Thomas Paine, one of the country’s founding fathers, once said, “It’s not in numbers but in unity that our great strength lies.” As African-ancestored women, we know inherently the power of that sentiment and embody its message.

Over the last year, we celebrated the inauguration of Vice President Kamala Harris, the country’s the first woman, first African American and first South Asian American, and a member of The Links, Incorporated, to hold the position. We could barely contain our joy when then newly elected President Joseph R. Biden thanked women of color for changing the political landscape, then vowed to name a Black woman to the Supreme Court. History was made, and we created the opportunity. President Biden’s words gave hope and honored our work, community commitment, and decades of sacrifice.

Today, the president has vowed to keep his election promise and will name a Black woman to the nation’s highest court as Justice Stephen G. Breyer retires. Members of The Links, Incorporated, more than 16,000 strong worldwide, thank him and are beyond grateful.

As women of color, we recognize the talent and capacity of those in our community. We see and experience those gifts every day. We also know there are several African American women who can fill the seat with integrity, intelligence, and creative spirit. We have labored and longed for this moment, and our beautiful, brown daughters, granddaughters, and nieces will be the direct beneficiaries. So we thank President Biden again and look forward to his selection. And now the real work begins.

We formally condemn the police actions that led to the deaths of Mr. George Floyd, Ms. Breonna Taylor, and countless others who died at the hands of law enforcement. Additionally, we are very concerned and alarmed by a society and justice system that seems to devalue the lives of people of color like Ahmaud Arbery. We offer our heartfelt condolences and prayers to each of these families. The police officers who have been charged with the death of Mr. Floyd must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

These senseless deaths demand that Justice Must Be Fair, Justice Must Be Transparent, and Justice Must Be Equal!

It is critical that we address the systemic deficiencies that plague law enforcement and disproportionately impact people of color in the judicial system. “NOBLE believes there is work to do and we need to start on that work today,” said NOBLE National President Cerelyn J. Davis. “The changes the protesters are demanding of the police are well within our reach. Humane treatment of all people is well within our reach. A duty to intervene is well within our reach. Removing officers who fail to perform their duties in alignment with policies and the values of the community is well within our reach.”

Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, Ph.D., National President of The Links, Incorporated, believes that like-minded citizens must work together. “Our more than 16,000 members are outraged at the continual targeting of black lives. We believe that working with law enforcement officers who share our values and also want change is an important first step toward reforming a broken system,” said Jeffries Leonard.

NOBLE and The Links, Incorporated believe that a comprehensive approach is required in addressing the issues of police accountability. There must be trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they are sworn to protect and serve.

We are fully aware that race-related issues in America are complex. Issues within the law enforcement spectrum are a small part of a larger picture which includes an unequal distribution of resources — America will never realize her true potential until all of her citizens are equally valued and protected under the law.

Law enforcement precedent that must be addressed is as follows:

• Police Qualified Immunity: Presently, under federal law, state and local police officers can only be sued in civil court when the officer’s discretionary actions infringed on the civilian’s constitutional rights. The qualified-immunity doctrine shields the officer from any suits unless the officer’s actions violated “clearly established law” to which there is no specific law established.
• National Use-of-Force Policy: The use-of-force policy must include the following:
  • Mandatory de-escalation training AND policy requirements for all sworn officers.
  • Prohibition of all physical restraint maneuvers on or above the neck.
  • Mandatory requirement that officers render immediate medical aid to all people.
  • Mandatory requirement that officers intervene when another officer is using physical force inappropriately or excessively.
• Comprehensive Legislation: National mandates should also address:
  • Mandatory National Law Enforcement Accreditation.
  • Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department enforcement against pattern and practice discrimination described in section 210401 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C.A.).
  • Continued appropriations for the Department of Justice Community Relations Service directed towards programs to improve community and police relations.
  • Federal data collection of use-of-force, traffic stops, pedestrian stops, and detentions.

What can you do? Call and write your congressional representative to express your outrage. Let him or her know that legislation enacting police reforms we have outlined above as well as the funding to make them a reality must happen now.

Use the following templates as you call and write. Click here for a list of those who represent you. We must continue to act until there are changes in our cities, our states, and our nation.

NOBLE and The Links, Incorporated demand that Congress act swiftly in passing comprehensive police reform legislation for the benefit of our nation and its legacy.

As leaders of African-American women’s organizations in America, we condemn in the strongest terms the senseless and unjustified killings of Black women, Black men, Black girls, and Black boys by police and vigilantes. We have organized knowing that we are stronger and more effective when we work together to raise our more than five (5) million collective voices and exert our collective power to address the unspeakable, horrific killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Nina Pop and too many others – killings that have sparked a global movement for racial justice.

We stand united and join with Black communities across our country in an urgent demand for police reform now. Our national shame, which plays out on streets, in cars and even in the sanctity of homes that is resulting in the repugnant killings of African Americans, has reached a fever pitch that can no longer be tolerated.  These latest killings, along with those we seldom hear about, have garnered national and international attention and share one common denominator — they demand justice.  The trauma of these occurrences is exacerbated by the fact that the nation is in the grip of a horrific pandemic which has had a disproportionate impact on African Americans and other people of color living in poverty. Black, low-wage, essential workers, who risk their lives daily, have disproportionately contracted the COVID-19 virus and died, rendering the most vulnerable families’ recovery uncertain.

As African-American women leaders, we are committed to using the power of our collective voice, vote, leadership, and influence as we join the American people and citizens around the world to demand that the routine use of lethal force by law enforcement officers who are duty-bound to protect and serve comes to a swift end.   Our #United4Reform alliance comes on the heels of global protests over the deaths of George Floyd and too many others at the hands of the police, because of the color of their skin or how they identify.

To achieve these goals, we present the following actions to our 5 million plus members and the broader community to hasten universal change as we continue to advocate and demand justice.

#United4Reform AGENDA ACTION ITEMS

• Police Reform. We seek sweeping federal legislation regarding police reform mandating a zero-tolerance approach in prosecuting police officers who kill unarmed, non-violent, and non-resisting individuals during an arrest. The legislation should also:
  • De-certify or terminate police officers who use lethal force in non-violent offenses
  • Eliminate the use of choke holds in all forms
  • Create a national database registry to restrict re-hiring of law enforcement officers that were terminated with cause by other cities or states
  • Require all police officers to wear body cameras and terminate officers who intentionally turn off their cameras
  • Require de-escalation training and unconscious bias training for all police officers
  • Require psychological evaluation of police officers before hiring, and periodic evaluations while employed
  • Require a citizens’ review board to review and report police misconduct complaints
  • Mandate gun-violence prevention education and training
  • Push for the passage of hate crime statutes
• Voter Engagement/Voter Mobilization/Voter Education.
  • We all must vote
  • We are urging everyone to double the local voter mobilization and participation efforts to vote, and elect the candidates who will most effectively advocate for our communities.
  • We have committed to have all of our 18 year olds registered to vote as soon as they are able to, per their respective state guidelines
  • Several of us have partnered with When We All Vote. We will use the strength of this partnership to increase our voter engagement efforts
• Voter Legislation. Demand the Senate debate and vote of H.R.1 (For the People Act) that has passed the House of Representatives and would restore the Voting Rights Act and limit voter suppression
• Census 2020 Participation. Complete the 2020 Census and encourage our families and communities to do the same
• Engagement with Elected Officials. Contact local, state, and federal elected officials regarding any legislation that is harmful to African Americans and that does not provide equal protection under the law
• Participate with the Poor People’s Campaign. Attend the virtual march on June, 20, 2020 at 10 a.m.
• COVID-19 Relief. Advocate the passing of additional legislation that protects essential workers and healthcare professionals. COVID-19 has magnified the racial, ethnic and health disparities in the US
• Domestic Violence Protection. Offer real protections for children and adults contending with family violence, therapeutic services for abuses as well as precaution
• Mental Health Support. Implement community-based mental-health support services
• Mentoring and the Protection of Our Children. Enhance and implement service programs that provide social, emotional and academic support to help children realize their worth to unleash their potential
• Facilitate Courageous Conversations about Race and Racism. Engage in facilitated courageous conversations about race and racism in our communities

In Sisterhood and Solidarity,

Washington, D.C. (June 2, 2020) – The NAACP and The Links, Incorporated are releasing a joint statement to express their strong support of the collective outrage and calls for policing reform expressed by residents all over the country in response to the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers and the recent killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and others at the hands of current or former law enforcement officers. The nationwide protests represent the anger, pain, fear, and distrust directed toward law enforcement resulting from decades of brutality against African Americans.

For too long, law enforcement and the criminal justice system at large has racially profiled, arrested, convicted, and sentenced African Americans more harshly than the rest of America. As George Floyd’s killing tragically demonstrates, any interaction between an African American and law enforcement can instantaneously become deadly. We will not rest until all the officers involved in these incidents are arrested, charged and convicted. We must ensure that justice is served in each and every case.

The nation’s collective condemnation of police violence against the Black community represents a watershed moment. This is the time for systemic changes to policing in this country. We need federal, state, and local reforms which impose strict police accountability, limit the use of force, eliminate racial profiling, de-militarize law enforcement, track and report data, and ensure proper screening, education and training of all officers. Local law enforcement agencies receive federal funding and must be made to comply with federal civil rights laws.

Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP: “Enough is enough. The entire country has reached its limit in terms of deadly police practices. We cannot allow one more Black person to die at the hands of government. Our #WeAreDoneDying campaign is aimed at eliminating racial disparities that are harming our communities and taking our lives. Nowhere is there more systemic injustice than in law enforcement’s treatment of the Black community it is charged with guarding and protecting. We must seize this moment to eliminate racism from policing and to hold every officer accountable for his or her actions.”

Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, Ph.D., National President, The Links, Incorporated: “Our community has reached its breaking point. We cannot take one more death based on race, one more unjust sentence or one more denial of our civil and human rights. The time to speak is now. We must let those in power know that daily rights—jogging, buying personal items, or just sleeping in our home— should not end in a death sentence for Black people. The Links, Incorporated and our 16,000+ members are committed to ensuring the survival of our communities of African descent and the change necessary to do so. We stand with the NAACP’s call for the United Nations to classify the mistreatment of Black people in the United States by the police a human rights violation. We call for incident oversight by review boards and human rights commissions and the use of body cameras for all officers.  We can no longer delay action.  Our collective voice can make a difference. Enough is truly enough. #LinksCallToJustice.”

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About The Links, Incorporated

The Links, Incorporated consists of more than 16,000 professional women of color in 288 chapters located in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom.  It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. For more information, visit www.linksinc.org.

About the NAACP

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas here.

WASHINGTON D.C.—National policymakers and change agents will lead an engaging and thought-provoking session focused on voters at an upcoming event. The Links Foundation, Incorporated will hold its third annual Legislative Luncheon at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C. on Thursday September 12, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. U.S. Representatives John Lewis (D-GA) and Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) are among those scheduled to attend.

The Legislative Luncheon provides the forum for an important national conversation on issues impacting the progress of the black community, as well as educating and mobilizing voters. The event theme, Transforming Communities Through Our Voice, Our Vote, Our Power, reflects the organization’s focus on empowering voters, and issues a call to action to get people to the polls.

Congressman Lewis will receive the organization’s Trailblazer Award in recognition of his life’s work in the civil rights, social justice and political arenas.

In honor of a distinguished judicial career and the historic achievement of becoming the first African-American woman to serve as chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, the honorable Cheri Beasley will be bestowed a Presidential Citation from the organization.

The Legislative Luncheon is proudly sponsored by AARP, Dove, Fort Lincoln New Town Corporation, Pfizer, UNICEF, American Cancer Society, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, League of Conservation Voters, OhioHealth, OWN, Pennsylvania Convention Center Philadelphia, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The Black Women’s Agenda, Edelman, Ethel Isaacs Williams, March of Dimes, and Salaam Enterprises, Inc.

About The Links, Incorporated

The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. The membership consists of more than 16,000 professional women of color in 288 chapters located in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and the United Kingdom. It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. For more information, visit www.linksinc.org.

About The Links Foundation, Incorporated

The Links Foundation, Incorporated has contributed more than $25 million to charitable causes since its founding. In 2018, it named its fifth $1 million grantee – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Other million- dollar grantees include the United Negro College Fund, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., the National Civil Rights Museum and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American Culture and History in Washington, D.C.

April 2, 2019 (Washington, DC) – During Women’s HERstory Month, noted civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis recognized The Links, Incorporated as a distinguished organization of outstanding community service and influence. Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, president of The Links, Incorporated and The Links Foundation, Incorporated had the pleasure of meeting with Congressman Lewis in his historic and museum-like Capitol Hill office last week. There, he lauded Dr. Jeffries Leonard for her dynamic, bold leadership as the organization’s 17th national president. Moreover, he praised the premier women’s organization of more than 15,000 professional women, for its integrity, courage, and accountability. While presenting the esteemed service award, Congressman Lewis further characterized the group’s work as “essential to bending the moral arc of the universe towards justice.” Dr. Jeffries Leonard shared that Congressman Lewis is a fearless trailblazer whose contributions in both the civil rights and political arenas are unrivaled. “Receiving your vote of confidence, Congressman Lewis, confirms that we are on the right track, focused on transforming lives and fulfilling our purpose.” said Dr. Jeffries Leonard.

August 6, 2019 marks the 54th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Many brave activists, like Congressman Lewis, shed blood so that African Americans could enjoy the voting rights they have today – a right that Congressman Lewis calls “precious” and “almost sacred.” Currently voting rights in America are under attack. When asked about how The Links, Incorporated could raise their collective voices in support of Congressman Lewis’ agenda, he responded, “We need everyone to have the ability to participate in the democratic process and be able to register and vote.” The Links, Incorporated is committed to this call to action in ensuring every American has the ability to exercise their constitutional right to vote, and is proud to have seven dynamic women in Congress as active members: Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, Congresswoman Val Demings, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, and honorary member Senator Kamala Harris. With 288 chapters in 42 states, and in the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and the United Kingdom, the organization will mobilize, galvanize and utilize across its vast reach to coordinate with elected officials on state and local levels in preparation for the 2020 election. “It is incumbent that every American hold their elected officials accountable to ensure voting rights are protected for generations to come,” Dr. Jeffries Leonard stated.

About The Links, Incorporated:

The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. Links members contribute more than 1 million documented hours of community service annually – strengthening their communities and enhancing the nation. The organization is the recipient of awards from the UN Association of New York and the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation for its premier programs, as well as the Golden Torch Award for Corporate Community Service from the National Society of Black Engineers. For more information, visit www.linksinc.org

What Is the Census?
As mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the federal government must count its entire population—citizens and noncitizens—once each decade. The data collected through the census determines how more than $675 billion in federal funds will be allocated in education grants, Medicare and transportation, among other vital areas. Census data also impacts the number of congressional seats each state may receive and the number of votes in the Electoral College used to elect the president of the United States. The data is also used on a state and local level to redistrict state legislative districts, allocate state resources and reshape local policy priorities.

What’s New About the 2020 Census?
Data will be collected by phone and paper surveys, but in 2020 there will be a new emphasis on online responses. The bureau has announced upgrades to its mobile technology, geospatial innovations, and Internet self-response capabilities.

Historically, the census provides consistent and high-quality data on the population—and business and industry use this data to decide where to build, invest and employ individuals. It will be very important to see how the change in the collection instruments impacts economic and business decisions.

Are There Any Challenges with the 2020 Census?
There are certainly things to be aware of regarding the 2020 Census. In 2017, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) included the 2020 Census in its High Risk Report and cited: “Over the past three years, we have made 30 recommendations to help the bureau design and implement a more cost-effective census for 2020; however, only six of them had been fully implemented as of January 2017.”

1. Funding and Staffing. In 2014, Congress limited the funding of the 2020 Census to the costs of the 2010 Census without adjusting for inflation. In light of the 2020 Census budget constraints while also embracing technology, the Department of Commerce is replacing thousands of temporary census workers with online capabilities and technological tools. In 2017, the Census Bureau funding was reduced by 10 percent; in 2018, funding remained flat. The director of the Census Bureau resigned in May 2018.

2. Testing. The new census tools have not been fully tested, so it remains unknown whether the Spanish-language census and the rural-area population counts will yield accurate data.

3. Citizenship Question. The administration wishes to include a question on citizenship on the 2020 Census. The question, if adopted, threatens to dissuade individuals who may not have legal citizenship from responding. The Census Bureau is legally required to protect the privacy of all census data from requests by anyone, including government officials, and it is forbidden by law to pass information about citizenship status on to the government agencies that deport people. Unsurprisingly, many people remain skeptical and avoid answering the census out of fear that other government agencies will access their information.

A federal judge ruled against the citizenship question. As a result, the administration is now urging the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on the matter expeditiously, so that the census questions can be established by a June 2019 deadline.

Remember, it is critical that everyone be counted for the Census. Efforts to intimidate or suppress the total resident population should not be tolerated.

When Will the 2020 Census Data Collection Begin, and How Can We Be Involved?
April 1, 2020, is the start date for 2020 Census data collection. But the groundwork for success starts far before then. The time to prepare for the 2020 Census is right now.

Building our communities’ knowledge about the census is vitally important. The government shutdown and lapses in federal funding threaten to delay the rollout of the census as planned. Given the uncertainty, The Links, Incorporated wants to highlight the 2020 Census to our members NOW. We urge chapters to begin thinking about civic engagement and activities around the 2020 Census.

The Links, Incorporated is exploring new partnerships, toolkits, and resources to help ensure every individual is counted. We will pass along suggested materials as they become available.

Here are a few ways the Census Bureau recommends to get involved.

1. Sign up for updates on new resources and opportunities to partner with the U.S. Census Bureau.
2. Host a workshop to develop solutions to 2020 Census challenges in your community and generate commitments to tackle them.
3. Start or participate in a State Complete Count Commission or a Complete Count Committee to encourage census participation in your community.
4. Become a census worker. Open positions include census takers, recruiting assistants, office staff and supervisory staff.