Groups That Were Vulnerable Before the Economic Crisis Have Taken the Brunt of the Related Costs That Compound Their Hardships Approaching Elections in Fall

The 47% Townhall Meeting: Brown V. 2012 Election – Impact Of Minorities On Voting

Tomorrow is Today Foundation is hosting a series of town hall meetings focusing upon the impact of minorities and women on the 2012 presidential and legislative election. Broadcast live —- the inaugural event, “Brown v. 2012 Election: A Town Hall Meeting,” takes place at the African American Civil War Museum in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Led by moderator Roland Martin (CNN analyst) – includes the following panel of political, corporate and sociological experts to discuss the influence of multicultural (primarily Black and Latino) votes on the upcoming election:

• Cory Booker, Mayor, Newark, NJ (Awaiting final confirmation)
• Hector Sanchez, Chair, National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA); Executive Director, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA)
• Estuardo V. Rodriguez, Jr., commentator and consultant on Democratic and Hispanic issues; Principal Partner, The Raben Group
• Dr. E. Faye Williams, President, National Council of Black Women
• Lenny McAllister, Author and Radio Host “Get Right with Lenny McAllister”
• Al Zapanta, President and CEO, US-Mexico, Chamber of Commerce
• Brent A. Wilkes, National Executive Director, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
• Alex Nogales, President and CEO, National Hispanic Media Coalition
• Julianne Malveaux, Economist and Former President of Bennett College

“Held the day before the first Presidential Debate between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney, this Town Hall meeting provides a unique and strategic opportunity to put the important and crucial minority vote front and center by those actually affected. I encourage everyone to attend and participate in these town halls,” says Tomorrow is Today Chairman, Greg Johnson.

To date, 31 states have reportedly passed a total of 25 measures that will restrict the right to vote, among Black and Hispanic voters in particular. Ironically, the new measures are focused in states with the fastest growing Black populations (Florida, Georgia, Texas and North Carolina) and Latino populations (South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee). The Brennan Center for Justice, based at New York University law school, estimates the new measures could bar as many as 5 million eligible voters from taking part in choosing the next occupant of the White House. The direct and potential impact of these measures potentially affects 25% of American society. The implication could be as significant as the historic Brown v. Board of Education and will serve as the basis for the Town Hall Meeting.

According to a recent Brookings Institute report, and an article in the National Journal, demographic research indicates minority voter participation will play an important role in picking the winner of this year’s presidential election. As the political calendar moves to include more African American and Latino voters in primary and general elections, an increased focus on democratic participation and awareness will continue to bring power to previously disenfranchised racial and ethnic minorities. The purpose of the Town Hall Meeting is to strategically discuss the why and how from a multicultural perspective.

Tomorrow is Today (T2D) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting permanent social change, economic development, and community empowerment for youth and their families. For additional information call (202) 660-1825.

SOURCE Tomorrow is Today