The Legal Defense Fund

The Legal Defense Fund We are America's premier legal organization fighting for racial justice through litigation, advocacy
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This National Nonprofit Day is a reminder that nonprofit organizations play a critical role in protecting our communitie...
08/17/2026

This National Nonprofit Day is a reminder that nonprofit organizations play a critical role in protecting our communities by providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. With ongoing efforts from the Trump administration to cut federal funding from these organizations, we must speak out against any attacks to ensure they receive the resources necessary to continue their work.

08/14/2026

Even after Black Americans won the legal right to vote, that did not mean they were free from barriers at the ballot box.

The primary election determines who will appear on the November ballot. Yet, for decades, Texas held white-only primaries, excluding Black voters from this important part of the election process and silencing their voices.

That changed in 1944, when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Texas’s white primary in Smith v. Allwright. But Black people still faced barriers to voting until the Voting Rights Act was signed into law.

Emmett Till: July 25, 1941 – August 28, 1955 Stephon Clark: August 10, 1995 – March 18, 2018 Elijah McClain: February 25...
08/12/2026

Emmett Till: July 25, 1941 – August 28, 1955
Stephon Clark: August 10, 1995 – March 18, 2018
Elijah McClain: February 25, 1996 – August 30, 2019
Michael Brown: May 20, 1996 – August 9, 2014

Black people have lost their lives due to reckless, cruel, and unjust police violence for far too long. Federal law enforcement agencies, like ICE, continue to terrorize our communities today by violating the law, trampling Americans’ constitutional rights, and killing people. State and local officials must step in to protect our communities and stop law enforcement from causing further harm.

Happy National Poll Worker Day! One of the most underrated ways to make a difference in your community is by volunteerin...
08/11/2026

Happy National Poll Worker Day! One of the most underrated ways to make a difference in your community is by volunteering as a poll worker.

To everyone who has stood at the polls, welcomed voters, answered questions, and helped ensure every vote is counted, thank you. Your time, dedication, and commitment to our democracy are necessary and appreciated!

08/10/2026

Last year, ICE launched Operation Midway Blitz, a series of raids in which thousands of Black and Latinx Chicago residents, including children, were arrested or detained. Agents used unmarked vehicles, surveillance tools, and more to target these communities and often made arrests without checking IDs. ICE’s violence cannot go unchecked. Learn how you can protect your communities against ICE at the link in our bio.

08/09/2026

Our nation has long tried to silence Black voters. In 1965, Congress and the President confronted that history by passing the Voting Rights Act. Today, the Supreme Court ignored the very foundation of that law: equal access to the ballot and fair representation.

Voting is a fundamental right, but ensuring every person can vote fairly and freely requires strong protections at every...
08/08/2026

Voting is a fundamental right, but ensuring every person can vote fairly and freely requires strong protections at every level of government.

State Voting Rights Acts (SVRAs) allow states to create additional safeguards that help prevent discrimination in voting and ensure communities have equal access to the ballot.

As we mark 61 years since the Voting Rights Act was signed into law, learn how SVRAs build on the VRA legacy and strengthen voter protections.

Todd Blanche doesn't enforce the law equally. He enforces it for the President's allies and against the President's enem...
08/07/2026

Todd Blanche doesn't enforce the law equally. He enforces it for the President's allies and against the President's enemies.

Under Blanche’s leadership, the Justice Department would put the President’s preferences over the American people. We deserve better. Tell your senators to vote NO on Blanche: 202-224-3121!

08/06/2026

As we honor the legacy of the VRA, the last we need is someone who does not care about civil rights serving as Attorney General. Todd Blanche has got to go. Call your senators ASAP: 202-224-3121!

Our democracy was born when the Voting Rights Act was signed into law in 1965.For generations, Black people were denied ...
08/06/2026

Our democracy was born when the Voting Rights Act was signed into law in 1965.

For generations, Black people were denied full participation in our democracy through poll taxes, literacy tests, intimidation, and violence. The VRA helped break down those barriers and protect access to the ballot.

A democracy only works when every voice has the opportunity to be heard. As we mark this anniversary, we are reminded that protecting our right to vote remains essential to our freedom.

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