“Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.”
-The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In the struggle toward civil rights and a true democracy, history teaches us that there will be moments of triumph and those of grief. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. saw this and urged his fellow Americans to look toward the present – not four years from now, waiting for the next “major” election year – to “demonstrate, teach, and preach.”
During this period of uncertainty we must RESIST efforts to curb democratic rights, protect our long-established public institutions that serve all Americans, and fight any move toward fascism. In an era of disinformation, we must EDUCATE each other on what is real, sharing our resources and encouraging discourse. And at a time of remarkable divisions, we must ORGANIZE. As Dr. King named, there is more power in socially organized masses than in the violence of the few.
Hear organizer Linda Sutton’s story on Built by Us
Linda Sutton, our Lead Regional Managing Organizer for the Central Piedmont, has been continuing the legacy of Dr. King during her time as Democracy NC’s longest running staff member. In this moving episode of our Built by Us podcast, Linda shares her decades-long dedication to voter registration, labor organizing, and environmental justice. From her upbringing near tobacco factories to her leadership in unions and community coalitions, Linda’s story exemplifies resilience, love, and the fight for a better tomorrow.
Linda’s story is a powerful reminder of what a single individual can do to fight injustice, protect the vote, and make sure all North Carolinians have what they need to register to vote and cast their ballot – without disruption or fear.
We are so grateful to Linda as well as those of you who continue to support the efforts of our organization. Your efforts in 2024 made a true difference. Whether you were distributing materials in your community, serving as a Vote Protector or Elections Advocate, participating in a phone bank, helping during the county canvass, volunteering at one of our various regional offices, or liking and sharing our posts on social media, you played an essential role in making our work possible.
We welcome all who would join us at Democracy NC as we work toward a better future for North Carolina that honors Dr. King’s legacy.