Pivotal agenda covers economic equity, fair representation, health care access, immigrant rights and the protection of voting rights
(Atlanta, GA) – In a powerful demonstration of unity at a crucial time for our democracy, leaders from Black and Latino communities are coming together as a decisive force to unveil a bold and meaningful policy agenda. Today, Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King of Drum Major Institute (DMI) and Hector Sanchez Barba of Mi Familia Vota (MFV) reveal an overview of their upcoming policy agenda, marking an important step forward in bringing communities together and advancing shared priorities. At a moment when our country’s future is being reshaped, this coalition signifies a collective commitment to civic participation, representation, and continued progress. Within the next decade, these two communities will account for more than one-third of eligible voters nationwide, underscoring the urgency of investing in meaningful civic engagement programs and building lasting political power in historically underrepresented communities.
Grounded in the realities facing both communities, the forthcoming agenda defines and addresses the unique and overlapping needs of Black and Latino populations, communities that continue to confront systemic barriers while also representing a growing and influential segment of the American electorate. Chief among the issues are Voting Rights, Economic Opportunity, Immigration, and Civic Engagement. Together, these priorities reflect a shared vision for equity, access, and long-term prosperity.
The coalition’s strategic vision builds on a sustained effort to combat voter suppression, strengthen economic mobility, and expand opportunities for civic participation. It also stands as a direct response to divisive narratives that seek to separate communities whose futures are deeply interconnected. Connecting leaders, advocates, and organizers across ten priority states, the coalition is working to deepen engagement and ensure that both Black and Latino voices are not only heard, but are instrumental in shaping policy outcomes.
Commenting on the policy agenda collaboration, Drum Major Institute’s President, Arndrea Waters King noted: “We are seeing a coordinated push to roll back our freedoms and reverse hard-won economic gains, putting Black and Brown communities at risk. This coalition is continuing to choose unity over division and building the collective power needed to protect our future.”
DMI’s Chairman, Martin Luther King III added: “In times of threats to voting access and civil rights protections — our goal is clear. We must stand together with a steadfast commitment to justice and protecting the Voting Rights Act, recognizing that, as my father often reminded us, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Hector Sanchez Barba, President and CEO of Mi Familia Vota, emphasized: “Our communities face serious challenges, but we also hold tremendous power. Latinos are the most underfunded community in democratic civic participation, but when we organize, mobilize, and stand together, we can ensure every family has a real opportunity to thrive.”
Launched at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the Black Brown coalition was formed to strengthen solidarity and to uplift communities of color through civic participation and empowerment. The coalition has since hosted major convening and voter education events, including The Road Ahead: Building the Beloved Community Through Peace, Justice, and Equity at the University of the District of Columbia and in Marietta, Georgia in October 2024. In 2025, the coalition expanded its work through a coordinated civic engagement campaign across ten priority states centered on increasing voter participation and education.
The Executive Summary is now available here.
About 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.
About 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.