Legacy Is A Verb 2/18/26 (follow Link to Download graphics)
In North Carolina right now—a mix of honoring where we’ve been and digging in for where we’re going.
This Thursday, we’re gathering at the Goodwin House to celebrate that thread. We’re honoring leaders like G.K. Butterfield, who spent 18 years in D.C. fighting for the First District, and Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, whose service continues to pave the way. This isn’t just a “ceremony”; it’s a tribute to the Black legislators who broke the first barriers and a hand-off to the ones who will shape our tomorrow. If you want to be in the room for it, you can sign up here.
As we celebrate, we also carry a heavy heart this week. The passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson is a loss felt deeply across the country, but especially here. He was a titan who marched with Dr. King and never found a reason to stay quiet in the face of injustice. As our Chair, Anderson Clayton, put it: “we honor him best by protecting the very thing he fought for—the sacred right to vote.”
You can see that legacy alive and well right now on our campuses. When the GOP-led State Board of Elections closed the on-campus voting site at North Carolina A&T, they probably expected a quiet result. Instead, they got a movement. Students at the oldest HBCU in the nation organized a 30-minute walk to the polls in protest, and Chair Clayton was able to join them.
From the students at A&T, UNCG, and WCU, the message is clear: barriers don’t stop voters, they just remind us why we fight. Whether it’s organizing a ride to the polls or joining our voter protection team, we too want you to know there’s a place for you in the movement. Come find your spot at ncdp.org/volunteer.
Power in the Polls
Choosing our leaders is one of the most direct ways we can shape the future of North Carolina. With early voting open now through February 28, we have a vital window to support the candidates who will fight for our health care, our schools, and our economic opportunity.
Before you head out to cast your ballot, take a moment to meet the candidates and confirm your polling place. Having a plan is the best way to ensure life doesn’t get in the way and your voice is heard!
Remember, your impact doesn’t have to end once you get the “I Voted” sticker. Real change happens when we bring our community along with us. You can help build that momentum right now by sharing the graphics and messages from our content package with your friends and family online. Beyond the screen, we encourage each of you to invite five neighbors to the polls. That kind of outreach multiplies our impact and shows exactly how much we value our rights.
And let’s have fun doing it! Once you’ve cast your ballot, snap a selfie and tag us on social media! There’s nothing more contagious than seeing our friends and neighbors leading the way.
Drowning Don
Donald Trump is sinking our economy, and his approval ratings are right there with it. New data shows that 59% of Americans now disapprove of Donald’s handling of the economy—the highest disapproval rating of either of his terms.
From massive waves of tariff tantrums and the outright lies of “booming” numbers, the reality hits us every time we visit the grocery store or fill up the gas tank. As Drowning Don continues to drag down our livelihoods, the only wave he should be worried about is a blue one.
Registration Repair
Every eligible voter deserves to have their voice heard without jumping through hoops. Right now, thousands of our neighbors across North Carolina are at risk of being sidelined because they need to update their voter registration.
This list is a reincarnation of the “Griffin List”— voters who must take action now to ensure they can cast a regular ballot in 2026. We aren’t letting red tape get in the way of democracy.
We’re mobilizing to reach every person on that list, and we need your help to make it happen. Join us for a phone bank to help our neighbors fix their status and get ready for the polls. It’s simple, it’s vital, and it’s how we protect the vote for everyone.
Sign up to help us at ncdp.org/phonebank
That’s a wrap for this week’s messaging!
Now it’s your turn! Download the graphics below, copy our captions, and get the message out! Whether you’re lighting up the group chat or sharing it on your timeline, your voice is what actually moves the needle! Together, we honor history, seize the Primary, and build the future.