This year, as LDF entered its 80th year of commitment to racial justice and civil and human rights, we faced one of the most unpredictable and challenging years in our nation’s history. A year that began with LDF challenging the Trump Administration over its Muslim Ban and Law Enforcement Commission ended with suing President Trump and his campaign over attempts to disenfranchise Black voters. In between, LDF was forced to add a new category of policy and litigation work focused on the impact of COVID-19, championed the rights of protesters during a historic summer full of demands for change and accountability, and fought to protect Black voters and their ballots, while also helping recruit over 40,000 poll workers. LDF was able to do so by building off its 80-year legacy — the lessons learned, the victories earned, and the lives changed.
LDF’s mission has always been transformative: to achieve racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society. But 2020 was like no other. Our communities were faced with many challenges, not the least of which have been the ongoing, disproportionate impact of COVID-19 and its effects on health, housing, education, and employment. Through it all we persisted, forcing this country to grapple with some of its toughest truths. As we begin to pivot to the challenges and opportunities 2021 will bring, we take this time to look back on this tumultuous year and reflect on what we have achieved and what it means for our collective future.
