Calls for Awareness, Action, and Unity Against Growing Threats to Minority Communities
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — The historic Mt. Hermon AME Church served as the site of an important Congressional Town Hall hosted by Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who gathered community members to discuss pressing challenges facing African Americans and other minority communities across South Florida and the nation.
Sponsored by the Mt. Bethel Political Action Committee, the town hall shed light on what the Congresswoman described as an “existential threat” to communities of color—driven by policy rollbacks, voter suppression, and the erosion of programs designed to ensure equity and opportunity.
Despite a modest turnout, the conversation was powerful and unflinching. Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick urged residents to remain vigilant and proactive in the face of what she called “systematic efforts to weaken our democracy and silence our voices.”
She spoke passionately about the elimination of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs, reductions in the federal workforce—especially in agencies that serve the public such as Social Security, Postal Service, and health research institutions—and how these cuts are being made to fund tax breaks for the wealthy.
Voter Suppression in New Forms
The Congresswoman also addressed the nationwide rise in voter suppression tactics, including gerrymandering, voter ID restrictions, purging of voter rolls, and the reduction of polling places and drop-off locations.
“This should be a call to arms,” one citizen. “If your vote didn’t matter, they wouldn’t work so hard to take it away.”
The citizen emphasized that the 2026 Midterm Elections will be a critical moment for voters to reclaim their power and protect hard-won rights.
Economic and Legislative Challenges
Another major topic was the looming government shutdown, which Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick believes is being intentionally orchestrated to undermine democracy while falsely placing blame on those who refuse to yield to partisan demands. She noted that Democrats remain steadfast in defending healthcare subsidies that make the Affordable Care Act accessible to millions of Americans.
She also spoke about the economic consequences of recent tariffs that have destabilized trade and weakened America’s global standing.
Faith Leaders Call for Strength
During the town hall, a respected local minister offered words of both encouragement and caution, advising Democrats to “remove the kid gloves” when confronting policies and agendas—such as Project 2025—that threaten civil rights and freedoms. He also reflected on the differences between older generations who fought during the Civil Rights Movement and younger generations who may not feel the same urgency.
“We have to bridge that gap,” he said, urging community leaders to engage youth by addressing issues that matter most to them.
Continuing the Legacy of Service
Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick reaffirmed her commitment to the late Congressman Alcee Hastings’ legacy, promising continued advocacy, transparency, and accessibility across District 20.
“We have a Congresswoman who is deeply committed to the causes that matter most to our community,” said one attendee. “She’s not afraid to speak truth to power.”
The town hall concluded with a presentation of key community resources and updates on critical issues, including:
- Project 2025
- Driver’s License Renewal assistance
- Medicaid and SNAP updates
- Voting Rights and registration resources
- Government shutdown FAQs
As the Congresswoman reminded the crowd, “The only way to stop a bully is to stand together and fight back—beginning with our votes in 2026.”
