Raleigh, N.C. – A 50-mile march led by Bishop William Barber II and other faith leaders culminated in Raleigh on Saturday, Valentine’s Day, as demonstrators called for voting rights, healthcare access, and immigrant justice. The “Love Forward Together” moral march, which began on February 11th in Wilson, North Carolina, drew attention to the needs of the state’s 3.4 million poor and low-income voters, a key demographic for progressive movements, and protested recent redistricting efforts deemed unfair.
The marchers, representing a diverse coalition of faith groups and activist organizations, walked to protest what they describe as attempts to suppress voting rights through gerrymandering. Reverend Della Owens-Barber, pastor of the Saint James Church in Wilson and wife of Bishop Barber, spoke at the start of the march, stating, “We are here today when the North Carolina General Assembly received an order to engage in midcycle racist redistricting in an effort to abridge voting rights. But, oh no, oh no, we are going to march.” The demonstration aimed to mobilize voters ahead of upcoming elections and advocate for a “moral agenda” focused on economic and social justice.
Gerrymandering and the Fight for Representation
A central grievance driving the march is the recent redrawing of North Carolina’s congressional districts. Reverend Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove of Repairers of the Breach explained that former President Donald Trump reportedly urged the North Carolina Legislature to create an additional House seat favorable to his party. According to Wilson-Hartgrove, the resulting redistricting plan attempts to shift voters from District 1 to District 3, potentially “stealing” the election from the current representative. He stated that the most effective response to this alleged manipulation is increased voter turnout.
Wilson-Hartgrove referenced comments from Ari Berman regarding the attempts to subvert the election, but did not elaborate on Berman’s specific analysis. The marchers believe that a strong voter response could turn the redistricting effort into a “dummymander,” failing to achieve its intended outcome. Early voting in North Carolina’s primary had just begun as the march progressed, and organizers used the opportunity to engage with voters and encourage participation.
Beyond Voting Rights: A Broader Agenda for Justice
The “Love Forward Together” march addressed a range of interconnected issues beyond voting rights. Demonstrators also voiced concerns about immigration policies and the impact of federal budget shifts on vulnerable populations. Wilson-Hartgrove highlighted that a recent congressional bill allocated increased funding to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while simultaneously reducing funding for healthcare and nutrition assistance programs. This, he argued, demonstrates a pattern of prioritizing punitive measures over support for those in need.
The marchers called for a welcoming approach to immigrants and an end to ICE raids, framing these issues as part of a broader struggle for social and economic justice. They emphasized the need to address systemic inequalities and advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of all communities.
Valentine’s Day Rally and Future Plans
The march concluded with a rally at the Classic Capitol in Raleigh on Valentine’s Day, a date chosen to coincide with the birthday of Frederick Douglass. Participants gathered at Shaw University early in the morning before marching up Fayetteville Street, filling the area with supporters. Organizers had secured special gifts, including a song from Willie Nelson, to celebrate the movement’s agenda.
Wilson-Hartgrove described the rally as a launchpad for ongoing efforts to maximize voter turnout in North Carolina. The goal is to achieve the largest midterm vote in the state’s history, demonstrating the power of collective action and a commitment to “love forward together.”
Repairers of the Breach, alongside the Yale Center for Public Theology and Public Policy and the North Carolina Poor People’s Campaign, organized the march. Other supporting organizations included SEIU and the Human Rights Campaign. The marchers’ efforts reflect a growing movement focused on addressing systemic injustices and advocating for a more equitable society.
The next step for organizers is to continue mobilizing voters and building momentum for the upcoming elections. Further details about planned events and initiatives will be shared through Repairers of the Breach’s website and social media channels.
This story is developing. Readers seeking additional information or support related to voting rights and social justice issues can find resources through organizations like the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (https://www.naacpldf.org/) and the Southern Poverty Law Center (https://www.splcenter.org/).
Share your thoughts on this important movement and its impact on North Carolina’s political landscape in the comments below.
