#United States #Dallas #YBLOC #Abdul Dosunmu #Black Ballots

The Young Black Lawyers' Organizing Coalition (YBLOC) Launches 'Democracy Sunday'

On February 15, 2026, the Young Black Lawyers' Organizing Coalition (YBLOC) will kick off its 'Democracy Sunday' initiative right before the Texas Primary elections set for March 3. This non-partisan effort seeks to mobilize young Black lawyers and law students, bringing them into local churches across the Dallas area to provide voters with essential information and encourage active participation in the electoral process.

The initiative is led by YBLOC's founder and executive director, Abdul Dosunmu. Known for his role in preserving the legacy of Juneteenth, he was honored as one of the Obama leaders advocating for racial equality by President Obama and the Obama Foundation. Under his leadership, YBLOC aims to turn knowledge into power by fostering community-based discussions surrounding democracy and civic engagement.

The 'Democracy Sunday' event marks a noteworthy expansion of YBLOC’s commitment to leveraging Black legal professionals in support of democratic engagement. Dosunmu stated, “Democracy Sunday is part of our Black Ballots, Black Futures campaign, designed to equip Black voters in the Dallas area with the informational tools necessary to reclaim and redefine democracy as a means of empowerment.”

This outreach program revolves around educating citizens on their voting rights, laying out the voter registration process, and disseminating critical information regarding the upcoming elections. The initiative will utilize the partnership of local Black communities and legal organizations, such as the J. L. Turner Legal Association and the African American Bar Association of Dallas, to ensure that resources reach those who need them most.

Building upon the momentum generated by previous initiatives, such as last fall’s inaugural Black Legal Brain Trust in Washington, D.C., YBLOC aims to establish a sustaining dialogue on the importance of Black voting power. The think tank gathered young Black attorneys from across the nation to address pressing issues regarding democracy and racial justice, ultimately fortifying YBLOC's goals of protecting and promoting voting rights within Black communities.

The 'Democracy Sunday' campaign will not just focus on Texas; it aims to spread its outreach model to other select communities nationally in preparation for the midterm elections in November. The ideal outcome of this effort is to create an engaged populace, conscious of their civic duties and the significance of their votes in shaping policies that directly affect their lives.

Since its founding in 2019, YBLOC has progressively transformed into a national initiative focused on empowering voters and enhancing Black representation in democratic processes. The success of the Black Ballots, Black Futures campaign demonstrates the potential and necessity of fostering a supportive network of legal professionals dedicated to promoting participatory democracy.

In conclusion, YBLOC’s Democracy Sunday initiative marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards strengthening Black civic engagement. By mobilizing young Black lawyers and law students, this initiative not only aims to prepare communities for the Texas primaries but also to instill a lasting ethos of active participation in democracy that aligns with the broader vision of justice and equality. The coalition’s efforts serve as a vital reminder that democracy thrives only when every voice is heard, and every vote counts.