
(Washington, DC) – Today, Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King of Drum Major Institute (DMI) and Hector Sanchez Barba of Mi Familia Vota (MFV) announce the launch of a strategic long-term campaign to unite Black and Latino communities. Initiated in 2024, the strategic partnership between DMI and MFV continues with this new targeted campaign to elevate Black and Latino voices, build political power, drive policy initiatives, and strengthen civic engagement across the U.S. The Black Brown campaign will empower both communities through regional strategic convenings, development of a policy agenda based around common priorities, strengthen political representation and driving civic participation.
Initially launched during the 2024 Democratic National Convention, the coalition has since collaborated to implement several powerful activities including a landmark conference, The Road Ahead: Building the Beloved Community Through Peace, Justice, and Equity, on October 2, 2024, at the University of the District of Columbia in Washington D.C., which brought together leading civil rights, advocacy, and media organizations to assess the state of democracy, voting rights, and the rise in political violence in America.
The conference was followed by “United Voices, United Power: Empowering Black and Brown Communities at the Ballot Box” a voter education event at the Cole Street Community Church in Marietta, Georgia on October 29th, 2024, which highlighted the importance of voter participation and emphasized collective political power. In 2025, the organizations have joined together to discuss key policy issues impacting Black and Brown communities and raise concern over the redistricting initiative in Texas.
Over the next year, the coalition will deepen ties between the communities by bringing together key stakeholders including national and regional civil rights leaders, local community organizers, and policymakers to foster dialogue, generate greater consensus, and drive a policy agenda that prioritizes policies for both Black and Brown communities.
The renewed collaboration comes at a pivotal moment with ongoing political polarization and the rise in political violence nationwide. With the imperative to protect the nation’s democratic principles and hard-won civil rights, both groups will combine resources, networks, and voices to build a lasting and sustainable Black and Brown political power.
Over the course of the renewed term, the organizations will roll out coordinated campaign efforts, joint activities, and media collaborations, and grassroots initiatives across ten key states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, and Texas. Combating underrepresentation, fostering youth leadership development, and a focused policy and advocacy agenda will serve as major pillars of the initiative.
Commenting on the extended collaboration, Drum Major Institute’s President, Arndrea Waters King noted: “We believe in the power of collective action. Renewing this partnership signals that Black and Latino communities are united in solidarity, and with the shared purpose of building a future centered in community, peace, and prosperity.”
Highlighting this critical time, DMI’s Chairman, Martin Luther King III noted: “We as a nation find ourselves at a trying crossroads, in which now more than ever unity is paramount. Putting that belief into action by marching as a community for economic, racial, and voting justice while advocating for accountability from our elected leaders is a strident step toward achieving the Beloved Community.”
“Our communities are those of power, resilience, and strength. We are critical to the foundational makeup of this country, and this initiative will ensure our voices are heard and our priorities are taken seriously,” said MFV’s President and CEO, Hector Sanchez Barba. “Drum Major Institute and Mi Familia Vota both stand ready to take on this challenge, and our commitment to this comprehensive vision is steadfast.”
More Information About DMI and MFV
DMI
Founded in 1961 on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision of a world free of racism, poverty and violence, the Drum Major Institute carries Dr. King’s work and vision of radical nonviolence into the 21st century, democratizing it for all people. DMI leads through collaboration by convening leaders and organizations to identify common-sense solutions to our most pressing problems.
MFV
Mi Familia Vota’s mission is to mobilize Latino power through continuous activation of the electorate and significant investment in local infrastructure to advance our community’s policy priorities. Mi Familia Vota is fighting for an America where Latino voices shape and advance policies that promote the health, safety, and prosperity of Latino communities across the country.
For more information, please visit drummajorinst.org and mifamiliavota.org.