Equally American

10/10/2023

09/14/2023

🎨 Youth Art Competition Alert! 🎨

🖌 Express What Democracy Means to You

📅 Launch Date: Friday, September 1st

🌟 About Us: Right to Democracy is on a mission to challenge and deconstruct the undemocratic colonial framework affecting 3.6 million people in U.S. territories. We stand firm in our belief that residents of U.S. territories deserve a voice and influence over decisions that shape their lives. No colonies should exist in the United States.

🔍 We're Seeking: Passionate young individuals eager to convey their understanding of democracy through visual arts (painting, drawing, photography, video) and spoken word. This competition spans all 5 U.S. territories, aiming to offer a nurturing, creative platform for the youth to express their vision of democracy.

💡 Inspiration Questions:
- How does democracy relate to my rights?
- What first springs to mind with the word 'democracy'?
- How does democracy influence life in your community?
- Imagine a world without democracy. What does that look like to you?

🎨 Categories:
1. Visual Arts: Showcase your visual take on democracy through drawings, paintings, or photos. All techniques are welcome!
2. Spoken Word: Pen a poem or creative text (max 60 seconds) and share your recording.
3. Music: Compose a song (max 60 seconds).

📜 Eligibility:
- Aged between 12-17 years.
- Reside in any U.S. territory: Guam, VI, AS, CNMI, or PR.

🏆 Prizes:
1st Prize: $500
2nd Prize: $250
3rd Prize: $100

Winners will be spotlighted on our social media and website, and might also get a feature at the Right to Democracy’s Summit in October.

For more information, send us a private message or email us at:

[email protected]

01/03/2023

Bill to Establish USVI's 6th Constitutional Convention Passes Legislature

12/01/2022

“With the Supreme Court recently dodging two opportunities to overrule the Insular Cases, it is more important than ever for the House to make clear that the racist Insular Cases and the colonial framework they established should have no part in the United States today,” said EA's Neil Weare, President and Founder of Equally American, a group that advocates for equality for residents of the territories.

A coalition of civil rights groups led by the ACLU on Thursday called on the outgoing Democratic House majority to pass a resolution recognizing equal constitutional rights for residents of all U.S…

12/01/2022

“With the Supreme Court recently dodging two opportunities to overrule the Insular Cases, it is more important than ever for the House to make clear that the racist Insular Cases and the colonial framework they established should have no part in the United States today,” said EA President Neil Weare.

Equally American advocates for equality and civil rights for the 4 million Americans living in U.S. territories.

11/29/2022

“When the federal government fails to treat residents of U.S. territories the same as residents of other U.S. jurisdictions in federal data collection, it sends the message that they do not count - both literally and figuratively. Whether you live in a State, Territory, or the District of Columbia should not impact how you and your community are counted in the U.S. Census and other federal statistics,” said Neil Weare, President of Equally American, a study co-author. “Data equity in U.S. territories is something the Biden Administration can largely fix without the need for congressional action. As we approach the 125th anniversary of the United States holding overseas colonies, the time to act on this is now.” https://www.equalrightsnow.org/new_study_highlights_need_for_federal_data_equity_in_u_s_territories

11/25/2022

“What we have now is basically the imposition of second-class status on a people that are under the sovereignty of the government. That is the definition of colonialism,” said Charles Ala’ilima, Fitisemanu counsel.

People born in American Samoa, which has been held by the United States for more than 120 years, are not automatically citizens of the United States.

11/21/2022

"Next year marks the 125th Anniversary of the U.S. having formal overseas colonies, yet the Supreme Court continues to avoid answering whether the colonial framework established by the racist Insular Cases remains 'good law,'" said Neil Weare, President and Founder of Equally American.

Equally American advocates for equality and civil rights for the 4 million Americans living in U.S. territories.

11/21/2022

“One of the root causes of persistent poverty in Puerto Rico is the Insular Cases, which to me represents a continuation of Jim Crow” - Rep. Ritchie Torres

On Tuesday, Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) questioned witnesses about persistent poverty in marginalized communities and Puerto Rico. Stay ConnectedForbes on Fac...

11/17/2022

Tomorrow, Friday, November 18, 2022, the Supreme Court will once again have the opportunity to overrule the Insular Cases. The question is: will they take it or once again pass?

Equally American advocates for equality and civil rights for the 4 million Americans living in U.S. territories.

11/17/2022

The US Territories are routinely left out of the national conversation in mainstream media. Consequences for the lack of knowledge and education reveals the disparities in treatment between the states and territories. Understanding and contextualizing the territories and its peoples is paramount in a time for heightened awareness of racial justice issues in the United States.

Join for a Critical Conversation with journalists from the US territories on how the national media covers these areas. https://bit.ly/CCMISC_CoveringUSTerritories

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Critical Conversations: National Media Coverage of the U.S. Territories. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

11/08/2022

"It’s time the Insular Cases and the territorial incorporation doctrine become a relic of the past." Lía Fiol-Matta, LatinoJustice PRLDEF

Lía Fiol-Matta Earlier this year, the Supreme Court delivered a strong blow to Puerto Rico by ruling that its neediest residents are not eligible for Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI). U.S. v. Vaello Madero challenged the exclusion of otherwise eligible residents … Continue reading →