CSSE Celebrates Black History Month

February 7, 2023 – The Committee for Safe and Secure Elections issues the following statement:

Recognizing the rich heritage and accomplishments of Black Americans in our democracy is essential as we concentrate on the significance of safe and secure elections. Black History Month serves as a necessary reminder of the need to continue advocating for equality and working to ensure that all individuals, particularly Black Americans, have the right to vote. It emphasizes the fortitude, tenacity, and bravery of those who paved the road for us to create a society that is more just and equitable.

We would like to celebrate our Black CSSE members and organizers who have bravely dedicated themselves to the tireless project of securing our elections, a sacred democratic institution: Derek Bowens (Durham County, North Carolina Director of Elections), Orion Danjuma (Protect Democracy Counsel), Veronica Degraffenreid (Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships Brennan Center for Justice, and former Pennsylvania Acting Secretary of State), Captain Harold Love [Michigan State Police (Ret.)], and Judge James Tatum (Bullock County, Alabama Probate Court Judge).

This month reinforces the importance of our shared history and the collaborative responsibility of election officials and law enforcement to protect and preserve our democratic values.