On what is normally Tax Day, we want to bring attention to the importance for COVID-19 economic stimulus payments to reach the most in-need low-income Americans, many of whom aren't required to file tax returns annually which makes it harder to receive this necessary assistance.
More people voting can only be a good thing for a healthy democracy. As we outlined in our Divided by Design report, we heard loud and clear that protecting democracy is important-- not only because of the ways Black Americans have been disenfranchised, but also because of the way our current democratic processes keep Black and White communities divided.
Mail voting is the best method to comply with social distancing protocols, increase voter turnout, and is a system less susceptible to foreign interference. But as a number of states remain unprepared to handle the influx of mailed-in ballots, a robust campaign of misinformation is challenging effective state mitigation measures and threatening millions of voters’ ability to cast a ballot.
EPU stands alongside numerous organizations and congressional representatives requesting that disaggregated racial testing data is provided to address existing health disparities in light of our current COVID-19 pandemic.
Pandemic is too small a word for what we’re engaged in at this moment. Our nation is going through a very dark period that will precipitate major changes in the way we learn, work and live. And so we must all brace for impact. I am reminded of Thomas Paine who said, “These are the times that try men’s souls.”
As we move through the phases of response and recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic, EPU is committed to helping our friends and partners get through this unprecedented time. To be of service to our community, EPU will send out a weekly newsletter that will include resources available to those facing new challenges during this time and other information pertinent to this pandemic and our ongoing work. You can stay connected with us by visiting our social media channels or by contacting us at info@unumfund.org.
Dear Friends,
With the number of COVID-19 cases growing throughout the United States and the world, it is natural for us all to feel weighed down by the heavy implications of this virus. We know that this time is stressful for everyone. To support our team at E Pluribus Unum (EPU) and the communities in which we work, we have suspended all travel and public meetings until this crisis passes, but our staff continues to work from home.
This week, we announced the launch of UNUM Fellows, a signature initiative aimed at equipping local elected leaders in the South with resources, training and technical expertise to advance racial and economic equity in their communities. ve suspended all travel and public meetings until this crisis passes, but our staff continues to work from home.
Today, we launched our 2020 Presidential Policy Tracker. The tracker summarizes and highlights the current presidential candidates’ stances on racial equity issues in a single, accessible website.
2019 was a successful year for E Pluribus Unum. We truly could not have accomplished so much or gotten this far without our partners across the country, the more than 800 individuals and advocates across the South who shared their experiences with us, the dozens of organizations and leaders who facilitated these conversations, and our supporters.
