoples’ Agenda Richard Womack Jr. People for the American Way Foundation Greater Philadelphia Coalition on Black Civic Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Illinois Participation (GPCBCP) ShaRhonda C. Knott Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. Chicago Coalition on Black Participate (CCBCP) Texas Rainbow / P.U.S.H. Coalition Carmen Watkins Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice Louisiana Houston Coalition on Black Civic Participation (HCBCP) Republican National Committee Vincent Sylvain Louisiana Unity Coalition Service Employees International Union Wisconsin Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Mississippi Paula Dorsey Debra Robinson and Wisconsin Coalition on Black Sony Music Entertainment, Inc. Stephanie Parker Weaver Civic Participation (WCBCP) Southern Christian Leadership Conference Mississippi Coalition on Black Civic Participation State Farm Insurance Companies (MCBCP) Strategic Decisions, Inc. NCBCP AFFILIATE RETREAT The Black Women’s Agenda On January 26-27, 2006 the NCBCP hosted its first affiliates retreat at The College Fund the National Education Association and the AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. Seven of the 12 state affiliates were represented at The Judicial Council of the National Bar the retreat, which was facilitated by NCBCP Board Member Carlottia Association Scott and Membership and Affiliate Services Manager Nancy Harvin. TWD, Inc. The main focus of the meeting was to review, assess, and discuss the NCBCP 2006-2008 Strategic Plan and Strategic Directions as well Union of Needletrades, Industrial Textile & as NCBCP programmatic plans as they pertain to affiliates. Affiliate Employees (UNITE!) representatives also offered their views on how to strengthen and United Auto Workers of America expand the affiliate network by expressing their needs and expectations. The legal and fiduciary criteria and responsibilities of becoming an United Food and Commercial Workers Int’l affiliate were reviewed by NCBCP Legal Counsel Derrick Humphries, Union whose firm also prepared and distributed a “Reference Guide to Internal United Steelworkers of America Revenue Service Group Exemption.” As affiliates are in varying stages of incorporation, the goal is to have all affiliates fully incorporated and Voices, Inc. included in the NCBCP’s group exemption by the end of 2008. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. The retreat concluded with affiliate representatives attending the NCBCP Winter Board meeting on January 27th.

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review |  Executive Summary

The National Coalition on Black Civic American to serve as Majority Participation (NCBCP) was convened Whip---Congressman James on May 5, 1976, to address the low civic Clyburn. and voter participation levels of the black • First time in U.S. history---five electorate, by the Joint Center for Political major committees will be led by and Economic Studies, NAACP, the African Americans in the House AFL-CIO and 35 national organizations of Representatives---Ways & and now boasts a diverse membership of Means—Congressman Charles over 80 national organizations and twelve Rangel---Judiciary, Congressman (12) state and local affiliates. (originally John Conyers---Ethics--- named National Coalition on Black Voter Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs- Participation and incorporated as a 501© 3, Jones--- Homeland Security--- non-partisan national organization) Congressman Bennie Thompson and House Administration--- Over the past 30 years, through Congresswoman Juanita Millender- cooperative efforts and activities, the McDonald. National Coalition has grown from an ad • First African American elected hoc affiliation of member organizations governor of Massachusetts to a nationally recognized grassroots and a host of other firsts were coalition with a new name, a new reelected as lieutenant governor, mission to engage the Black community secretary of state and other on a year-round basis through its statewide constitutional seats and dynamic and effective civic and voter several African Americans were participation signature programs and major contenders for United initiatives---and continues to evolve and States Senate and governor as fine tune the organization’s capacity republicans and democrats in to be effective by utilizing cutting-edge Maryland, Tennessee and Ohio. tactics, strategic planning and technical (See www.jointcenter.org for tools. (www.ncbcp.org) details)

At its inception, the National Coalition undertook the responsibility to enfranchise In 2006, we celebrated the National more than seven million non-voting Black Coalition’s 30th Anniversary under the voters who had been locked out of the banner, “Lest We Forget: Celebrate Our Past political process. The catalyst for the to Forge A Bold New Future! “by continuing formation of the National Coalition was the to civically and politically engage the Black 1974 election when Black voter turnout was community, with a special emphasis on only 34 percent nationwide. Nearly half (48 youth, women and immigrant populations, percent) of the 15 million Black voting age to make voting and civil participation a population were unregistered. Just 9 years responsibility and tradition now and for after passage of the Voting Rights Act of future generations. 1965, apathy gripped the Black community. Today, more than 16 million [68 percent] of the Black voting age population is registered We celebrated by engaging fully in to vote and in the last three presidential helping to bring a sense of hope and elections (1996-2004), black voter turnout restoration for nearly one million exceeded 55 – 60 percent and in 2006 survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and averaged 40 percent, which impacted a Rita, as well as the nation to regain a sense revolutionary change in the 110th Congress of responsibility for our most vulnerable and governor’s races across the country. and precious resources---our children, who are our future and our elders, who The 2006 Mid-Term Election Cycle resulted have sacrificed and paid their dues to live in dignity in their senior years. We in a historical “year of firsts” for our nation’s political landscape: presented “Hear Me Now”, a 7-day, 7-city Black Women’s Roundtable Listening Sessions Bus Tour in Alabama, Louisiana • First woman was selected and Mississippi and helped displaced New Speaker of the House of Orleans voters by Representatives, Congresswoman Rebuild Hope NOW participating in municipal elections which Nancy Pelosi and First African

 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review determined who will lead the largest cadre of African American leaders rebuilding of a modern urban city in over who have built upon the legacy of the 100 years. Black experience through public service, civil rights, corporate, labor, community We celebrated by building upon the empowerment and board service at our National Coalition’s Black Youth 9th Annual Spirit of Democracy Awards Vote! civic leadership capacity to Celebration. educate, motivate and engage local Black communities in all levels of civil society Today we are challenged to ensure by registering over 21,000 and training an independent, self sustaining Black Black youth leaders and activists to lead the Electoral Political Movement: An National Coalition in 2006 and beyond. Electoral Movement that fuels the advancement of the public policy We celebrated by ensuring that Black priorities of the African American communities are a major factor in community. Meeting the charge of our democracy and all Voices of the furthering the progressive public policy Electorate are uplifted and armed with agenda of our community from the the power of the law of the land to ensure School Board to the City Council; from “We the People” continue to participate the State Legislature to the Executive in our representative democracy without Mansion; from Congress to the White barriers, fear or intimidation by fighting House requires a conscientiously evolved to engage our communities to have their Black Campaign that develops new voices heard in the 109th Congress independent resources to support our for the passage and restoration of the activities; employs new methods to engage Voting Rights Act of 1965, (Fannie Lou our people and institutes new metrics to Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King measure our progress. Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006) for another 25 Finally, we invite you to join us by years and vowing to continue the fight to dedicating your time, your talents and save affirmative action in Michigan and your dollars as we celebrate and thank other states. our ancestors who came before us by working smarter to prepare the National We celebrated by protecting not only Coalition for the next 30 years, dedicating Black voters’ right to have their vote our work in 2007 to Cultivate Civic counted, but, over 19,000 voters across Leadership for Future Generations. the country no matter their race, ethnicity, class or culture in the 2006 mid- term election by sponsoring a national Melanie L. Campbell voter assistance hotline—1-866-MY- Executive Director & CEO VOTE1---and helping to increase Black voter turnout in 18 states and monitoring the Election through a national Unity ’06 Election Day War Room.

We celebrated by strengthening our ability to provide high-quality service and benefit to our constituency base- --membership, affiliates, partners, communities and sponsors-----by providing technical assistance, training and support as speakers, panelists, conveners and facilitators for over 50 national, state and locally-based conventions, conferences, forums, marches, rallies, strategic sessions and workshops.

We celebrated our 30th Anniversary by honoring and celebrating a stellar

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review |  Overview of NCBCP / NCBCP Program Descriptions

The National Coalition on Black Civic our communities to make voting and civic Participation, Inc. (formerly the National Coalition participation a cultural responsibility and tradition. on Black Voter Participation, Inc.) was founded in 1976 on the principle of the yet unfulfilled NCBCP PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS realization of a full democracy. Building upon its rich history and strong relationships, the National Unity ’06 Voter Empowerment and Civic Coalition serves as an effective facilitator and Engagement Campaign convener at the local, state and national levels. For 30 years, the National Coalition, through its 80 Since 1998, the NCBCP has convened member organizations, has proven itself uniquely TM its affiliates, member organizations, qualified to address the disenfranchisement of partners and allies under the Unity African American voters. Voter Empowerment Campaign, a national civic engagement program that provides A 501(c) 3, non-profit, nonpartisan, membership the information, skills and support that Black organization, the National Coalition is dedicated Americans needed to fully participate in the to increasing African American participation democratic process. Key partners have included in civil society. The current programs and the National Urban League, the Tom Joyner initiatives of the organization include Voices Morning Show, Black Entertainment Television, of the Electorate, Operation Big Vote, Black the National Pan-Hellenic Council, UniverSoul Youth Vote!, Black Women’s Roundtable, the Circus and over 160 other national, civic, civil Information Resource Center and the Unity rights, community, faith-based, and fraternal Voter Empowerment Campaign. Since the organizations. Gulf Coast region was devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the NCBCP convened its The Unity campaign has five overarching goals: member organizations, sponsors and allies for • Register one million new voters the ReBuild Hope NOW Campaign to provide nationwide. long-term relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts • Boost Black voter turnout in targeted in those affected areas. Through these programs states. and initiatives, the National Coalition has trained • Increase participation of and engaged African American leaders and underrepresented populations, including community activists in overcoming institutional immigrants and Black youth. barriers that have hindered the growth of the • Educate voters about their rights and Black communities politically, socially and ensure voters are able to cast ballots economically. without fear or intimidation. • Ensure that every vote is counted. Vision The National Coalition envisions a nation in Operation Big Vote which all citizens from children to seniors have the tools to participate fully in the democratic The primary outreach program of the process at the local, state, national and global National Coalition traditionally has levels. By continuing to lead the fight to eliminate been Operation Big Vote (OBV), a remaining barriers to civic participation, the nationwide nonpartisan, grassroots National Coalition will promote greater social and civic engagement and voter economic justice to enhance the quality of African participation campaign. The program American life. supports intensive civic education, registration and get-out-the-vote (GOTV) activities at a local level. Mission The local OBVs hire their own staff and formulate The mission of the National Coalition is to their own plans, while the national office is create an enlightened community by building responsible for providing training and technical institutional capacity that provides and develops assistance. OBV partners provide an environment leadership. By educating, motivating, organizing, where local issues, often with national and mobilizing citizens in the African American implications, are addressed by a cross-section of community, the National Coalition seeks to individuals who bring various interests, ages, encourage full participation in a barrier-free backgrounds and experiences to the process. democratic process. Through educational programs and leadership training, the coalition works to expand, strengthen, and empower

10 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review Black Youth Vote! Information Resource and Training Center Our Voices! Our Issues! Our Politics! (IRTC)- Information is Political Power

Black Youth Vote! is a broad based The Information Resource Center coalition of organizations and (IRTC) is the National Coalition’s individuals committed to outreach arm to its membership and

A program of the National Coalition increasing political and civic on Black Civic Participation, Inc. the general public. The IRTC involvement among black men provides general information and and women aged 18-35. BYV! is youth led and responds to citizen’s inquires regarding dedicated to educating young voters in the Black registration processes and voter participation. community who are increasingly disenfranchised Opportunities are created for youth to intern and and alienated from the electoral and legislative assist The National Coalition in analyzing voting process. Through civic education, leadership statistics and trends. Through an investment in development and training, BYV! works to educate global communications technology, IRTC has youth and young adults on how to identify issues increased its ability to serve and communicate and ways to influence public policy. effectively with researchers, media, public officials, students, organizations, and many others. Black Women’s Roundtable Healthy, Wealthy and Wise Rebuild Hope NOW

The Black Women’s Roundtable ReBuild Hope NOW is a project (BWR) is a project that brings of the National Coalition on Black together individuals and Civic Participation, Inc.

A program of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Inc. organizations committed to social (NCBCP), in partnership with justice and economic equality over 40 national, regional and state-based through the increased participation of women in organizations to maximize their collective the political process. Initiated in 1983, BWR strengths to bring sustained relief, recovery and continues to: (1) sponsor projects emphasizing the rebuilding support to the millions of displaced importance of women in the political process; (2) survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. develop leadership potential of African American women by encouraging education on the political The National Coalition staff provides assistance process and preparation to run for public office; on civic participation techniques through regional and (3) ensure the involvement of African workshops, trainings, seminars and meetings American women in policy discussions about the for its Operation Big Vote, Black Youth Vote!, significance of the effect women voters have on Black Women’s Roundtable and Voices of the the political process. Electorate convenors and coordinators, member organizations and other groups. Voices of the Electorate

Voices of the Electorate (VOTE) is a diverse, non-partisan coalition campaign, designed to bring together national, state and local organizations, leaders and community activists to address election reform and other issues impacting civic participation. VOTE activities include public awareness campaigns, civic education trainings, town hall meetings, and election reform legislation advocacy. VOTE serves as a clearinghouse for up-to-date information on civic issues.

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review | 11 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENT 30th Anniversary/ 9th Annual Spirit Of Democracy Awards Celebration “Lest We Forget: Celebrating the Past to Forge a Bold New Future”

The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation held its 9th Annual Spirit of Democracy Awards Celebration “Lest We Forget - Celebrating the Past to Forge a Bold New Future” on th May 5, 2006, also celebrating the NCBCP’s 30th Anniversary, at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington D.C.

NCBCP honored two of the Congressional Black Caucus leaders----Honorable James Clayburn (D-SC) and Honorable Bennie Thompson (D-MS).

NCBCP also honored five of its own including an original NCBCP Founding Board Member Mrs. Margaret Bush Wilson; Immediate Past Chair Mr. Richard Womack; Veteran Board Member Ms. Carlottia A. Scott; and Regional Directors Ms. LaTosha Brown and Mr. Vincent Sylvain. Additional honorees included Mr. Fred Keeton, Harrah’s Entertainment; Dr. Kay Coles James, J.C. Watts Companies; Mr. Nat LaCour, American Federation of Teachers.

This year’s event was co-hosted by two stars of both Broadway and Hollywood - Ms. Sheryl Lee Ralph and Mr. Ben Vereen. They kept the audience informed and entertained for the duration of the program. The Spirit of Democracy Awards Celebration was created by NCBCP to diversify and expand its funding base to build long term capacity and recognizes leaders who by their words and example, remind us all that the struggle continues.

The event was highlighted by a rousing rendition of gospel favorite, “How I Got Over,” sung by the incomparable Ms. Julia Nixon.

NCBCP COO, Kevin Parker and Jacqueline Parker greet Spirit '07 celebrity co-hosts, Ben Vereen & Sheryl Lee Ralph at stellar affair.

Spirit Of Democracy Gala Entertainers, Songstress Julia Nixon and Company

(l-r) NCBCP Executive Director & CEO Melanie Campbell; Board Vice-Chair Foster Stringer; Board Secretary Leslie Jackson; Honoree Fred Keeton; Honoree and Board Member Carlottia Scott; Honoree Margaret Bush Wilson; Board Chair A. Shuanise Washington, Honoree and Regional Director LaTosha Brown; Honoree and Regional Director Vincent Sylvain; Board Treasurer Dorothy Jackson; Board Chair Emeritus Eddie Williams.

The Chairman's Circle Award is given to the Honorable James Clyburn by NCBCP Chair Emeritus Eddie Williams and Chair A. Shuanise Washington.

12 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS NCBCP Strategizes for Unity ’06 Civic Engagement and Gulf Coast Recovery Voter Empowerment Campaign/ReBuild Hope Now and Rebuilding

In late January 2006, a select group of Additionally, the group participated in the civic, religious, academic, and technology drafting of a Unity 06 Working Paper which leaders met in a one-day retreat in was used as the basis of the 2006 campaign. Hollywood, Florida to discuss the “Right of Return” for displaced New Orleans citizens The second half of the retreat focused and their access to the ballot box along on messaging, mobilization and turnout, with developing a strategy for the 2006 legal strategies for accessing the ballot, Unity Campaign. and a technology update. The meeting concluded with a brainstorming session During multiple work-sessions, the leaders that produced a four phase implementation gathered to receive briefings on the current calendar which included capacity building state of affairs concerning the New Orleans and fundraising, program build-out elections, a preliminary analysis of the mid- and outreach, voter contact, and voter term election cycle, and a review of lessons mobilization and protection. learned from the 2004 Unity Campaign.

NCBCP Rebuild Hope Now 2006 Continues its Relief, Recovery and Rebuilding Efforts

Displaced citizens get much-needed In the days immediately following Alabama (Alabama Coalition on Black assistance, counseling and supplies in Hurricane Katrina, the failed levies, and Civic Participation, ACBCP) Houston. (Photos courtesy of Houston then Hurricane Rita, the NCBCP considered • Coordinated food donations (2 Area Urban League/Houston Coalition it a moral and civic obligation to convene truck loads) from America’s second on Black Civic Participation.) its affiliates, member organizations, board, harvest to support internally allies and sponsors to use their combined displaced families in Alabama that resources and strengths to ensure a long- were relocated from New Orleans term commitment to the relief, recovery (NOLA) and the Gulf Coast and rebuilding of the Gulf Coast. Thus the region. This donation was enough ReBuild Hope NOW Campaign was born to feed families in the shelter for a in August 2005. Since then, the NCBCP two-month period. has been steadfast in its determination to • Coordinated relief supplies and continue this effort, as it wrestles with the ACBCP volunteers from its reality that too many survivors’ lives remain networks to assist at the temporary shattered by failed government assistance, housing shelters in Montgomery, the effects of “Katrina fatigue,” neglect, and Mobile, Selma, and Birmingham. a myriad of ills, both social and personal. Served 500 families. • In partnership with Saving NCBCP affiliates and their networks Our Selves (S.O.S.) Coalition labored in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, coordinated clean up and general Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas as home improvement projects stalwarts of aid to tens of thousands of for elderly residents in Mobile, Gulf Coast survivors throughout 2006 Prichard, and Bayou La Batre, and will continue to be beacons of hope Alabama. Assisted about 40 in the months and years to come. Below families. are some of the countless examples of • Supported the Circle of Love grassroots, direct assistance that NCBCP Fellowship Ministries long-term activists delivered this year. housing shelter in Selma, Alabama

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review | 13 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Gulf Coast Recovery NCBCP Rebuild Hope Now 2006 Continued and Rebuilding

that assisted 100 displaced displaced voters in metro Atlanta families. to travel to New Orleans and • Coordinated Gulf Coast donations participate in the NOLA run-off and launched spring break elections on May 20, 2006. volunteer drives at Alabama State • Directly identified and contacted University, Concordia College over 150 NOLA displaced and Jefferson State Community families in the metro Atlanta College. Recruited 15 volunteers. region to encourage voter • Provided financial support and participation in the NOLA training for student participants mayoral elections. of the Katrina On The Ground • Established a voter assistance project held in Selma, AL in which site in Atlanta office for over 1100 students were trained displaced voters. Provided and assigned to community- voters with absentee voter led recovery projects in several information, internet access and communities on the Gulf Coast. fax service accessibility. • Coordinated a NOLA Voter Arkansas Rights Rally and Press • Assisted with mobilizing New Conference in Atlanta with over Orleans displaced voters from the 22 state and local groups in Fort Smith, Arkansas to travel attendance to call for the support to Louisiana to cast their votes. of full voting rights for NOLA Provided bus transportation and voters. absentee information voters. • Coordinated NOLA Community • Provided 50 cell phones for NOLA Resources Fair for displaced displaced voters living in Arkansas. citizens in the metro Atlanta region. Over 100 visitors Georgia (Georgia Coalition for the participated. Twelve (12) service People’s Agenda) providers participated offering • Recruited an outreach team the following: and conducted absentee ballot 1. free tax services outreach to displaced New 2. housing assistance Orleans voters in the metro 3. family mental and emotional Atlanta region. NCBCP teams counseling services distributed over 7000 fliers in 4. civic education the Metro Atlanta area. 5. absentee voter information • Provided 150 cell phones to 6. educational opportunities Greater St. Stephens Baptist 7. children’s activities (face Church for displaced New painting, reading, balloons, Orleans voters in Atlanta. games) • Coordinated a Super Sunday Voter outreach with First Louisiana (Louisiana Unity Coalition) Iconium Baptist Church in • NCBCP coordinated delivery Atlanta to provide on-site of a truckload of girls’ support for absentee voters. clothing donated by American • Coordinated voter outreach to Girls Company through over 500 displaced voters to Kids in Distressed Situations travel to NOLA to participate in (K.I.D.S., New York) to the NOLA municipal elections Lafayette Restoration Center on April 22, 2006. in time for holiday distribution • Assisted with outreach and to over 300 families. provided support for 2 buses of

14 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Gulf Coast Recovery and Rebuilding

• See Unity '06 for additional Texas (Houston Coalition on Louisana accomplishments. (pages Black Civic Participation) 16-17) Partnering with the Houston Area Urban League, the HCBCP: Mississippi (Mississippi Coalition on Black • Created the Katrina/Rita Resource Civic Participation) Pavilion to assist over 700 • Coordinated volunteer teams individuals in receiving needed of over 200 African-American services including: volunteers to work on community a) FEMA onsite recovery projects in Mississippi assistance Gulf Coast communities. b) Mental Health • Provided and distributed over Screening 5000 pieces of informational and c) Case Management educational resource literature Service in the Mississippi around d) Counseling environmental justice, social e) Employment services, and human rights. and Training • Coordinated recovery teams to Opportunities assist with (6) church rebuilding f) Access to 10 efforts in Biloxi, Pearlington, physicians, screenings and Gulfport, Mississippi. Total and health care membership of the churches are professionals about 1200 -1500. • Provided access to health services • Coordinated grassroots organizing to over 4,000 children and adults and leadership training with • Provided intensive counseling to Saving Our Selves (SOS) Coalition near 2,500 survivors with two communities in the • Assisted 1,000 families move Gulf Coast: Moss Point, MS and into permanent housing through Gulfport, MS. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac • Provided mold remediation foreclosures and individual supplies such as white suits, placements safety glasses and masks to 500 • Provided new, unused clothing volunteers in the Gulf Coast. and household goods to over • Assisted in conducting human 6,000 families or individuals rights surveys and distributing • Provided (3) Housing Rights/ support information to 165 families Discrimination Seminars w/the in the Biloxi area. Texas Workforce Commission • Provided 50 cell phones for NOLA (200 attended and received the displaced voters in Mississippi. latest rental and homeowner • Coordinated church volunteer information regarding occupant groups from Maryland to do rights and homeowner/ general maintenance, assist in neighborhood associations) distribution warehouse and help • Distributed grocery/gas cards (card supply emergency medical center. value $25-$100) to approximately Total of three trips and about 70 5,950 individuals. volunteers. • Hope Fest @ Toyota Center Initial outreach to 801 Katrina Survivors

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review | 15 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Gulf Coast Recovery New Orleans Mayoral/Municipal Elections and Rebuilding & 4-city forums

The National Coalition On Black • provide information resources Civic Participation’s Katrina Survivors to Katrina/Rita survivors Empowerment Weekends with recovery and rebuilding opportunities; With the realization that over 150,000 Black voters remained displaced from • educate New Orleanians on their New Orleans following the tragedies of five key voting rights: (1) the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the National right to vote regardless of current Coalition on Black Civic Participation location; (2) the right to vote (NCBCP) joined forces with the National during the early voting period— Urban League and other prominent national April 10-13 and April 15; (3) the and local minority organizations to host a right to vote by absentee ballot; series of Katrina Survivors Empowerment (4) the right to vote in person in Weekends. The events were scheduled Orleans Parish; (5) the right to during the four weekends leading up to vote without presenting any photo the April 22nd municipal elections in identification to election officials. New Orleans in cities which had large concentrations of evacuees: Houston, The forums were moderated by a TX (March 25); New Orleans (March combination of local and national media New Orleans mayoral candidates 31); Atlanta, GA (April 7-9); and Baton personalities. Other New Orleans-based travel to Atlanta to campaign to Rouge, LA (April 15). The major concern civic and community organizations their displaced constituents in Atlanta during NCBCP Voter was that evacuees were not receiving the which played participated in these Voter Empowerment Weekend. necessary information and tools vital to Empowerment Weekends included: the making informed voting decisions and Louisiana Unity Coalition, Urban League therefore would not fully be able to decide of Greater New Orleans, African American whom their leadership would be as the Leadership Project, United Teachers of rebuilding of New Orleans moved forward. New Orleans, Deep South Center for With this critical and historical election Environmental Justice, Neighborhood looming, the Louisiana Unity Coalition Development Foundation, New Orleans under the banner of the NCBCP hosted a Redevelopment Authority, New Orleans series of New Orleans Mayoral Candidate Affordable Homeowners, New Orleans Forums. These non-partisan forums were East Economic Development Foundation, part of NCBCP’s Unity ‘06/ReBuild Hope Coalition of Minority Contractors of Now Campaign’s Katrina Survivors Voter Louisiana, Louis Armstrong Jazz Camp, Empowerment Weekends, designed to Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, The afford displaced New Orleans residents People’s Hurricane Relief Fund & Oversight with opportunities to remain engaged in the Committee, New Orleans’ NAACP, electoral process. Louisiana Data News Weekly, V.O.T.E., Ashe’ Cultural Center, Louisiana Minority The forums were designed to: Business Council and People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond. NCBCP Board Member Rev. Dr. • raise awareness among displaced Joseph Lowery fires up a rally New Orleanians regarding the National organizations and NCBCP affiliates of national leaders, community activists and evacuees to demand the unique methods of voting (i.e., supporting this initiative included: SCLC, full voting rights of New Orleans absentee ballots and early voting 100 Black Men of America, Atlanta Urban displaced residents in Atlanta. periods) regardless of their current League, Houston Coalition For Black location; Civic Participation, Houston Area Urban League, National Education Association, • allow attendees to hear from American Federation of Teachers, The among the 22 mayoral and other People’s Agenda, NAACP Legal Defense municipal candidates on their plans Fund, Alabama Coalition on Black Civic for rebuilding the city as well as Participation, Institute of the Black World provide a platform for residents to 21st Century, Houston Coalition on Black express their concerns and raise Civic Participation, Black Leadership questions on future opportunities Forum, National Council of Negro Women, and other relevant topics with the National Newspaper Publishers’ Association, candidates; National Pan-Hellenic Council, Operation

16 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Gulf Coast Recovery and Rebuilding

Hope, NAFEO, The S.O.S Coalition, adversely damaged by Hurricane’s Katrina NAACP, .International Association of Black and Rita. Central to the NCBCP’s overall Fire Fighters, The Advancement Project, mission is to help create a barrier-free International Association of Machinist democracy, so a natural extension of the & Aerospace Workers, Communication RBHN campaign was to offer as much Workers of American, AFL-CIO, Hip Hop assistance as possible to ensure that the Caucus, APRI, Common Cause, Center voting rights of displaced residents were for Civic Participation, CBTU, Leadership defended throughout the New Orleans Conference on Civil Rights, Black Youth primary elections on April 22nd as well as Vote, National Black Caucus of State the run-off on May 20th. Legislators, Legacy PAC, and Blacks in Government. The Empowerment Weekends also led the National Coalition to develop an exit poll The Unity ‘06/ReBuild Hope NOW to capture the experience of voters and Campaign proved to be the most also to document the issues that they were comprehensive umbrella effort undertaken still facing eight months post-Katrina. The by African-American led organizations to results of this poll strongly indicated that address black voter turnout and protection in there is much to be addressed as displaced the New Orleans 2006 municipal elections. residents grapple with home repair, Additionally, the NCBCP gave equal affordable housing, removal of debris, NCBCP/ReBuild Hope NOW prominence to other important issues such as availability of medical care and other issues. Field Directors, Vincent Sylvain and LaTosha Brown monitor New relief, recovery, and rebuilding in the Gulf (Excerpts from the analysis of the poll by Orleans polls in April. Coast region relative to the catastrophes of Dr. Silas Lee can be found in the Research Hurricanes of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Section of this report; the full analysis can in 2005. be seen at www.ncbcp.org .)

The NCBCP established the Rebuild HOPE Public policy adopted over the next few Now Campaign to assist the National months will have a profound impact on the Coalition’s state affiliates and survivors rebuilding of New Orleans over the next five impacted by Hurricanes Katrina-Rita in to ten years. It is clear that there remains Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi and its great need for the NCBCP to continue its members and affiliates in Georgia and Texas ReBuild Hope NOW efforts, particularly as in sustaining a long-term disaster relief the work impacts women and youth. and rebuilding effort in the communities

NCBCP Goes “Hip Hop” for Recovery and Renewal Legislation NCBCP/ReBuild Hope NOW The National Coalition on Black Civic reconstruction of lives and communities and volunteer conducts exit poll survey with New Orleans resident. Participation’s Rebuild Hope NOW for the reunion of families devastated by Campaign partnered with the Hip Hop Hurricane Katrina and to address the issues Caucus and the Gulf Coast H.R. 4197 of poverty exposed by Hurricane Katrina. Renewal Campaign to sponsor a rally and The NCBCP provided 500 t-shirts for march to push for support of the House- participants and took part in the march from sponsored bill that called for comprehensive the U.S. Capitol to Lafayette Square (across assistance for victims of Hurricanes Katrina from the White House) where the rally was and Rita. The bill, officially called the held. Marchers included civic, religious and Hurricane Katrina Recovery, Reclamation, community leaders and activists as well as Restoration, Reconstruction and Reunion hurricane survivors. The National Coalition Act of 2005 was introduced by the also used the event to educate New Orleans Congressional Black Caucus to provide for voters about their voting rights leading into the recovery, reclamation, restoration and the April 22nd municipal elections.

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review | 17 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Gulf Coast Recovery NCBCP Hosts VOTE Democracy Symposium and Rebuilding On June 7, 2006, the National Coalition Federal Government Resources: Some on Black Civic Participation convened Federal Government agencies described its 4th Annual Voice of the Electorate being overwhelmed and/or providing (VOTE) Democracy Symposium titled inadequate resources for disaster relief. “Hurricane Season 2006: Are We Ready?” Given the severity of the storm, especially at the National Press Club. The purpose of in terms of the loss of life and the amount the symposium was to examine hurricane of property damage, it is clear that the and disaster preparedness as we approached federal government needs to provide a the first anniversary of the tragedy and larger role in disaster relief. devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Role of Non-Governmental Agencies: Moderated by notable scholar and NCBCP Many of the large and small non-profit Board Member Dr. Yvonne Scruggs- organizations and community-based Leftwich (National Labor College), the organizations described the limited roles panel featured a host of academics, first that they can play in disaster relief on the responder representatives, government scale of something like Hurricane Katrina. officials, social welfare organization These organizations also described leadership, and meteorologists. The three- being dependent on federal government hour long dialogue highlighted the NCBCP- support and local first responders. If sponsored exit poll presented by Dr. Silas there is inadequate communication and Lee that documented the development coordination of what type of support of a “Katrina State of Mind” based on a communities need, then it is not possible demoralized environment and feelings of for non-government agencies to effectively helplessness. (Excerpts from the poll can be participate in disaster relief. Similarly, found in the Research section of this report.) if government agencies do not respond or cannot be reached by non-government The panelists, representing the Departments agencies, then disaster relief efforts can be of Homeland Security/FEMA, Housing stymied by this phenomenon as well. and Urban Development, American Red Cross, National Black Nurses Association, Immediate Needs of Survivors: Many Salvation Army, first Response Coalition, issues were presented as ongoing barriers United Way of America, Operation Hope, and obstacles for survivors of Hurricane National Urban League, NAACP, Black Katrina: Housing and debris pick-up were Leadership Forum, and the Weather two of the issues that were mentioned Channel lead a spirited exchange with the most. Employment opportunities, nearly 50 audience participants. The adequate healthcare, and the availability of following five topic areas summarize the a community network were also cited. panel discussion: Long Term Support for the Gulf Coast Cultural Competency: In emergency Region: The development of long term preparedness and disaster relief work there redevelopment plans that include local, needs to be a greater emphasis placed on state, and federal components are needed. cultural competency. This should include There are many lingering questions about an understanding of how to properly engage what disaster relief is needed such as and support those communities that are “What services are needed and how long in need. More attention needs to be paid they might be needed has not been?” The to the unique character of communities timeline and the availability of resources and potential obstacles that might exist in is a crucial issue since there appeared to serving these communities in an appropriate be little agreement how long it might take fashion. In particular, race, gender, class, for those that were displaced by Hurricane sexuality, ethnicity, religion, disabilities, and Katrina to move back and what support age are some of the demographic features of these people might continue to need upon a community that need to be reviewed and their return. incorporated into any disaster relief plan and implementation.

18 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Black Women’s Roundtable “Hear Me Now” Gulf Coast Recovery Listening Tour and Rebuilding

On August 23rd NCBCP’s Black Women’s Katrina & Rita and the catastrophy of Roundtable launched the Gulf South the New Orleans levees a full twelve Listening Sessions Bus Tour entitled months after the events. Among those “Hear Me Now! Reflections One Year After participants surveyed, the three biggest Katrina-Rita.” The bus tour participants, changes cited were absence of housing, consisting of NCBCP national, regional financial problems/loss of income and and affiliate leadership, coalition members loss of contact with friends and family. and staff, traveled through three states Additionally, emotional/psychological (Alabama, Louisiana, & Mississippi) barriers (depression, significant weight to visit communities devastated during gain/loss, illness, etc), institutional barriers Hurricanes Katrina & Rita and to meet (availability of medical care, problems with community members about local with insurance companies and contractors, Bishop Diana Taara Williams (in rebuilding efforts. A special emphasis was access to transportation, etc) and the impact priest collar) leads a prayer circle as NCBCP staff, guests and volunteers, placed on the women of these communities on children (onset of depression, discipline hold hands with New Orleans taking leadership in rebuilding their homes problems and decline in grades) were also residents to view devastation in the and communities, while recognizing noted as serious issues. (Complete survey Lower 9th Ward. that they often neglect their own needs results, which were analyzed by Dr. Silas or health concerns in their attempts to Lee—a New Orleans native and Katrina maintain the stability and support of their survivor himself—are documented in the families. The Black Women’s Roundtable Research section of this report.) hosted listening sessions to focus on their communal and individual needs in Finally, NCBCP was excited to partner with seven cities: Mobile, AL, Gulfport, MS, the Opportunity Agenda to document the New Orleans, LA, Lafayette, LA, Baton bus tour via blogging and video testimony. Rouge, LA, Jackson, MS and Slidell, LA. The names, faces, stories, and challenges The bus tour was launched with a prayer of the Gulf Coast survivor community are breakfast and press conference in New poignantly captured on a 9-minute clip of Orleans that was attended by over 60 the video coverage of the tour and can be women leaders from the political, social, found at on the NCBCP’s website, www. community and corporate circles. NCBCP ncbcp.org or: http://www.youtube.com/ was able to meet with over 500 women and watch?v=I0x2Xb8Fhl4 . community leaders throughout the tour and NCBCP board members, NCBCP staff and volunteers looks forward to continuing the support of assemble “comfort bags” to rebuilding efforts in the future. Dr. Yvonne Scruggs- Leftwich and Marc distribute to women participating in The NCBCP conducted surveys to Morial, greet BWR Tour one of seven listening sessions held determine what issues remain prevalent staff and volunteers as in the Gulf Coast. in the lives of survivors of Hurricanes they prepare to load bus in New Orleans.

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review | 19 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Public Policy NCBCP Continues Dialogue with Government Response Agencies

The NCBCP believes that the 2005 July 25, 2006—National Leadership hurricane season was a wake-up call Briefing, American Red Cross; NCBCP and that emergency preparedness is a serious other groups were hosted by ARC’s Chief matter that all Americans not only need Diversity Officer and other officials to be to be aware of, but that organizations advised on changes the agency had and need to be prepared to provide assistance continued to make in response to complaints to their communities. It is imperative, received from past efforts. therefore, that continued engagement with government response agencies take October 25, 2006—National Response Plan place, coupled with input from the civic and National Incident Management System and non-profit sectors on those agencies’ Stakeholders Meeting: State, Local, Tribal, policies and practices. Since the fall of Private Sector & Voluntary Organizations, 2005, the National Coalition has held a sponsored by the Office of Homeland series of meetings through its Rebuild Security; NCBCP participated in a plenary Hope NOW Campaign in which senior session on the review and revision process representatives of the American Red Cross, and small group session to discuss cultural Office of Homeland Security/FEMA, sensitivity, clarification and simplification Office of Housing and Urban Development of messaging, and designation of roles, and other agencies have participated. In among other topics. turn, the NCBCP has been invited to and has participated in meetings held by these The NCBCP also held its VOTE agencies, including: Democracy symposium in June 2006 in which leaders from selected government October 20, 2005—Coordination Meeting agencies, response organizations, weather of Partners Engaged in Katrina-Rita, monitoring institutions, and civic and sponsored by the American Red Cross and community groups came together to discuss the National Voluntary Organizations Active preparedness for the 2006 hurricane season. in Disaster; NCBCP provided suggestions (See details under 4th Annual Voices of the on Inclusive and Effective Partnerships and Electorate (VOTE) Democracy Symposium the role of non-profit/civic institutions in in this report.) relief and recovery efforts. NCBCP and the National Policy Alliance (NPA)

On January 19 and 20, 2006, the National for the discussion was Melanie Campbell’s Coalition on Black Civic Participation was article, “Right of Return Means Access invited to the inaugural meeting of the to the Ballot, Access to Neighborhoods National Policy Alliance, which includes and Access to Economic Opportunity.”2 principals and key staff members of the As a result, the NPA agreed to “support organizations that represent black elected the efforts of the Rebuild Hope NOW officials and Black government employees. Campaign and endorse its call for the Convened by the Joint Center for Political President and all government agencies to and Economic Studies, the NPA seeks “to immediately respond to the eight critical 1. Excerpt from NPA establish an ongoing, mutually beneficial areas of concern identified in the September statement. collaborative relationship that will facilitate 14 Call to Action of African American 2. This article was written and submitted to the Harvard cooperative action on issues of common leadership organizations: Journal of African American concern.”1 Since post-Katrina rebuilding Public Policy for Volume was one of the of urgent issues that the • Ensuring Affected Families XII—A Nation Exposed: Alliance discussed during this meeting, the Immediate and Long-Term Right Rebuilding African American Communities. NCBCP was asked to participate on a panel of Return to Gulf Coast Region 3. Excerpt from NPA and roundtable discussion. The reference • Rebuilding and Reconnecting meeting notes. 20 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Public Policy

Families and Children The NCBCP has been represented in • Ensuring that Local Residents have subsequent meetings of the NPA and has First Choice at Reconstruction Jobs participated in policy discussions on a broad and Contracts range of topics—from childhood obesity • Providing Physical and Mental to the 2010 U.S. Census. The National Health Assistance Coalition also helped to promote the NPA’s • Providing Legal, Economic and post-Katrina forum, “Never Again” on Voting Protections April 11, 2006 in which experts discussed • Monitoring FEMA, American preparedness, resources attainment, Red Cross, and Salvation Army engaging public officials and dealing with Distribution of Resources affected populations. • Securing the Environment for Future Generations • Develop Comprehensive Strategy to Address Poverty Crisis in America.”3

NCBCP Works to Protect Voting Rights of 150,000 New Orleans Displaced Voters

NCBCP collaborated with several civil voting rights legal team. Unfortunately, the rights organizations in March 2006 urging U. S. Justice Department refused to enforce the U. S. Justice Department, Civil Rights the VRA to protect NOLA voters. Division, to protect the rights of New Orleans (NOLA) displaced voters by There are roughly 210,000 New Orleans enforcing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, evacuees that are voting age [over the age specifically, requiring the State of Louisiana of 18], over 70 percent of those are black, to provide satellite voting in states where which represents over 153,300 black voters evacuees currently resided. who did not have access to the ballot on April 22nd. The NCBCP, in partnership with the National Urban League, Rainbow PUSH The NCBCP believes that voting is essential Coalition, NAACP, National Organization to right of return for New Orleans residents of Women, Black Leadership Forum, and is committed to providing a sustained National Council of Negro Women and effort to fight for the voting rights of National Action Network, and other survivors of Hurricanes Katrina-Rita, for prominent national and locally-based as long as necessary, as NOLA survivors of organizations to encourage and empower Hurricanes Katrina continue the painful task Hurricane Katrina survivors to protect their of rebuilding their lives. right to vote in the New Orleans Municipal Election held on April 22, 2006. The NCBCP participated in meetings and letter writing campaigns to the U. S. Department of Justice, including meeting with Assistant Attorney General Wan J. Kim and his

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review | 21 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Public Policy NCBCP’s Voting Rights Act Vigil The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, in conjunction with the Black Leadership Forum, held a two-day vigil in July on Capitol Hill to urge Congress to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act of 1965 before its 2007 expiration. The NCBCP convened over 200 people representing more than 60 national organizations in a unified effort to ensure that key provisions of the VRA (Section 5, pre-clearance by U.S. Department of Justice, and Section 203, minority language requirement) were not jeopardized. The Act (H.R. 9) was named the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006 as a fitting tribute to those three brave and courageous warriors of social change and justice. It was introduced on May 2, 2006 but the floor hearing to debate it was abruptly canceled in late June. Along with the vigil, the NCBCP collected nearly 500 pledge cards demanding immediate passage of H.R. 9. The House would pass the Act without amendment on July 12; the Senate passed its version on July 20. Hands Off The Internet The NCBCP joined the Hands off The Internet Coalition to support the position of the internet not being unduly regulated by the government. Since the 1980’s, the NCBCP has always been a proponent of the internet being fully accessible by all people and has long understood as an organization that the internet is a powerful and viable tool for civic engagement, grassroots organizing and advocacy of issues important to the Black community.

NCBCP Represents At Kapitol Hill Legislative Conference NCBCP Executive Director & CEO Melanie Campbell was invited by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. to its annual James “Biff” Carter Legislative Conference on April 24, 2006 in Washington, D.C. Dubbed “Kappas on Kapitol Hill,” the conference featured a panel on Katrina Impact and Recovery efforts and included Ms. Campbell as well as Dr. William Spriggs, head of the Economics Department at Howard University, Derrick Johnson, president of the Mississippi Chapter of the NAACP, and Lugwick Gains, an Alexandria, VA City Councilman.

NCBCP Works to defend Affirmative Action The The NCBCP joined forces with the General Motors Foundation, the community-based One Michigan Coalition and others to save Affirmative Action policies and programs in the state of Michigan. The November 7th Michigan voters ballot included Proposal 2, dubiously entitled the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, a constitutional amendment to end affirmative action statewide. NCBCP’s Black Youth Vote Michigan! team took the lead in mobilizing the communities of Kalamazoo, MI by registering over 10,000 voters, educating them on the proposal and turning out voters on Election Day. The initiative was passed with a vote of 58% (yes) to 42% (no), eliminating Affirmative Action throughout Michigan, but NCBCP and its affiliates and allies will continue to monitor the effects of this law and work to ensure that the hands of the civil rights clock are not turned back.

22 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Black Youth Vote! Registers 21,000 in 2006 Electoral Engagement Strong and vibrant in its 10th year, the • The BYV! Voter Registration Project NCBCP’s Black Youth Vote! (BYV!) was able to register over 21,000 voters program launched its 2006 BYV! during the 2006 registration efforts. Here Voter Registration Project in June 2006. is a breakdown of the accomplishments by NCBCP/BYV! was one of 15 organizations state: chosen to work under a grant from Young Voter Strategies, a Pew Trust-sponsored State # Registered* nonpartisan project of The Graduate School Alabama 3500 of Political Management at The George Florida 500 Washington University. Black Youth Vote! Georgia 2000 conducted state based voter registration programs through NCBCP affiliates in Louisiana 500 seven states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland 500 Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan & Texas, Michigan 8000 later supporting additional efforts in three Texas 5500 additional sites: the District of Columbia District of Columbia* 300 (Howard University), Massachusetts Tennessee* 400 (Boston) & Tennessee (Tennessee State Massachusetts* 400 University). *DC, TN, MA were not part of the original Campaign highlights include: seven state efforts, but joined registration efforts later in the campaign. The Black Youth Vote! Campaign Management Training, Washington, DC Black Youth Vote! Research Project • To kick off the 2006 Voter Registration Project, BYV! hosted the Campaign • As a component of the 2006 Vote Project, Management Training June 8-10th in BYV!, and in conjunction with Dr. Ronald Washington, DC. The training, which Walters of the University of Maryland consisted of BYV! state coordinators, African American Institute and Dr. Tyson NCBCP Affiliate advisors and key King-Meadows of the National Coalition volunteers, served as a kick off of the 2006 of Black Political Scientists, conducted a BYV! Vote Project and provided training on research project to explore the influences in key components of campaign planning for Black youth participation and confidence the state based efforts. in the voting system. Pre-election surveys were compiled in Alabama and Michigan during the registration period, and analyzed BYV! Media Coverage & Partnerships by Dr. King-Meadows and compared with • BYV! was able to build upon the Vote Election Day exit polls. Among the results, Project through media coverage and it was noted that family and community partnerships. Over all, BYV! received 88 organizations are the most influential press hits through print, internet and radio contributors to Black youth involvement articles, interviews and highlights. BYV! and that young Black voters are skeptical hosted a competition for lyrics of the BYV about the use of new technologies in voting Movement Public Service Announcement. (i.e. machines vs. paper). Excerpts from The competition was won by Alana Clark, the analysis results can be found in the a 17 year old high school senior in Georgia Research section of this report; for a full who wrote and performed the lyrics. The report, please contact the NCBCP office. PSA was distributed to radio stations in over 14 states. NCBCP also launched a new BYV! section on the website (www.ncbcp.org/ byv), highlighting BYV! campaign work and issues imprinted to young Black activists. BYV! State Accomplishments

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review | 23 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Electoral Engagement

for and strategizing around future BYV! Black Youth Vote! 6th Annual Civic programs and work in the upcoming 2008 Leadership Conference, Atlanta, Georgia elections and beyond. The weekend also NCBCP was proud to host the 6th Annual served as the genesis of a partnership with Black Youth Vote! Civic Leadership The Source magazine, whose management Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, November has expressed great interest in sponsoring 10-12th. Entitled “All Eye’s on Us: BYV events as well as covering NCBCP/ Building Our Power, Defining Our BYV activities in their publication, Movement,” the convening served as a considered the premier magazine for the debrief of the 2006 BYV! Vote Project, and hip-hop generation. Editor-in-Chief Fahiym brought together BYV! State Coordinators, Ratcliffe, Executive Editor Ryan Ford and volunteers, alumni and supporters. Culture & Politics Correspondent Rob Participants attended workshops and general “Biko” Baker were not only in attendance, sessions that focused on the young Black but played active roles as discussion leaders electorate’s impact on the 2006 mid-term throughout the conference. elections and began laying the groundwork

Two BYV! volunteers register young voters during summer registration drive.

BYV! Conference panel leads discussion on “Power Politics: Building Our Strength Through Civic Engagement” (l-r, LaTosha Brown, NCBCP Regional Director; NCBCP/BYV! Program Associate Irene Schwoeffermann (on stage); BYV! National Co-Chair Diallo Brooks; BYV! veteran activist Illia Kenney; AFSCME Campaign Manager Jasmine Harris; The Source BYV! volunteer and rapper/artist, Alana Clark Magazine Culture/Politics Correspondent performs BYV! theme song, “The Movement” “Biko” Baker. during BYV! Civic Leadership Conference.

24 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS NCBCP Taps Into the Power of the Sister VOTE Electoral Engagement

On Wednesday July 26, 2006 the National • Introduce Community Benefits Coalition on Black Civic Participation Agreements to the work convened a small group of national, • Engage the Black Church by state and local women leaders together developing women leaders from in Atlanta, Georgia at historic Paschal’s within the church Restaurant to facilitate discussions on how • Leverage political money from black women can begin to work together Black women as a collective body for the purpose of • Increase youth involvement and increasing their political voice, their help them to develop their skills presence and their power in the 2006 mid- term election, 2008 presidential election and The women also volunteered to work beyond. A similar Power of the Sister Vote in different areas: Church Outreach; meeting was co-hosted by Clayola Brown, Public Policy; Organization Assessment; President of the A. Philip Randolph Institute Youth/Under-represented Voices; Network (APRI) and NCBCP Board Member during Access; Corporate Outreach; and Message the APRI’s annual National Education Development. Conference in Detroit, Michigan on August 19, 2006. More than 60 women—from church, community, corporate, non-profit, activist, In both sessions, the women identified and labor organizations and a wide range ways in which they could support each of disciplines—participated in the two other individually and collectively. The meetings. recommendations for collective work include:

NCBCP Ensures the Black Electorate are Prepared to Make Votes Count ELECTION DAY 2006 WAR ROOM

An aggressive voter education campaign League, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, launched by the National Coalition on A. Philip Randolph Institute, Coalition of Black Civic Participation (NCBCP), and Black Trade Unionists, National Education its Unity ’06 Campaign, resulted in a more Association, AFL-CIO, The Peoples’ informed and determined Black Electorate Agenda, Black Youth Vote, Common Cause casting ballots in the Mid-Term Election and NCBCP affiliates in several states. Cycle. While numerous instances of voting They monitored and tracked information machine malfunctions, inadequate supplies coming from the ground regarding of ballots and voter registration errors voting irregularities in key states such as: were reported by poll watchers and calls Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, to national election hotlines, Black voters Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, countered by knowing their rights and North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, taking action to protect their vote. Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. On Election Day November 7, 2006, the National Coalition on Black Civic NCBCP Executive Director and CEO Participation led a Unity ’06 National Melanie Campbell served as moderator “War Room Operation” at its headquarters of three press conference calls held in Washington, DC. Participants included throughout the day through which media national Black leaders representing the could learn firsthand what was occurring Black Leadership Forum, National Urban at polls across the country from field

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review | 25 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Electoral Engagement

reports. News organizations such as Gannett Other complaints registered by callers News Service, Cybercast, Pacifica Radio, included: BlackAmericaWeb.com, and Newhouse • Voter registration problems including News Service covered the call. new voter identification rules that The “War Room” was a final phase of resulted in voters being turned away at Black Electorate causes leading up to the polls the election, including voter education, • Locating the correct polling place voter verification and Get-Out-The-Vote • Absentee voting procedures activities. The 1-866-MYVOTE-1 Hotline served as an additional resource of reported The NCBCP noted that with such voting problems. Callers to the MyVote1 complaints signal a need for continued national election hotline—which logged diligence in monitoring and changing the in nearly 20,000 calls—reported voting system. It is apparent that after six years machine malfunctions which caused an since the Florida election debacle and $3 NCBCP staff, volunteers and leaders increase for this type of complaint to 20 billion spent to upgrade the basic machinery of national Black organizations gather percent this election cycle over 3 percent of the country’s democracy, election reform around the “War Room” table to monitor reported in 2004. (See charts page26 .) is still a work in progress. the Black vote.

Election Day Exit Poll The NCBCP is the only organization to develop research tools that are meant to expressly capture the voting experience of Black voters. As it did in 2004, the National Coalition, in partnership with Dr. Ron Walters of the University of Maryland, constructed an Election Day Exit Poll which was administered in Florida, Maryland and Michigan, asked a series of questions geared toward identifying any challenges that the actual voting process may pose, to what extent state-specific ballot initiatives influenced voting, party affiliation, and demographics. The results of the nearly 700 surveys were analyzed by Dr. Tyson King- Meadows, a member of the National Coalition of Black Political Scientists. (Excerpts from the analysis can be found in the Research Section of this report.)

26 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Electoral Engagement

2006 NATIONAL REPORT: CALLS BY PROBLEM TYPE

OTHER ABSENTEE ABSENTEE 20% 12% REGISTRATION REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION POLL ACCESS 22% 12% MECHANICAL PAPER PROVISIONAL COERCION/INTIMIDATION 4% IDENTIFICATION COERCION/INTIMIDATION PROVISIONAL MECHANICAL 6% PAPER POLL ACCESS 1% 17% 6% OTHER

2006 NATIONAL REPORT: ELECTION DAY CALLS BY PROBLEM TYPE

ABSENTEE OTHER 6% 18% REGISTRATION ABSENTEE 17% REGISTRATION POLL ACCESS IDENTIFICATION 13% MECHANICAL PAPER BALLOT IDENTIFICATION 7% PROVISIONAL COERCION/INTIMIDATION COERCION/INTIMIDATION 5% PROVISIONAL MECHANICAL POLL ACCESS 2% PAPER BALLOT 24% OTHER 8%

Source: Info Voter Technologies, MYVOTE1 2006 Preliminary Report, National Transfer and Problem-Type Statistics

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review | 27 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Electoral Engagement De s c r iption Misleading mailings supporting Steele Long lines in some precincts Machines broken in some precincts Machines malfunctioning Not enough machines Registrants names not in database Machines not functioning Ballot processor broken Intimidation specifically towards black men reported Misinformation on absentee ballots told they need letter from parole off. Felons Threat of police checking homes voters Machines switching ballot selections turned away because they had no ID People turned away because w/out voter reg card People turned away because they were not in databasePeople Threatening phone calls to blacks by phoney officials Opposition candidates appear after punched in choices Refusing people provisional ballots when not in database turned away because they were not in databasePeople No notification at old polling places to new Not registered because of 3 years not voting Insufficient signs and directions to new polling places polling locations opened late were told wrong polling locations People 26 out of 86 precincts ran cards Cords weren't long enough to reach power outlets. Candidate Joyce Krusak was not on ballot (State Rep.) 2-5 Precincts opened late. without ID's turned away Voters Machines not selecting certain party's candidates provisional ballots not counted yet… Machines broken, Machines constantly malfunctioning Machine power cords not long enough to reach outlet Men in black suits intimidating voters at polling places Sou r ce NCBCP MD NCBCP/BYV! NCBCP/BYV! APRI APRI MyVote1 MyVote1 NCBCP MI BYV! CBTU CBTU CBTU APRI NCBCP/BYV! NCBCP/BYV! CBTU Dispatch Times Richmond Agenda GA Coaltion for Peoples Agenda GA Coaltion for Peoples Agenda GA Coaltion for Peoples Rights Network Voting LA Rights Network Voting LA Rights Network Voting LA NCBCP LA NCBCP LA Harvard School of Law NCBCP FL NCBCP FL CBTU APRI ABCLocal.go.com MyVote1 MyVote1 APRI Pr oble m T ype Coercion Access Polling Mechanical Mechanical Administration Election Registration Mechanical Mechanical Intimidation/Coercion Absentee Administration Election Coercion Mechanical Identification Registration Registration Intimidation/Coercion Mechanical Provisional Registration Administration Election Registration Administration Election Administration Election Administration Election Administration Election Administration Election Admin Mechanical/Elec Administration Election Identification Mechanical Mechanical Mechanical Administration Election Intimidation/Coercion Municipality PG County Baltimore Baltimore Louis St. Louis St. Detroit Detroit Macomb Kalamazoo Westchester Westchester Yonkers Raleigh Houston Houston Chesapeake Richmond Atlanta Metro Atlanta Metro Atlanta Metro New Orleans New Orleans New Orleans New Orleans New Orleans Boston Lauderdale Ft. Daytona Delaware Co. Camden Co + Passaic Cleavland Philadelphia Philadelphia Philly West Election Day Problems Chart as Reported by Unity Affiliates ’06 and Partners State MD MD MD MO MO MI MI MI MI NY NY NY NC TX TX VA VA GA GA GA LA LA LA LA LA MA FL FL IN NJ NJ OH PA PA PA NCBCP 28 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Electoral Engagement 2006. from “Blacks and the 2006 Midterm Elections” by David Bositis, Joint Center for Political Economic Studies, November, Taken

Source:

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review | 29 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Electoral Engagement NCBCP Post-Election Briefing

An aggressive voter education campaign Election Day was led by veteran political launched by the National Coalition on analyst Dr. Ron Walters, Dr. Yvonne Black Civic Participation (NCBCP), and Scruggs-Leftwich (Center for Community its Unity ’06 Campaign, resulted in a more & Economic Justice), Lillie Coney informed and determined Black Electorate (National Committee for Voting Integrity), casting ballots in the Mid-Term Election Rev. Lennox Yearwood (Hip Hop Caucus) Cycle. While numerous instances of and Kristen Clark-Avery (NAACP Legal voting machine malfunctions, inadequate Defense Fund). supplies of ballots and voter registration errors were reported by poll watchers and While the need to find polling locations calls to national election hotlines, Black was the primary reason for people to utilize voters countered by knowing their rights voter hotlines on Election Day, problems NCBCP Board Member Dr. Yvonne and taking action to protect their vote. with electronic machinery was definitely Scruggs-Leftwich, Sr. Professor at the National Labor College, addresses the However, it was also noted that six years a factor in the 2006 elections, as noted in audience at the 2006 Post-Election and $3 billion spent since the Florida the analysis of calls received to the 1-866- briefing at the National Press debacle of 2000 has not ensured the full MYVOTE-1 voter assistance hotline. Ken Club. Other panelists shown are enfranchisement of every vote. Smukler, of InfoVoter Technologies, the (l-r) Kirk Clay (Common Cause), Lillie Coney (National Committee architect of the hotline and Kirk Clay of for Voting Integrity), Melanie The NCBCP attempted to look at the Common Cause released a preliminary Campbell (NCBCP), Faye Anderson reasons behind the persistent challenges report on the calls received. The biggest (Moderator), and Dr. Ronald Walters Black voters face at the polls, and what increase in problem type occurred under (African American Institute, Univ. of Maryland). is at stake in the new political landscape “mechanical” (3% of calls in 2004 vs. 17% in 2006), leaving observers to ponder the reliability of new electronic voting machines that have become so prevalent in the country’s elections.

The shift of power in the House and the Senate is of great interest to the NCBCP and its constituency. The briefing brought together in a 2nd panel—“Where Do We Go From Here?” Impact of the Black Vote on the Agenda Priorities of the 110th Congress and the Balance of Power in the States”— Dr. Joe Leonard (Black Leadership Forum), Dr. Margaret Simms (Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies), Dr. Maya Rockeymoore (Global Policy Solutions), Marc Morial (National Urban League) and Dr. Juan Andrade (U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute) to weigh in on the implications for the Black and Latino communities under the new leadership. It was widely agreed that because of key committee chairmanships at its 3rd Biannual Post-Election briefing. and changing policy priorities that this “Impact of the Black Vote on the Mid-Term could signal a major opening for people Election Cycle,” was hosted by the National of color to move significant pieces of their Coalition on Thursday, November 9, 2006 agenda and to participate in the process at the National Press Club in Washington, more fully through staffing opportunities. D.C. The two-panel event began with a discussion around “What Happened on Both panels were moderated by Citizen Election Day with the Black Vote?”. This Journalist Faye M. Anderson. analysis of Black voter turnout, voter suppression and state ballot initiatives on

30 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Technical Assistance And Training Technical Assistance The National Coalition on Black Civic Co-Sponsor/Trainer, “Reclaiming the & Training Participation prides itself on the knowledge Ballot, Reclaiming New Orleans One Vote base, skills and expertise of its staff and at a Time,” Texas Southern University professional support team. Because it has Thurgood Marshall School of Law, distinguished itself as a thought leader on Houston, TX (February 2006) civic issues, the NCBCP’s staff are often Participant, Pelosi Forum with Civil Rights requested to lead and/or participate in Leaders and Civic Groups on African seminars, workshops, panel discussions and Americans and Katrina Relief, Washington, trainings by its member organizations and D.C. (February 2006) allies. The NCBCP was part of many such events in 2006, including: “Healthy, Wealthy & Wise” Black Women’s Roundtable presentation to University of MEMBER ORGANIZATION EVENTS Missouri Kansas City Women’s Center Keynote speaker, Delta Sigma Theta program From Individual to Community Sorority, Inc., Tuscaloosa (AL) Alumnae Leadership (March 2006) Chapter Founders Day (March 2006) Panelist, opening plenary session, Role Exhibitor, NAACP 97th Annual Convention of Government in Shoring Up HBCUs, Information Exchange Center, Washington, Preparing a Diverse Workforce Pool, D.C. (July 2006) Poverty Abatement, and Wealth Creation; Exhibitor, National Urban League the National Association for Equal Convention, Atlanta, GA (July 2006) Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) 31st Annual Conference on Blacks in Exhibitor, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Higher Education,New Orleans, Louisiana. National Boule, Detroit, MI (July 2006) (March 2006) Participant, 100 Black Men of America 20th Speaker/Panelist, United States Hispanic Anniversary Fall Leadership Conference Leadership Institute 24th Annual National Community Capacity Building Workshop Conference, Voting Rights Reauthorization “Affilation Development” (September 2006) Act March & Rally and Forum “A History Training/Presenter, A. Philip Randolph of African American & Latino Political Annual Education Conference, Detroit, MI Coalitions: Lessons Toward a New Force (August 2006) in American Politics,” Chicago, IL (March 2006) Presenter, Council of Presidents Meeting (includes all 9 Black Fraternities and Panelist/Exhibitor, Prince George’s County Sororities), Washington, D.C. (September (MD) 7th Annual Harlem Renaissance 2006) Festival, Panel Discussion “Inspire the Vote” (May 2006) Exhibitor/Panelist, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation 36th Annual Legislative Exhibitor, 2006 National Hip Hop Political Conference, Issue Forum “Voting Rights Act Convention at Northeastern Illinois’ Jacob Reauthorization and the Black Electorate in Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, New Orleans” (September 2006) Chicago, IL (July 2006) Trainer, Student Government Association ALLIES AND PARTNERS training @ Morehouse College, Hurricane Katrina Panel: Rebuilding New Atlanta, GA (August 2006) Orleans and the Gulf Coast/Fighting for Human Needs in Washington, D.C. and Panelist, “Energized Electorate: Young Nationwide, 5th Annual Black Voices for Voter Turnout in the 2006 Elections and Peace National Martin Luther King, Jr. Beyond,” Hosted by Demos and Young Commemoration, Plymouth Congregational People For the American Way, New York, Church, Washington, DC (January 2006) NY (November 2006) Contributor and Participant, Louisiana Network Annual Mardi Gras Bash, Washington, D.C. (February 2006)

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review | 31 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Media Outreach NCBCP: In the News - 2006

The National Coalition on Black Civic Association & BlackPressUSA Network Participation (NCBCP) began its 30th year – comprised of 200 local newspapers that grappling with the lingering devastation reach the African American community caused by the Gulf South hurricanes, and throughout the country. concluded 2006 keenly focused on the Mid- Term elections. Throughout the 12 months, • CBS Television - CBS is the number one the Coalition’s public voice echoed by rated network with a primetime line-up the media reached a diverse demographic that was watched by more than 233 million audience that served to position the people in 2006. organization and its leadership as thought leaders. • The Opportunity Agenda – The Opportunity Agenda utilizes multimedia Whether staging public forums, garnering products such as videos, pod casts, support for passage of the Reauthorization publications, and strategic media of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), alerting partnerships, to help elevate the voices displaced hurricane disaster survivors of spokespersons focused on creating about their voting rights, the Coalition’s opportunity in America. distinctive voice was present -- branding The development and dissemination of the organization as a responsible and tested issue-based messages, media alerts, knowledgeable information source on issues press announcements, statements by the affecting the African American electorate. NCBCP’s Executive Director issued on a Radio interviews, television appearances, consistent, yet relevant basis, focused the newspaper and magazine articles, internet media’s attention on the Coalition’s efforts blogs, website resource listings and web- to protect every African American’s right to based video clip, along with international full civic participation. Starting with (the media coverage combined to heighten the multi-city voter information and candidate NCBCP’s visibility among key audiences. forums jointly convened under the “Rebuild Hope NOW” banner for displaced hurricane The National Coalition worked diligently survivors, to the production of a hip hop over the year to strengthen already existing song encouraging Black youth to engage partnerships and develop new relationships in the political process, NCBCP garnered with key national and local media outlets. local, regional and national press coverage. Partners included:

• American Urban Radio Network (AURN) - The Coalition enlisted the support of AURN is the largest radio network reaching celebrity spokeswoman, Sheryl Lee Ralph urban America with more than 200 weekly and NUL President, Marc Morial, to voice shows airing over 475 stations, AURN messages promoting civic engagement. reaches an estimated 25 million listeners. Aided by a national public service campaign sponsored and aired by AURN stations • Reach Media- Home of The Tom Joyner and the members of NABOB, hundreds of Morning Show, Black America Web (BAW), thousands of displaced hurricane survivors and the “Sky Shows.” The Tom Joyner contacted Louisiana’s Secretary of State to Morning Show aired in more than 115 request absentee ballots. The result, voter markets, reaching eight million listeners. participation among displaced survivors BAW is the #1 website targeted to African topped official expectations. American adults with 750,000 registered members, more than 5 million page views Media outreach for the Coalition’s intensive per month, and approximately 20,000 voter education and voter protection visitors per day. efforts during the November Mid-term elections proved to be an overwhelming • National Association of Black Owned success. The Coalition invited the media Broadcasters (NABOB) – NABOB is to participate in its “war room” monitoring the first and largest trade organization of voting patterns, voter turnout, or voting representing the interests of over 220 irregularities encountered throughout the African-American owners of radio and country. For the first time, reporters were television stations across the country. given the opportunity, via conference call, to hear in real time, field reports in polling • National Newspaper Publishers locations either historically troubled or

32 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Media Outreach located in states where key races were primary organization (with less focus on thought to be close. Analysis during the the programs), resulted in an increase in three Election Day calls was provided by name recognition for the organization. The noted political strategists and pollsters strategic implementation of publicity tactics including Dr. Ron Walters, University of integrated with the increased utilization of Maryland, Dr. Charles Ogletree Jr, Harvard media partners, broadened NCBCP’s core Law School, and Dr. Silas Lee, Silas Lee & audience and had a significant impact on Associates. Observations were also offered millions of citizens in the organization’s by Marc Morial, President, National Urban target market, furthering the Coalition’s League, Williams Lucy, Secretary/Treasurer, efforts to promote civic participation in AFSCME National Coalition headquarters the African American community. Clearly, staff, Rev. Joseph Lowery, the Peoples’ the National Coalition played a major role Agenda, on-the-ground affiliates and civil in the increased diversity reflected in the rights activists. newly elected Congress.

Consistent coverage over the year, coupled with the conscious decision to focus on branding the NCBCP as the

NCBCP: In the News – 2006 Part ll – Sample Coverage

Media outlets listed provided coverage “Michael Eric Dyson Show” – Syndicated throughout the year. nationally WGOK-AM- (Mobile, AL) Broadcast: Television & Radio KPFK-FM (Los Angeles) CNN WAMU-FM – DC MSNBC WPFW (DC/Pacifica) Hearst-Argyle Television News Service WRFG Radio – Atlanta, GA ABC Radio Network WAOK Radio - Atlanta, GA BET News WABE 90.1FM (NPR) – GA Democracy NOW (Radio, Internet & TV) KEXZ - (LA) WSB-TV – Atlanta, GA WMUK-FM (MI) CBS 46 – Atlanta, GA Minneapolis Public Radio – MN WXIA-TV (NBC) – Atlanta, GA WGR-AM – Buffalo, NY WDSU-TV (ABC) – New Orleans, LA WBLS-FM – NY, NY WGNO-TV 26 (ABC) – New Orleans, LA WBAI (NY/Pacifica) WVUE TV 8 (FOX) – New Orleans, LA KBOO-FM – Portland, OR WWL TV 4 (CBS) – New Orleans, LA KBMS-AM (Portland, OR) KATC-TV (ABC) – Lafayette, LA WHAT-AM – Phila., PA WAFB-TV - Baton Rouge, LA 100.3-FM/Radio One – Phila., PA WBRZ-TV – Baton Rouge, LA WGCV-AM (Columbia, SC) WBLA & WGMB-TV – Baton Rouge, LA WVOL (Nashville, TN) KSLA – Shreveport, LA WWMT-TV – Kalamazoo, MI Print Media & Wire Services WREG – Memphis, TN AP Wire Service WMC – Memphis, TN Washington Post KRIS – Corpus Christi, TX Gannett News Service XM/Radio One – Satellite Radio Broadcast National Journal American Urban Radio Network News (AURN) Interpress News Service “Bev Smith Show” – Syndicated nationally Black Enterprise Magazine “Tom Joyner Morning Show” – Syndicated The Crisis Magazine nationally The Network Journal Magazine “Al Sharpton Show” – Syndicated nationally The Final Call

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review | 33 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Media Outreach NCBCP: In the News – 2006 Part ll continued

Atlanta Journal Constitution Baltimore Times Birmingham News Baltimore Afro-American Detroit Free Press New Orleans LA Weekly New Orleans Times-Picayune, LA New Orleans Drum The Advocate – Baton Rouge, LA The Atlanta Inquirer Chronicles of Philanthropy The Atlanta Daily World ComputerWorld Chicago Standard Dallas Examiner Internet: Websites & Blogs Louisiana Data Weekly BlackAmericaWeb.com Louisiana Weekly Black Enterprise.com Milwaukee Times Weekly Yahoo! News Philadelphia New Observer Bloomberg.com The Philadelphia Tribune BlackAmericaWeb.com New Pittsburgh Courier US Newswire Washington Informer ArriveNet Westside Gazette Alternet Wilmington Journal (NC) Imdiversity Carolina Peacemaker Black Collegiate North Jersey.com Regional Press Arkansas News Bureau News-hq.org/blogs/new-jersey Arkansas Democrat Gazette – AK Mlive.com Ft. Smith Southwest Times Record, AK Realblackradio.com Pine Bluff Commercial – AK Common Ground Media Collective (New Birmingham News – AL Orleans) Mobile Beacon, Mobile, AL The Town Talk (Alexandria-Pineville, LA) California Advocate – CA Indybay Norwich Bulletin - CT Hurricane Katrina Media Center in Mississippi Herald-Tribune – Sarasota, Southwest FL New Orleans Agenda Central Florida Advocate – FL Cybercast News Service Metro Courier, Augusta, GA Troublewater New Orleans City Business Acadiana - Lafayette Daily Advertiser (LA) Indybay.org Bayou Buzz - LA Acenet.edu Thibodaux Daily Comet – LA Wiretap Houma Courier - LA NewCaliforniaMedia Michigan Tech News - MI Advancement Project.org Kalamazoo Gazette - MI Anderson@large Clarion Ledger – Jackson, MS Niaonline.com Elmira Star-Gazette - NY UnityFirst.com News of the Northwest Black Commentator Chat-Topica-theblacklist.net Dogonvillage.com

Minority Press BlackPressUSA/NNPA member newspapers Southern Digest Amsterdam News

34 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Summary of the April 22nd Exit Poll of the New Orleans Research Mayor’s Race and Rebuilding Exit Poll

On April 22nd 463 voters completed an exit The eight rebuilding indicators tested were: Excerpts taken directly from poll measuring the perceptions of voters ► Ability to make home repairs summary as commissioned and developed by Dr. Silas about their voting experience and barriers to ► Access to affordable housing Lee & Associates; a full rebuilding that they have encountered since ► Availability of medical care copy of the summary may be Hurricane Katrina. Since the Louisiana ► Access to schools for my child obtained at www.ncbcp.org. legislature and the federal court rejected the ► Removal of debris/garbage request to allow satellite voting facilities in ► Finding a job states with a heavy population of Louisiana ► Access to transportation evacuees, the civil rights community has ► Illness in your family/yourself been intimately engaged in monitoring voter enfranchisement for the April 22nd primary. Since hurricane Katrina, New Orleans merged 256 of its polling locations into 76 voting Of the eight indicators tested, the four major issues that are a “Very/ precincts, creating concern that the voting Somewhat Serious” problem for residents attempting to rebuild are: rights of residents would be compromised. 70% 67%

62% A second component of the exit poll was to 61% 58% Ability to make measure the voting experience of residents 60% 57% 57% 55% home repairs and if they encountered any problems. 53% 48% 50% 47% The Voting Experience 41% Access to Overall, voters did not experience the severe 40% affordable disruptions that some anticipated for the April 30% housing 22nd election. As demonstrated by the results Removal of below, with the exception of the absence 20% debris/garbage of satellite voting outside of Louisiana for displaced voters and a few minor errors at 10% some polling locations, the voting experience Availability of for a majority of the residents was uneventful. 0% medical care Rebuilding Challenges African White Total American 1. Two-thirds of the respondents (66%) are “Very/Somewhat Satisfied” with how the The remaining four indicators (access to schools and transportation, rebuilding process is going for them. This illness in your family and finding a job) were identified as a “Very/ is in contrast to nearly a third (29%) of Somewhat Serious” problem by less than 50% of the respondents. the respondents who are “Very/Somewhat However, as the chart below illustrates, African American residents are Dissatisfied” with the rebuilding process. more likely than whites to be negatively impacted by access to schools More than any other racial group, African and transportation, illness and finding a job. Americans are more likely to be “Very/ 50% Somewhat Dissatisfied” with how the 47% 45% rebuilding process is going for them at 33% 45% 44% Access to compared to 22% for whites. 40% 38% 38% 38% schools for my 37% 35% child 2. Eight rebuilding indicators were evaluated 32% by the respondents to measure if they are 30% Illness in your 30% 27% “Very/Somewhat Serious” problems to them family/yourself 25% in their efforts to reclaim the dignity and 20% 20% wholeness to their lives. Unlike whites at 17% Access to 40% and above, nearly 6 out of 10 African 15% transportation Americans have a “Very/Somewhat Serious” 10% problem making home repairs, locating affordable housing, having garbage/debris 5% Finding a job removed and securing medical care. The 0% continuous burden of such issues will further African White Total discourage residents from rebuilding. American

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review | 35 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Research Summary of the Katrina-Rita Gulf South Listening Sessions Bus Tour Excerpts taken directly from More than a year after Hurricanes Katrina and women of the Gulf Coast remain emotionally summary as commissioned and Rita, thousands of African American women traumatized as they struggle to secure a sense developed by Dr. Silas Lee & are still trying to rise from the devastation of dignity and stability. This is confirmed by Associates; a full copy of the summary may be obtained at inflicted on their lives and community. the identification of the five dominant very/ www.ncbcp.org. Caught in the whirlwind of despair and somewhat serious problems affecting their survival, the two natural disasters exposed survival and recovery: the inter-locking relationship of race and gender in constructing the destiny of African American women. The data from the survey 80% 78% administered to African American women 78% Weight gain or loss during the recent Gulf Coast listening tour 76% 75% 74% 73% clearly demonstrate that the fragile social Feelings of 72% and economic existence of African American depression 70% women was further exacerbated by the two 69% Difficulty sleeping hurricanes. 68% 67% and resting 66% Access to During the week of August 22nd, the National 64% affordable housing Coalition on Black Civic Participation hosted 62% Illness in your a 7 Day-7 City Black Women’s Roundtable 60% family/ yourself Listening Sessions Bus Tour in New Orleans, Very/Somewhat Serious Problem Mobile, Gulfport, Lafayette, Baton Rouge and Jackson. The Tour Theme, “Hear Me NOW!, Reflections One Year After Katrina- In two cities, a disproportionate number Rita”, epitomizes the Tour purpose---to learn of women are in need of emotional what it means, not only to live through the intervention to prevent the long-term effects life-altering affects of Hurricanes Katrina and of their trauma, permanently damaging their Rita, but, also how women directly impacted emotional stability and relationships. In New by the storms have survived one year later. Orleans, a startling 94% of the respondents One hundred (100) respondents completed cited depression and weight gain as a surveys to measure their experiences in the very/somewhat serious problem for them in rebuilding process, the barriers encountered comparison to approximately 80% for those and how they have been affected by this living in the Gulfport region. natural disaster. SUMMARY of the RESULTS The REBUILDING EXPERIENCE Prior to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Although not mutually exclusive, the minority women in the Gulf Coast region results for the fourteen rebuilding indicators were imprisoned in the concrete dome of measured by the respondents can be separated inequality. According to the U.S. Census into emotional/psychological and institutional Bureau and the Institute for Women’s barriers with some cross-over of the issues. Policy Research, black women especially

in New Orleans were critically underpaid Emotional/Psychological Barriers in comparison to their white counterparts

$19,000 to $36,000. This income disparity 80% 78% explains why 7 in 10 (69%) respondents Weight gain or loss said, “Access to affordable housing is a very/ 75% 75% somewhat serious problem for them.” 73% Feelings of depression Although much attention has been focused 70% 69% Difficulty sleeping on rebuilding the physical facilities in their 67% and resting respective communities, the top five Access to affordable very/ 65% housing somewhat serious problems identified by the In conjunction with the challenges of managing their emotional and psychologicalIllness in your respondents indicate that African American family/ yourself 60% Very/Somewhat Serious Problem

36 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review Availability of medical care Institutional Barriers

Overall feeling of insecurity 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 80% Research

Problems with contractors 70% completing work or with their cost 65%63% 60% Problems with your insurance 54%53% fulfilling the coverage you 50% purchased 46% Losing touch with family or friends 41% 42% 40% 40%

Access to transportation 30% 21% 20% Finding a job

10% Loss of health care insurance 0% Very/Somewhat Serious Problem Access to schools for my child state of mind, inter-locking institutional CONCLUSION barriers converge to handicap the recovery August 29, 2005 exposed the existence of and stability of African American women two Americans separated by race, class and of the Gulf Coast. After experiencing gender. For the African American women of fluctuations in their weight, lacking sufficient the Gulf Coast, the natural disaster epitomized rest, and battling depression, more than half the inter-relationship between race and gender of the respondents lack access to medical and how the institutionalization of social and care (65%) and experience problems with gender inequities have impacted their quality contractors completing work or within the of life before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, projected cost (54%) and problems with as well as their ability to rebuild. While insurance companies fulfilling the coverage many citizens analyze the recovery process purchased (53%). as largely a project of individual initiative, the weight of these historical inequities THE IMPACT on CHILDREN have now been placed on the shoulders of the women of the Gulf Coast and it is a The data corroborates the fact that the significant contributor to their depression and children of the disaster were just as the discipline and academic problems of their emotionally affected as their parents. children. Uprooted from their familiar environment and friends, an astounding 72% of the Since the disasters of 2005 are not the last respondents observed the onset of depression natural catastrophes to affect this country, in their children (75% of the total respondents it is imminently clear that governmental reported depression as a very/somewhat agencies and community organizations form serious problem) and 48% reported discipline strategic partnerships to restore America’s problems and 45% noticed a decline in their social contract and safety net with its citizens grades at 45%. regardless of a person’s race, gender and class. Recovery from events such as these should not be a function of social status, but collaboration between people, institutions and government. As the 80% 75% Observed people of the Gulf Coast rebuild, let us 72% onset of 70% be diligent in eradicating the policies depression 60% and practices which have contributed to Reported 48% the acceptance and institutionalization 50% 45% depression 40% of inequality. 30% Reported discipline 20% Copyright © 2006 National Coalition on Black problems 10% Civic Participation (www.ncbcp.org). Decline in 0% grades Impact on Children NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review | 37 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Research Analysis of Exit Polls from the 2006 Election & The Black Youth Vote! Surveys

Excerpts taken from analysis as Before and on Tuesday, November 7, 2006, 2004, and the length of time spent waiting commissioned from Dr. Tyson King- the National Coalition on Black Civic to vote. A third set of questions assessed Meadows, National Coalition of Black Political Scientists. Participation (NCBCP), in partnership what broad issues motivated votes (e.g., with Dr. Tyson King-Meadows and the jobs, homeland security, the war in Iraq) “Young Voters in the 2006 Election,” National Conference of Black Political and which specific state-focused ballot CIRCLE, Center for Information Scientists, and Dr. Ronald Walters and the initiatives motivated voters to turn out. & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement, Fact Sheet, December 12, African American Leadership Institute at By examining voter response to both the 2006. the University of Maryland, College Park, state-specific context and the national Blacks and the 2006 Midterm Elections, performed two pilot surveys. issue context, the Coalition hoped to assess David A. Bositis, Joint Center for Political whether there were racial differences in and Economic Studies, pg. 2 “Voting and Registration in the Election The first was a pre-election day survey how voters thought about the 2006 election of 2004,” Census Bureau, Department of of African Americans (Black) and non- cycle. Commerce, Table 2. Race, Hispanic Origin, African American respondents done in Sex and Age, for the United States, May conjunction with NCBCP’s Black Youth 25, 2005. See also, “Reported Voting and FINDINGS FROM THE EXIT POLLS Registration by Race, Hispanic Origin, Sex Vote! initiative designed to educate, register, and Age Groups: November 1964 to 2004", and motivate prospective voters aged 18-35 Age and Party Affiliation Bureau of the Census, U. S. Department of in seven states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, In the Exit Polls, 75 and older year olds Commerce, Table 4-1. Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan and Texas). expressed 100% affiliation with the 2000 National Opinion Poll, David A. Bositis, Joint Center for Political and During this pre-election cycle, the Black Democratic party. The 45-54 year olds Economic Studies, p. 8. Youth Vote! initiative surveyed voters in in the poll exhibited the next strongest 2004 National Opinion Poll: Politics Alabama and Michigan. These two states affiliation with the Democratic party and the 2004 Elections, Joint Center for were of great interest for different reasons. (83.6%) followed by individuals falling Political and Economic Studies, p. 11. Released December 7, 2006. The second state, Michigan, drew particular in the age cohort right above. While the interest from the Coalition and its partners 65-74 year olds had a more diversified because of the heightened environment partisan affiliation, the second strongest generated by the number of groups involved partisan affiliation for the Republican party in registering voters and disseminating was expressed by individuals between the information about the anti-affirmative action ages of 35 and 44 years old. The 18-24 age ballot proposal (Proposition 2). group had the second lowest Democratic party affiliation of 66.7% and the third The second pilot survey was an Election strongest Republican party affiliation of Day Exit Poll focused on African Americans 6.2 % compared. The Independents were (Black) and non-African American strongest amongst 18-24 year olds with respondents who left polling stations in 17.3% followed by 65-74 year olds with Michigan, Florida, and Maryland. These 15%. surveys were specifically designed to gather data about voters’ experiences at the First Time Voters polls, with questions aimed at assessing As noted above, most of the total the frequency of identification challenges, respondents in the Exit Polls were not first- difficulties with voting apparatuses, ease of time voters. However, a slight gender reading ballots, and voter confidence. The difference did emerge. Men were more exit polls also sought to provide data that likely than women to be first time voters. would assist in the evaluation of progress There were also differences between the toward correcting problems discovered in states. the 2000 and 2004 election cycles. Many of these problems were the subject of election reform efforts at both the national and state levels, and some became the subject of DOJ lawsuits. As such, questions were asked about whether respondents voted with a provisional ballot, whether respondents were motivated by problems in Ohio in

38 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Research

ballots. Of course, the 2004 finding First-Time Voters by Gender was anticipated since that sample was heavily weighted toward younger, 80% first-time voters, many of whom may 60% have transient addresses as students or

Percentage 40% otherwise have a questionable voter roll status. 20%

0% The Effect of Ohio (2004) and Female Male Michigan’s Proposition 2 on Voter FIRST 45% 55% NOT FIRST 63% 37% Motivation in 2006 The events of Florida and Ohio will forever remain etched in the minds of American voters. First-Time Voters by State Whether by state malfeasance or administrative ineptitude, 80% many people of color were 60% Not First disenfranchised. We wanted to 40% First ascertain, albeit in limited fashion, Percentage 20% whether voters were motivated by 0% the events in Ohio to cast a vote Michigan Florida Maryland in 2006. Not First 54% 32% 15% First 66% 29% 5% State

Voting System Preferences, Voter Confidence, and Provisional Ballots Voter Motivation by Ohio Controversies in Florida during the 2000 election and in Ohio during the 2004 election placed election administration More Motivated More Motivated in the forefront of voter concerns. Many 26% saw strange parallels between the actions Less Motivated of states in the twenty-first century and All of the Above those of states’ rights advocates from the 47% More Cautious late nineteenth and early twentieth-century Less Motivated 3% who used federalism as a smoke screen for More Educated About racial oppression. Because evidence has More Cautious 12% Voting shown that voting apparatuses can have a All of the Above discriminatory impact, we were particularly More Educated interested in how confident voters were in About Voting 12% 2006. Therefore, on the question of voting system confidence the Exit Poll yielded a The initiative to ban affirmative action result that favored “paper balloting” and in Michigan was an equally powerful “touch screen” over the punch cards that motivator for voters. An overwhelming generated the debates during the 2000 majority of respondents indicated that they election cycle. were motivated to vote by Proposition 2, even for those who did not note affirmative In this NCBCP Exit Poll, we were glad to action as an important issue in the election. see that only 9% of the respondents voted by provisional ballot. This is a remarkable departure from our 2004 findings where 26% of the respondents utilized provisional

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review | 39 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Research

Motivated by FIRST TIME REGISTERING BY AGE Affirmative Action Ban 80.0% NO 26% 60.0% 18-29 40.0% ABOVE 29 20.0% NO YES 0.0% YES NO YES REGISTERED 74% Interestingly, 26.3 percent of those above 29 in Michigan were also first time registrants. FINDINGS FROM THE BLACK YOUTH VOTE! SURVEY Respondents were also asked if they had problems registering to vote. Less than 5 Responses to Black Youth Vote! Poll percent indicated that they had problems provided an interesting compliment to the registering to vote. However, 73 percent of Exit Polls. For example, the majority of the respondents indicated that they would respondents were registering for the first indeed follow up with the elections board time. Almost 54 percent of the respondents to ensure that their name appeared on the were registering for the first time. voting rolls.

To ascertain why these registrants were participating, respondents were also asked FIRST TIME REGISTERING? “Who/what influences whether or not you will vote and how informed you are about 46% voting?” The responses are interesting to note here.

40.0% 54%

FIRST TIME 30.0%

NOT FIRST TIME

20.0%Percent

10.0% First time registering by age cohort, with those below 29 years old collapsed into one category. Almost 0.0% FAMILY FRIENDS RADIO AD TV AD COMMUNITY NO RESPONSE ORGANIZATIONS seventy percent of those in aged INFLUENCE 18-29 were first time registrants, compared with only 27.6 percent of those above 29 being first time registrants. Most of these first time registrants were in These socializing agents worked: 88.3 Alabama, with a full 86.7 percent of those percent of those surveyed indicated that aged 18-29 being first time registrants. In they planned on voting in November of Michigan, only 41 percent of those aged 2006. The resilience of respondents to 18-29 were registering for the first time. participate is startling given their answers to

40 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Research another question tapping voter confidence. The graph below depicts respondents’ confidence that their votes would be counted:

NO RESPONSE 4.29% NO 10.43% CONFIDENCE NO YES NOT SURE 20.86% NOT SURE NO RESPONSE

YES 64.42%

Finally, the Black Youth Vote respondents were asked to identify isses that were important to them.

ISSUE FREQUENCY MENTIONED CRIME 3.27 % CRIMINAL JUSTICE 1.43 % ECONOMY 10.63 % EDUCATION 5.93 % ENVIRONMENT 0.41 % HEALTH CARE 9.82 % HOMELAND SECURITY 6.13 % JOBS 27.61 % OTHER 1.23 % SOCIAL SECURITY 4.70 % WAR IN IRAQ 12.88 %

What you see from the table above is that respondents mentioned “Jobs” and the “War in Iraq” more frequently than other issues. The “Economy” was the third most frequently mentioned issue of importance to the respondents.

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review | 41 APPENDIX A 2006 Contributors and Sponsors

AFL-CIO National Black Caucus of State Legislators AFSCME National Education Association Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. National Urban League Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Nielsen Media (VNU, Inc.) Altria Corporate Services, Inc. OIC of America American Airlines Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. American Federation of Teachers PHRMA American Gaming Association Quixote Foundation AMGEN Religious Coalition (RCRC) AT & T Service Employees International Union Atlanta Police Department SEIU Local 722 BET Foundation Service Master Black Leadership Forum Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Brazile & Associates The Source Magazine Carnegie Corporation of New York State Farm Insurance Company Clyburn Consulting, LLC Twenty-First Century Foundation The Coca-Cola Company UNITEHere! Communications Workers of America United Food & Commercial Workers Int’l Union Community Baptist Church Verizon CompuCredit Voices for Working Families Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc Delta Air Washington Individual Contributors Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Donna Brazile Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Tuscaloosa Kevin Briscoe Alumnae Chapter Diallo Brooks Democratic National Committee J.A. Burrell Dickerson Employee Benefit Anita R. Estell Eddie Williams & Associates, LLC Gregory Griffin Enterprise Rental Dawn Lawson Fannie Mae Foundation Cecelia Luschnig The Ford Foundation Chief Richard J. Pennington General Motors Corporation Major Stan Savage General Motors Foundation Carlottia Scott George Washington University – Young Voter Dr. Yvonne Scruggs-Leftwich Strategies Delisa Saunders, Ph.D. Greater New Orleans Foundation Dr. Ronald Walters Harrah's Entertainment Hospital, Professional & Technical & Service Employees International Association of Black Professional Firefighters International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers International Union of Painters & Allied Trades Issue Dynamics J. C. Watts Companies Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Ledge Magazine MGM Mirage Ms. Foundation For Women

42 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review APPENDIX B ncbcp 2006 Official Partners

ABFE AFL-CIO A. Philip Randolph Institute Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Altria Group, Inc. AMGEN American Airlines American Federation of Teachers American Urban Radio Network Black Congress on Health, Law & Economics Black Leadership Forum Blacks In Government Change To Win* Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Common Cause Education Fund* Council of Presidents – 9 National Black Fraternities & Sororities Data New Weekly New Orleans Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania General Motors Corporation Hope Coalition America/Operation HOPE Institute of Caribbean Studies International Association of Black Professional Firefighters Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Lafayette Restoration Center League of Women Voters* MYVOTE1 Consortium* National Council of Negro Women National Education Association National Labor College National Urban League NAACP Legal Defense Fund Ohio Election Protection Coalition 100 Black Men of America, Inc. The Reform Institute* Saving Our Selves Coalition (SOS) Service Employees International Union Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. State Farm Insurance Companies Source Magazine The Opportunity Agenda The Peoples’ Agenda Tom Joyner Morning Show We Care America* Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

*MYVOTE1 Consortium Members

NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review | 43 LEST WE FORGET! The Survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

We believe we all have a responsibility to stay the course for as long as it takes to revive and rebuild the lives of all the survivors by joining the survivors in their fight for access to affordable housing, livable wages, a quality public education, access to the ballot without barriers and the right to return to their communities.

We believe that the right thing to do is for our government to develop a regional “Marshal Plan” for the Gulf Coast and a comprehensive response that engages the public, private, philanthropic, civic, faith, education, labor and grassroots sectors in helping to restore a sense of hope and restoration.

We must do this not only for the survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, but also the nation, to regain a sense of responsibility for our most valuable resources---our children, who are our future, and our elders, who have sacrificed and paid their dues to live in dignity in their senior years. Whether whispering our shouting, we are ready to hear you now!

44 | NCBCP 2006 Year-In-Review Affluence Power Abundance Togetherness Unity Educating Informing Inspiring Mobilizing Networking Promoting Healthy Wealthy Wise Women Celebrating the Pa s t t o F o r g e National Coalition on Black Civic Participation 1900 L Street, NW, Suite #700 a B o l d Washington, DC 20036 N e w F u t u r e www.ncbcp.org