LIFT EV’RY VOICE

OUR VOICES MATTER.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Lift Ev’ry Voice is a forceful response system dedicated to addressing and rectifying racism against Black people.

We act swiftly in cases leading to death, termination, recall from public office, or any form of discrimination. Our firm commitment drives transformative change, advocating for justice, equity, and accountability.

Together, we strive for a world where Black lives are valued, respected, and free from systemic injustice.

Lift Ev’ry Voice: Decisive action against racism, a catalyst for change, and a relentless advocate for justice.

ADVOCACY SPOTLIGHT

CURRENT ADVOCACIES & CASES

SPOTLIGHT SANCTUARY

ADVOCACIES IN ACTION & RESOLVED CASES

RALPH YARL

Ralph Yarl, a 17-year-old Black teenager, was tragically shot in the head and arm by Andrew Lester in Kansas City, Missouri. The incident unfolded when Ralph innocently rang Lester's doorbell, mistaking it for the home where he was supposed to pick up his twin brothers. Instead of a simple interaction, Lester's response was an act of horrifying violence. He callously fired through the glass front door after uttering chilling words of warning.

Lester's justification for his actions, citing fear of being robbed by a Black person, is deeply troubling and speaks to broader issues of racial prejudice and discrimination. Now facing charges of felony assault and armed criminal action, Lester's release on bond only adds insult to injury.

Ralph's attorney rightly demands that this incident be investigated as a hate crime, shedding light on the systemic racism that plagues our society. Meanwhile, Ralph grapples with profound mental and emotional anguish in the aftermath of this senseless act of brutality.

IHOP INCIDENT

Keisha Mitchell and Elvis Polley eagerly arrived at IHOP to celebrate Polley's birthday, only to be met with a chilling display of racism.

Shockingly, the waitress blatantly refused to serve them, a cruel act that spoke volumes about deep-seated prejudice. The manager callously dismissed the incident as mere fussiness on the part of the waitress, but the truth was stark: they were denied service simply because of their race — because they were Black.

This despicable behavior was perpetrated by a veteran employee of 25 years, whose tenure evidently did nothing to erase her bigotry. Justice was eventually served when both the manager and the waitress were rightfully terminated. However, the scars of this harrowing ordeal lingered for Mitchell and Polley, a grim reminder of the persistent and pervasive nature of racism in society.

DR. ANTOINETTE CANDIA-BAILEY

In July 2023, Antoinette Candia-Bailey was appointed the Vice President of Student Affairs at Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri.

Lincoln University is a historically Black college. During the first year of her tenure, she requested mental health leave, and her requests were denied.

She was summarily terminated from her employment at Lincoln University. Within days after her termination, she died by suicide. Lift Ev’ry Voice has called for the termination of John Mosely, President of Lincoln University who was responsible for the termination of her employment.

FLASH HOT SPOT

NEWS, UPDATES & HIGHLIGHTS

Wednesday - March 19, 2024

On this week’s flash hot spot highlights Jean Quan's public stance in support of Pamela Price, the Alameda County District Attorney facing a recall.

Quan, the former Mayor of Oakland and a prominent figure in the Asian American community, has issued a press release opposing the recall effort. Quan's background as a trailblazer in Oakland politics and her current role at the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley adds weight to her endorsement of Price. This message aims to mobilize support for Price's retention as district attorney, leveraging Quan's influence and credibility within the community.

ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Mellanese Lofton

Introducing the dynamic force behind the transformative movement, Lift Ev'ry Voice, is none other than Mellanese Lofton, a visionary Co-Founder driven by the belief that our voices are not just an echo in the void but instruments of change and empowerment. With an unwavering commitment to amplify the silenced narratives, Mellanese epitomizes the ethos of "see something, say something," embodying the wisdom that silence is indeed golden, yet there are moments when it's imperative to break it, to speak out against injustice.

Guided by the profound words of a revered mentor, Mellanese embarked on a journey to carve out a platform where voices are not only heard but revered for their potency in challenging societal norms. Lift Ev'ry Voice stands as a testament to this vision—a beacon illuminating the shadows of racism and inequality that persist in our world.

Equipped with a formidable academic arsenal, Mellanese earned a B.A. in Psychology from the prestigious University of Texas, delving deep into the intricacies of human behavior and societal dynamics. This foundational knowledge was further fortified by a Juris Doctorate from the esteemed University of California, Berkeley School of Law, empowering Mellanese with the legal acumen to navigate the complex corridors of justice.

Now, extending an invitation to all who dare to dream of a world where justice isn't just a concept but a tangible reality, Mellanese calls upon individuals to join the ranks of Lift Ev'ry Voice Advocates. Together, let us harness the power of our collective voices to reshape the narrative, to stand tall against injustice, and to pave the way for a brighter, more equitable tomorrow. Join us, and let your voice be the catalyst for change.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • You can get involved by becoming a Lift Ev’ry Voice Advocate. As an Advocate, you would send Lift Ev’ry Voice letters (using our template) to your contacts. You can become an Advocate by completing the “My Contact Information” form on the Website.

    If you have questions, please contact us at LEVresponse911@gmail.com.

  • The determination to take immediate action is based on a thorough assessment of reported incidents, considering the severity and impact on the affected individuals. We operate with a sense of urgency to amplify the voices of those facing discrimination and racism.

    If you have questions, please contact us at LEVresponse911@gmail.com.

  • We employ a rapid response system to address individual cases as well as dismantle systemic barriers that perpetuate discrimination against Black people. This includes fostering partnerships, advocating for policy changes, and actively participating in initiatives aimed at eradicating racial injustice.

    If you have questions, please contact us at LEVresponse911@gmail.com.

  • We actively engage with communities and organizations, using its advocacy platform to shed light on instances of racism. We follow up on all initiatives and maintain a dialogue with the individuals involved.

    If you have questions, please contact us at LEVresponse911@gmail.com.

  • Our collaboration involves engaging in dialogues, participating in community initiatives and advocating for policies that promote justice and equity. We recognize the importance of collective efforts in creating a world free from racism and we actively work to build partnerships for sustained impact.

    If you have questions, please contact us at LEVresponse911@gmail.com.

CONTACT US.

Join the Movement for Change! Lift Ev'ry Voice Needs You! 📢

Lift Ev'ry Voice is the forceful response against injustice, and we're seeking passionate individuals like you to stand with us.

For any questions and concerns, reach us here.