“If the vote had no power, they would not be attempting to suppress it.”
MDC President Lakeisha Hood Moise and Race Matters Institute Director Kamilah Pickett recently authored a powerful new commentary examining the continued dismantling of Voting Rights Act protections and the growing impact on Black political power in the South.
The piece connects today’s legal and political battles over voting rights to a longer Southern history of disenfranchisement — and asks what collective action, accountability, and civic engagement must look like in this moment.
As Southern states continue to redraw district maps and courts weaken longstanding protections against voter dilution, the consequences extend far beyond elections. The ability of communities to influence decisions on healthcare, education, housing, economic opportunity, and public investment is closely tied to political representation and access to power.
The commentary also challenges institutions, allies, and communities alike to recognize that attacks on voting rights rarely stop with one group, and that silence carries consequences.
We look forward to sharing more soon.
New Policy Priorities Aim to Reduce Student Loan Debt Burdens in North Carolina
This month, MDC released a new set of policy priorities aimed at reducing the burden of student loan debt and expanding economic opportunity across North Carolina.
Developed through MDC’s Student Debt Relief Coalition (SDRC), the recommendations focus on practical, state-level solutions that support borrowers, strengthen workforce stability, and help working adults and families build long-term financial security.
The priorities include stronger borrower protections, expanded repayment support and outreach, the creation of a student loan ombudsman, and employer-based strategies that help reduce debt burdens for workers.
More than 1.4 million North Carolinians carry a combined $52.2 billion in student loan debt.
Read the policy priorities at the button below.
New Era of Philanthropy Community of Practice convening at Earthseed Land Collective.
Towards a New Era of Southern Philanthropy
This spring, MDC’s Equity-Centered Philanthropy (ECP) team officially launched the Solidarity with Community Hub - a new strategy focused on helping Southern foundations courageously move into a new era of philanthropy utilizing approaches rooted in justice, equity, and solidarity.
The launch follows months of collaboration and program design with author and philanthropic leader Dimple Abichandani, alongside trusted partners and advisors across North Carolina and the South.
To mark the launch, the ECP team hosted two convenings in April focused on the future of Southern philanthropy.
On April 1, MDC welcomed a sold-out audience to The Durham Hotel for a conversation with Dimple Abichandani, author of “A New Era of Philanthropy.” Through discussion and interactive exercises, participants explored how philanthropy can move beyond tradition toward justice and community-centered impact. Reflections from the event included: “Spending toward purpose, not perpetuity” and “Southern philanthropy is ripe for disruption.”
On April 2, the team launched the first “New Era of Philanthropy Community of Practice” convening at Earthseed Land Collective. The gathering brought together 12 women leaders (foundation staff, philanthropy-supporting organizations, and content practitioners) for a day of storytelling, embodiment practices, and collective visioning supported by MDC staff, Dimple Abichandani, somatics coach Alta Starr, and visual notetaker Hope Tyson. Participants reflected: “A relaxed body is a powerful body” and “We get to choose what stories we carry forward.”
The ECP team also launched its new Learning in Public blog series, documenting reflections and lessons emerging from this work. Explore the Learning in Public series:
Rural Action Network Cohort Graduation!
At the end of April, the Rural Action Network (facilitated by MDC) cohort convened for the final workshop of a five-part series and to celebrate their time together as a collective group. The workshop was focused on policy solutions and opportunities.
They spent the day exploring solutions to the transportation, workforce development, housing, environmental, and childcare challenges that face their communities. The day ended with a graduation ceremony celebrating the cohort's dedication to improving the communities where they live and work.
While the learning cohort may have come to an end for now, the Rural Action Network project is just getting started! MDC has launched the application for the Rural Action Network leadership council - a group across the Sandhills region of NC that will work together to set regional policy priorities and work collaboratively to amplify the voice of rural leaders.
The leadership council is for all kinds of community leaders - both grass tops (local elected officials, business owners, etc.) and grassroots (nonprofit leaders, community organizers, etc.) are welcome to apply.
Click the button below to get more information on the leadership council and apply!
Applications close on June 5th! Reach out to Hetal Patel with questions.
Celebrating Jenna Bryant’s Selection to the
2026 Elizabeth Dole Fellowship Class!
We are proud to share that Jenna Bryant, Senior Program Director at MDC, has been selected as a member of the prestigious 2026 Elizabeth Dole Fellowship Class.
The Fellowship, led by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, brings together military and veteran caregivers from across the country to build community, strengthen advocacy, and elevate caregiver voices nationally.
Jenna’s selection recognizes both her professional leadership and her lived experience as a caregiver. Through her Fellowship participation, Jenna joins a national network working to ensure military and veteran caregivers are better seen, supported, and connected.
At MDC, Jenna leads work advancing economic security and mobility throughout the South. Her leadership is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and a deep commitment to community care — values that align closely with the Fellowship’s mission.
We are honored to celebrate this recognition and excited to support Jenna throughout the Fellowship year.
Momentum Builds for Home-Based Childcare
Advocacy in North Carolina
Momentum is growing in North Carolina around home-based childcare (HBCC) and family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) care, with bipartisan bills introduced this session that reflect priorities long raised by providers, advocates, and community partners.
The legislation addresses barriers facing HBCC providers, including zoning and housing restrictions, recognition of license-exempt FFN providers, and penalties tied to unlicensed childcare operations.
MDC’s Educational Equity team has worked alongside providers and partners to elevate HBCC across the state and create opportunities for policymakers to hear directly from providers and families about the critical role home-based childcare plays in communities and local economies.
The introduction of these bills signals growing recognition of HBCC as essential community infrastructure.
Learn more about the legislation: Senate Bill 1051, Senate Bill 1052, Senate Bill 1053. We’ll continue sharing updates and ways to support HBCC across North Carolina.
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