One Voice Inc.

One Voice Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 1996 dedicated to advancing civil and political rights through voter registration, civic engagement, and political advocacy. Operating primarily within the context of the broader US Civil Rights Movement, the organization focuses on empowering marginalized communities, particularly African Americans, to participate fully in the democratic process. Its work is seen as a direct continuation of the voting rights struggles of the mid-20th century, adapting those principles to contemporary political challenges.

Founding and Mission

One Voice Inc. was established in 1996 by attorneys DeMaurice Smith and Michele Roberts, both prominent figures in law and social justice. The organization was founded in response to perceived setbacks in voting rights and political representation following periods of legislative progress such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Its core mission is to eliminate barriers to political participation and ensure that every citizen, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, has an equal voice in American democracy. The mission explicitly connects to the historical goals of the Civil Rights Movement, seeking to fulfill the uncompleted work of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and organizations like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) by focusing on sustained civic power rather than episodic protest.

Role in the Civil Rights Movement

One Voice Inc. operates as a modern vehicle for the tactical and philosophical aims of the Civil Rights Movement. While the classic movement of the 1950s and 1960s focused on dismantling Jim Crow laws and securing federal legislation, One Voice addresses subsequent challenges like voter suppression, gerrymandering, and the dilution of minority voting power. The organization’s strategy emphasizes litigation, public education, and grassroots mobilization, methods also employed by legacy groups like the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. Its work is particularly focused on the American South, a region with a deep history of civil rights activism and ongoing political battles over access to the ballot.

Key Programs and Initiatives

The organization’s impact is driven through several targeted programs. Its flagship initiative is a large-scale, non-partisan voter registration drive, often targeting Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and underserved urban neighborhoods. Another major program focuses on civic education, teaching communities about local government structures, the importance of midterm elections, and the history of the Fifteenth Amendment. One Voice also runs a legal advocacy project that files amicus curiae briefs in significant voting rights cases before the Supreme Court of the United States, such as those concerning Shelby County v. Holder. Furthermore, it organizes “Power Building” summits that train emerging leaders in community organizing, echoing the work of the Highlander Research and Education Center.

Leadership and Notable Figures

From its inception, One Voice Inc. has been led by individuals with strong ties to legal and civil rights institutions. Co-founder DeMaurice Smith, later the executive director of the National Football League Players Association, brought expertise in organizational strategy and advocacy. Co-founder Michele Roberts, who became the executive director of the National Basketball Players Association, contributed her litigation skills and focus on equity. The organization’s board and advisory council have included notable figures such as veteran civil rights lawyer Julius Chambers, former Attorney General Eric Holder, and Congressman John Lewis, whose presence provided a direct link to the Selma to Montgomery marches. This leadership has ensured the organization’s credibility and deep connections within the continuum of civil rights activism.

Impact and Legacy

The impact of One Voice Inc. is measured in its contribution to increasing voter turnout in key demographic groups and its role in shaping the discourse around modern voting rights. The organization has been credited with registering hundreds of thousands of new voters over decades, influencing electoral outcomes in states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida. Its legacy lies in bridging the historical Civil Rights Movement with 21st-century activism, demonstrating that the fight for the franchise requires perpetual vigilance. By focusing on systemic engagement and legal defense, One Voice Inc. has helped preserve and expand the democratic ideals championed by earlier movements, ensuring that the foundational struggles for civil rights remain relevant in contemporary political life.