LEXINGTON, Ky. — “Forward together, not one step back” — Kentuckians are shouting for democracy as the nation gear’s up for this year’s election.
Free shirts, signs in hand and inspirational songs to lead the way, supporters of the Poor People’s Campaign are marching for justice. This year, cities like Lexington are bringing attention to Amendment 2, voter rights and economic issues in the midterm election.
Community advocate and motivational speaker Tayna Fogle helped organize the event. Fogle says she and the group want people to be mindful of what they will be voting for.
“We’re here to talk about health care. Right here… we’re here to lift up low wages of voting rights. We have a young man — Mr.Gatewood — he’s going to be speaking about evictions.”
Joining the poor people’s campaign is the grassroots organization, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. Debra Graner, a member of KFTC, is collecting signatures and helping others know the possibility of restoring their voting rights upon release from jail.
“Now people that are coming out of out of jail or are finishing probation or parole should be told when they’re off paper when they see their officer for the last time.” Graner said. “We think that’s been done, but there are over 200,000 folks who don’t know.”
Graner and other members of the KFTC have worked over the last three years to inform potential voters of their right to vote even prior to their sentencing.
The Kentucky Poor People’s Campaign is a part of the national faith-based effort to challenge racism, poverty and other economic issues across the country. Fogle says the community has reached its limit with social problems.
“We are tired, we are sick and tired. We’re not weary, but we are tired of no one listening to our issues. We are tax-paying citizens and even if we weren’t tax-paying citizens, we’re still citizens.”
Supporters can join the initiative’s conversation online for the national day of action virtual rally at the poorpeoplescampaign.org. Over 50 years ago, Dr.Martin Luther King helped start the Poor People’s Campaign confronting civil rights disparities.