[ For Immediate Release ]
The Black Women's Leadership Collective Launches “One Million Black Voters Rising”
Effort will leverage the reach of a coalition of national Black women-centered organizations, leaders, and advocates reaching more than 20 million Black women nationwide.
Date
April 15, 2026
Location
Washington, D.C.
The Black Women's Leadership Collective (BWLC), together with its 12 partner organizations and BWLC's North Carolina and Virginia chapters, today announced the launch of One Million Black Voters Rising (1MBVR), a bold, multi-year effort to register one million new Black voters, build collective power and long-term civic engagement. Rooted in the organizing power of Black women—our democracy's most active participants—1MBVR launches with a combined reach of more than 20 million Black women nationwide and their networks.
Using a combination of digital tools, on-the-ground organizing, and culturally competent outreach, 1MBVR invites participants to register new voters and sustain engagement through 2026, 2028, and beyond. Equipped and supported to activate their own networks—in neighborhoods, campuses, workplaces, and congregations—and to have direct, honest conversations. By focusing on person-to-person activation, 1MBVR aims to convert untapped eligibility into real outcomes: more resources for schools, deeper investment in communities, greater opportunity for families, and leadership that is accountable to Black voters.
This effort is grounded in a simple truth: Black political power has not peaked—it has been undercounted, underestimated, and undervalued. At a time of unprecedented threats to our lives, our opportunities, and our communities, anti-Blackness and racism are having a real impact on our present and our future—issues that are not always addressed in traditional voter registration efforts. This is a critical moment to demonstrate what's possible when we move together—across organizations, sectors, and states. That's why 1MBVR is designed to meet people where they are, building the movement through trust, conversation, and connection.
The One Million Black Voters Rising Movement launches with an urgent call to Join the Movement to One Million Stronger. We are rising to use our power—because we have the numbers to create real change, and because there is more to do: more to protect, more to fight for, and more to build for the next generation.
To learn more, visit: www.onemillionblackvotersrising.org
Statements from
1MBVR Partners.
“Power Rising was founded on the belief that Black women's collective power, when organized and activated, is the most transformative force in American democracy --- because we are stronger in formation than we are standing alone. One Million Black Voters Rising is that belief made real — twelve organizations, millions of women, one mandate. This kind of convergence doesn't happen by accident. It happens because Black women have decided that this moment demands everything we have. This is not just a campaign goal; It is a covenant with every Black community that has been told their vote doesn't matter. We are here to say: it does. And we will prove it.”
— Leah Daughtry, Co-Convenor, Power Rising
“The 1 Million Black Voters Rising initiative provides the infrastructure to sustain our power. When sisters lead together, when we vote together, we win together. Sisters Lead Sisters Vote stands proudly with our sister organizations.”
— Holli Holliday, President, Sisters Lead Sisters Vote; Co-Chair, One Million Black Voters Rising
“Through the Extraordinary Power of S.H.E. (Social, Health, and Economic Justice), Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, has advocated alongside our communities for over 106 years on key issues, including maternal healthcare and civic engagement. Now more than ever, we are proud to be part of the collective ‘1 Million Black Voters Rising’ movement, ensuring our voices are not just heard but are the driving force for lasting empowerment and change.”
— Dr. Stacie NC Grant, International President & CEO, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated; Chair NPHC (Divine 9) Council of Presidents
“We are proud to stand with 1 Million Black Voters Rising in this critical moment. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to engaging communities, expanding access, and ensuring every voice is heard. At Delta 4 Women in Action, this work is core to our mission, and we know real impact happens when we come together.”
— Rhonda Briggins, President, Delta 4 Women in Action
“When Black women have the space to lead, our communities bloom and our democracy moves closer to its promise. Through this effort to engage one million Black voters, we are nurturing the collective power that will carry us forward.”
— Glynda C. Carr, President & CEO, Higher Heights for America
“Black women have always been the architects of progress—organizing, mobilizing, and leading from the frontlines of change. The 1M Black Voters Rising initiative is more than a movement; it is a declaration of our collective power and our unwavering commitment to shaping a future where Black women lead at every level. At Win With Black Women, we stand proudly with the Black Women's Leadership Collective to ensure our voices are not only heard, but centered, amplified, and transformed into lasting impact.”
— Jotaka Eaddy, Founder & Convener, Win With Black Women
“Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is steadfast in its commitment to advocating for social justice and affirms that transformative change is not achieved in isolation, but through strategic collaboration with aligned organizations and communities. United with our sister organizations, we proudly support One Million Black Voters Rising. Through our collective social action, we will ‘SOAR to the Polls’ and let justice unfold!”
— Danette Anthony Reed, President & CEO, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
“Voting is important to Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. because it directly aligns with our mission of Greater Service, Greater Progress and our commitment to empowering communities through advocacy, education, and action. Through the A.C.T.I.V.A.T.E. Campaign, Sigma Gamma Rho emphasizes that civic engagement is not optional — it is essential to advancing equity, opportunity, and social impact. We are proud to be part of One Million Black Voters Rising.”
— Marica T. Harris, Grand Basileus, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated
“Now, more than ever, ensuring everyone participates in the political process is essential, and registering to vote is crucial to that involvement. Our collective goal of registering 1 million new voters reflects our commitment to civic duty, which is under immediate threat. Bad-faith actors are attempting to create fear and uncertainty around both the impact of the Black vote and voting security. These actors rely on disinformation and intimidation in their method of destruction. We at NCNW, and as Black women, are familiar with these insidious actions, and are equipped to mobilize our communities to mount a strong resistance. This push for 1 million new registered voters is a strategic initiative to strengthen the spirit of the people who encompass our democracy and to communicate that their voices will be heard at the polls.”
— Shavon Arline-Bradley, President & CEO, NCNW
“The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding on May 5, 2026, serving as the longest serving historically Black national Black civic engagement and voter empowerment coalition, with a membership base of over 80 organizations and 11 state-based affiliates and partners in The South, Mid-West and Northeast Regions. NCBCP and its Black Women's Roundtable, is delighted to serve as a national partner for the One Million Black Voters Rising Campaign, by providing its expertise in building effective intergenerational coalitions, organizing and leading non-partisan integrated voter empowerment campaigns, focused on Black women, youth and returning citizens; and sharing its research on Black women's voting behavior and messaging.”
— Melanie L. Campbell, President & CEO, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and National Convener, Black Women's Roundtable
“For more than a century, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has stood on the frontlines of democracy—registering voters, educating communities, and mobilizing voices that too often go unheard. We understand that the power of the ballot is not just a right—it is a responsibility and a pathway to justice. We are proud to do our part to register 1 million new Black Voters.”
— Cheryl W. Turner, International President & Chair of the Board, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated
“Right now, millions of Black people are not registered to vote—that’s unrealized power. And let’s be clear: Black political power has not peaked—it has been undercounted and undervalued. One Million Black Voters Rising is about changing that—turning our numbers into action and our voices into real influence over the decisions that shape our lives.”
— Karen Finney, Co-Chair, One Million Black Voters Rising
[ About the Black Women's Leadership Collective ]
The Black Women's Leadership Collective (BWLC) is an intergenerational, intersectional organizing hub of national Black women-centered organizations, leaders, and advocates from across the country. Rooted in the power of collective action, BWLC is building, growing, and activating a national network to ensure Black women's voices are heard—in the halls of power, at the ballot box, and in our communities. Together, we represent and engage millions of Black women through our expansive network. Whether mobilizing voters, shaping policy, or cultivating leadership, BWLC is harnessing the full force of Black women's leadership to drive transformational change across the country.
www.blackwomensleadershipcollective.org###