09.29.21

BRIC and NYC Campaign Finance Board To Host Town Hall Focused On Voting Rights & Access For Historically Disenfranchised Groups

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 29, 2021

CONTACT: James Michael Nichols / 718.683.5980  / [email protected]

BRIC and NYC Campaign Finance Board To Host Town Hall Focused On Voting Rights & Access For Historically Disenfranchised Groups

“Know Your Voting Rights” will explore a myriad of barriers to voting in America, from folks with disabilities to those who have experienced incarceration.

BROOKLYN — In anticipation of election day on Nov. 2, BRIC & the NYC Campaign Finance Board are hosting a virtual joint town hall on Oct. 6 at 7:00 PM that broadly explores a number of barriers marginalized communities experience when accessing the ballot box, as well as solutions for ensuring these folks are able to participate in the electoral process.

“Know Your Voting Rights” will explore complex questions like: What barriers to voting do New Yorkers with disabilities face? How does being in jail or formerly incarcerated impact access to voting? RSVP here.

The event will broadcast live on BRIC TV’s YouTube channel and also air as a live broadcast on BRIC’s cable channels: Optimum Channel 70 (Brooklyn), Spectrum Channel 1992 (Brooklyn), and Verizon Channel 46 (citywide). Brian Vines will moderate the event.
Town hall panelists include:

  • Jumaane Williams, New York City Public Advocate (opening remarks)
  • Latrice Walker, NYS Assemblymember, Chair of NYS Assembly Election Law Committee
  • Michelle Bishop, Voter Access & Engagement Manager, National Disability Rights Network
  • Lucia Gomez, Political Director, NYC Central Labor Council – AFL-CIO
  • Victor Pate, Campaign Organizer, New York Campaign for Alternatives to Solitary Confinement
  • Esmeralda Simmons, Esq., founding Executive Director, Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College
  • Omar Suarez, Director of Partnerships and Outreach, NYC Campaign Finance Board

“As we’ve seen clearly over the past five years, what happens at the ballot box irrevocably shapes our day to day lives — especially for folks with less power and privilege,” said Ro Johnson, Director of Social Justice at BRIC. “We all need voting rights access — but many of our communities face systematic challenges that were designed to keep us from easily participating in the electoral process. At the end of the day, voting should be both simple and accessible for all Americans, both within Brooklyn and beyond.”

“Know Your Voting Rights” is produced as part of BRIC’s #BHeard Town Hall series in partnership with the NYC Campaign Finance Board (NYC Votes). This series brings together elected officials and community leaders for timely discussions on issues and events that shape the lives of diverse communities across the Brooklyn borough.

ASL translation will be provided during the panel discussion and Spanish language subtitles will be available shortly after the broadcast.

Read More

BRIC Announces 2024-25 BRIClab Artist Residency Application Cycle
BRIC Appoints Accomplished  Entertainment Executive Saidah Blount  Executive Director of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
UNDER THE RADAR FESTIVAL, A TIMELY CITY-WIDE CELEBRATION OF NEW THEATER AND PERFORMANCE FROM AROUND THE WORLD, LAUNCHES TICKET SALES AND ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING