Consequential agenda to cover the economy, health care, immigration, and civil rights priorities will come out on April 4th
(Washington, DC) – To commemorate the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination 58 years ago and honor his enduring legacy, Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King of Drum Major Institute (DMI) and Hector Sanchez Barba of Mi Familia Vota (MFV) announced today that the Black Brown coalition will release a summary of a joint policy agenda on April 4th. Through this historic unified coalition, both organizations are working to expand the political power of Black and Brown communities, particularly during this pivotal election year. With the goal of uniting both communities across the country, this effort is focused on strengthening ties based on shared struggles, mutual priorities, and future impact. As both continue to face growing challenges, the Black Brown coalition is striving to protect and defend the rights of Black and Latino voters.
This bold joint policy agenda will highlight critical priorities, including economic equity, fair representation, access to health care, immigrant rights and the protection of voting rights. It will also confront misinformation, push back against voter suppression, and reject the divisive attempts to divide our communities.
Commenting on the policy agenda collaboration, Drum Major Institute’s President, Arndrea Waters King noted: “At a moment when our communities are being met with shifting political headwinds, this coalition reminds us that our democracy is strongest when everyone participates and every voice is heard. Our policy agenda is a roadmap for empowering our communities centered in peace and prosperity.”
DMI’s Chairman, Martin Luther King III added: “This coalition is a powerful example of what our communities can achieve when we stand together. Furthering the vision of the Beloved Community, Black and Brown communities are demonstrating their strength, protecting our rights, and shaping the future of our democracy.”
Hector Sanchez Barba, President and CEO of Mi Familia Vota, emphasized: “Together, our communities face real challenges, but through coordinated action, we are able to expand access, defend our rights, and ensure that every voter is counted and heard. This agenda is about building power and protecting our shared future.”
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.
This year, the coalition will advance its strategic partnership by hosting regional convenings of leaders and community advocates to build momentum and inspire civic engagement across Black and Latino communities. This policy agenda showcases the continued effort reflecting the coalition’s core belief that civic participation is both a right and a powerful tool for communities to build political power.
Top Left: Arndrea Waters King, Martin Luther King III, and Hector Sanchez Barba at “The Road Ahead” conference in Washington D.C. Top Right: Marietta, Georgia GOTV event. Bottom Left: Convening of DMI and MFV in Washington D.C. Bottom Right: Black Brown coalition launch at the 2024 DNC featuring leading Black and Latino voices
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.