Poor People’s Campaign set to mobilize the “Third Reconstruction” in America

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II said that the Poor People’s Campaign will mobilize across 32 states and the District of Columbia, seeking a commitment to build the “Third Reconstruction” in America.

Barber co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign Rev. Liz Theoharis, held a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, to kick off a campaign to mobilize voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

During the news conference, Rev. Barber revealed that on March 2, 2024, the Poor People’s Campaign would hold mass mobilizations in 32-plus states, targeting low-wage workers as part of a 42-week organizing initiative.

The goal is to engage over 15 million infrequent voters between now and November. Additionally, on June 15, 2024, the campaign plans to march on the United States Congress, marking the beginning of a summer initiative aimed at sustaining efforts to mobilize poor and low-income voters and low-wage workers.

Rev. Barber emphasized the importance of a peaceful and inclusive movement, stating, “It is time for a resurrection and not an insurrection.” He also highlighted the significance of 2024 as the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, underlining the ongoing fight for freedom and justice.

https://www.c-span.org/video/?533374-1/poor-peoples-campaign-chairs-hold-news-conference

Drawing inspiration from the transformative periods of the First Reconstruction following the Civil War and the civil rights struggles of the 20th century’s Second Reconstruction, Barber said the movement hopes to revive the constitutional commitment to justice, general welfare, and the recognition that policies centering the 140 million poor and low-income individuals are crucial for the nation’s healing and transformation.

The Poor People’s Campaign, in collaboration with Repairers of the Breach and the Kairos Center, has been at the forefront of this movement for years.

Throughout the news conference, individuals from different states shared personal stories, shedding light on the struggles faced by low-wage workers and the need for political change. The stories ranged from financial hardships to issues related to healthcare and systemic inequalities.

Participants expressed their determination to fight for justice, with one speaker stating, “Hope comes from the bottom, from those most directly impacted by the profound evils of America.”

“The Third Reconstruction movement tackles systemic issues, recognizing the interconnected injustices of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, denial of healthcare, militarism, and a distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism,” explained Lisa McCormick, a progressive New Jersey Democrat who has championed the same causes.

“Rev. Barber’s vision is omnibus, aiming to restructure society from the bottom up, reflecting a broader movement within the Poor People’s Campaign’s state coordinating committees, a network of more than 250 labor and organizational partners, and numerous allies nationwide,” said McCormick.

“Drawing on the transformation from the First Reconstruction following the Civil War and the history of the Second Reconstruction the manifested as the civil rights struggles of the 20th century, the Third Reconstruction will be a revival of America’s commitment to establish justice and provide for the general welfare, by ending decades of austerity,” said McCormick. “It is time to recognize that policies that benefit the 140 million poor and low-income people in the country are good for the country because such policies can heal the nation.”

“Poverty exists because we allow it in the wealthiest country in the world,” said McCormick. “Right now, 140 million Americans are poor because we have chosen to follow some trickle-down fantasy for 40 years and now it is time to recognize that folly be reversing Reaganomics and making an economic U-turn that restores prosperity for all Americans.”

Rev. Theoharis emphasized the power of poor and low-income voters in shaping the political landscape. She urged a shift from relying solely on polling data to focusing on the moral authority and needs of the people.

The co-chairs highlighted the urgency of addressing the moral crisis in the country and stressed the campaign’s commitment to organizing and mobilizing voters across party lines.

In response to questions from the media, Rev. Barber discussed plans to march on state capitals and reach out to individuals on both sides of the political spectrum. He emphasized that the campaign’s strength lies in the moral commitment and needs of the people, distinguishing it from a mere enthusiasm gap.

As the news conference concluded, Rev. Barber issued a rallying cry, declaring, “Not one step back,” and opened the floor for questions from the media.

The Poor People’s Campaign’s initiative marks a significant effort to engage and mobilize a substantial number of voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election, with a focus on addressing the challenges faced by poor and low-income individuals across the United States.