Mobilizing Communities to End Systemic Inequities & Policy Violence
At the forefront of the movement for social justice and equality is the battle against systemic inequalities, such as those highlighted by ACA-8 on the ballot as PROPOSITION 6, aimed at amending the state constitution to abolish the remnants of slavery still present in the form of involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime.
Senate Approves ACA-8 On the Ballot As PROPOSITION 6 With Overwhelming Support
On June 27, 2024, Californians achieved a significant step towards removing the vestiges of slavery by passing ACA-8 on the ballot as PROPOSITION 6(Wilson) with an overwhelming majority. The final Senate vote count stood at 33 in favor and three against, demonstrating strong bipartisan support for ending slavery in California.
ACA-8 on the ballot as PROPOSITION 6 is a bill to remove "involuntary servitude" from Article 1, Section 6, of the California Constitution, which states: "Involuntary servitude is illegal except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted."
With the passage of ACA-8 on the ballot as PROPOSITION 6, Californians can now vote this November on whether slavery (involuntary servitude) should remain a part of the State of California's Constitution.
We Have the Power to Do What Is Right
How do you get involved? First and foremost, make sure you are REGISTERED TO VOTE.
One of the best ways to get involved is with initiatives like the BOSS Bay Area's Social Justice Collective voting campaign, IMPACT THE VOTE. This campaign mobilizes, educates, and inspires communities to participate actively in the democratic process, emphasizing the importance of informed and engaged voting to enhance social justice. By joining forces with such movements, individuals can amplify their impact by joining a more considerable collective effort.
The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.
~ Ida B. Wells
The success of BOSS' growing social justice initiatives is due to the partnerships and expertise of organizations committed to policy advocacy and keeping their feet on the ground regarding policies that directly affect our communities, like Legal Services for Prisoners with Children.
In collaboration with California Black Power Network and Black Futures Lab, BOSS held our first ever, "Hey Black Man, Tap In" listening sessions. Organized to provide a platform for men to come together and discuss critical issues such as policy, education, and shared safety. These gatherings provide a forum for men to create plans to reclaim and secure their communities, as well as educate others on these vital topics. We witnessed that it fostered a sense of unity and purpose through dialogue and collaboration, empowering participants to enact positive change within their communities.
How BOSS is Taking Action for CHANGE
BOSS has been at the helm of social justice since its inception, consistently working to empower the community through voter education and advocacy. The IMPACT THE VOTE campaign and "Hey Black Man, Tap In" listening sessions exemplify how BOSS actively engages with the community to promote informed voting and social change, and create spaces for critical discussions.
The recent legislative push surrounding ACA-8 on the ballot as PROPOSITION 6 has significant implications for Black communities across California, especially Black men, who have historically been disproportionately affected by laws that allow involuntary servitude as punishment. This ties directly into the broader conversation about social and racial justice.
The successful passage of ACA-8 on the ballot as PROPOSITION 6 represents not just a legal milestone but a profoundly personal victory for Black men, many of whom have advocated for these changes. These legislative advancements underscore the necessity of addressing systemic biases ingrained within legal frameworks, which often pose additional hurdles for Black men striving for equality and justice in their communities.
BOSS also conducts voter registration at community resource fairs and block parties in collaboration with the League of Women Voters and other advocacy allies ~ provides hands-on leadership development classes when funds are available ~ is a member organization of numerous system change organizations, including being a founding member of Re-Entry Providers Association of California (REPAC) ~ and hires from our target population to help increase their skills, knowledge, and civic engagement.
You have to make a little noise. You have to move your feet. This is the time.
~ John Lewis
Please join BOSS and engage with IMPACT THE VOTE to mobilize and empower our community. Also, attend or refer people to BOSS' upcoming listening sessions to discuss, learn, and act on critical issues. Together, we can make a difference. Let's take a stand for justice and equality today!
Read HERE for more information about ACA-8 on the ballot as PROPOSITION 6.
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