It was the year 1964, and the Civil Rights Act had just been signed into law. A young girl named Kerry Washington sat in her home with her family, watching the news reports about the historic event. As an African American girl growing up in the United States, she knew all too well the struggles and discrimination her people faced on a daily basis.

But that day, she felt a glimmer of hope. She saw the power of collective action, the power of coming together as a community to demand change. And from that day forward, Kerry made a promise to herself that she would always fight for equal rights and justice for all.

Today, as a successful actress, activist, and advocate, Kerry Washington continues to make good on that promise.

The Fight for Our Rights

But the fight for equal rights and justice is far from over. As Kerry put it in her recent speech at the Democratic National Convention:

“Today there are people trying to take away rights that our mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers fought for: our right to vote, our right to choose, affordable quality education, equal pay, access to health care. We the people can’t let that happen.”

She’s right. Just because we’ve made progress in the past doesn’t mean we can sit back and relax. The fight for our rights is ongoing, and it’s up to all of us to keep pushing forward.

Examples of Rights Under Attack

So what are some of the rights that are currently under attack? Here are a few examples:

• The Right to Vote: In recent years, we’ve seen a wave of voter suppression laws intended to make it harder for people to vote, particularly people of color, low-income individuals, and young people. These laws are often disguised as efforts to prevent voter fraud, but in reality, they are intended to disenfranchise and suppress the voices of those who are most vulnerable.
• The Right to Choose: Women’s reproductive rights are also under attack, with states passing increasingly restrictive abortion laws and attempting to defund Planned Parenthood, which provides essential health care services to millions of people.
• The Right to Education: Education is supposed to be the great equalizer, but in reality, low-income students and students of color often face systemic barriers to quality education. Funding for public schools is being slashed, while elite private schools continue to thrive.
• The Right to Equal Pay: Women continue to earn less than men for doing the same work, with women of color experiencing an even greater wage gap. Despite decades of progress, we still have a long way to go to achieve true pay equity.
• The Right to Health Care: The Affordable Care Act (ACA), which has helped millions of Americans gain access to health insurance, is currently under attack by the Trump administration and the Republican-controlled Congress. If they succeed in dismantling the ACA, millions of people could lose their health insurance and be left without access to crucial medical care.

What You Can Do to Help

So what can we do to help protect our rights? Here are a few practical tips:

• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on what’s happening in the world around you. Read the news, follow organizations like the ACLU and Planned Parenthood, and stay engaged with your local community.
• Vote: Exercise your right to vote. Make sure you’re registered, and encourage your friends and family to do the same. If you live in a state with restrictive voting laws, make sure you know your rights and take action if you encounter any issues at the polls.
• Get Involved: Join a community organization or advocacy group that aligns with your values. Volunteer your time, attend rallies and protests, and speak out against injustice wherever you see it.
• Speak Up: Use your voice to advocate for change. Write letters to your elected officials, post on social media, and engage in discussions with friends and family members. Even small actions can make a big difference.
• Donate: If you’re able to, consider making a donation to a nonprofit organization that fights for equal rights and social justice.