Moral Monday Protests to Return to NC Legislature with December “Mass Mobilization”
RALEIGH, NC — Rev. Dr. William Barber announced the return of the Moral Monday protests to the North Carolina legislature, with a mass mobilization planned for December 9. The movement, which gained national attention in 2013 for its weekly protests against GOP-led policies, is being revived in response to recent legislation that shifts the state’s power structure and gives Republicans control over election administration.
Barber, the founder of Moral Mondays, called on lawmakers to reject the controversial Senate Bill 382, which he called a “political coup” and an attack on democratic principles.
“This bill doesn’t have a damn thing to do with disaster relief,” Barber said, holding up a copy of SB 382. “It is an attempt by a super-majority to thwart the will of the voters.”
The bill, passed last week, has drawn criticism for including measures unrelated to the Helene storm relief it claims to address. Advocates, including Barber, argue it prioritizes political power over urgent needs like emergency housing and rental assistance for victims in Western North Carolina.
Gov. Roy Cooper is expected to veto the bill by the end of the week, with state lawmakers returning over the next two weeks to attempt an override. The Senate is set to vote on Dec. 2, followed by the House on Dec. 9. Rev. William Barber has called on supporters to fill the legislative building on both dates, aligning their presence with the anticipated override votes on SB 382.
“This is the moment to stand up for democracy and justice,” Barber said. “Every North Carolinian who believes in fairness needs to show up and show out, nonviolently but powerfully.”
The Moral Monday protests drew thousands of participants, with nearly 1,000 arrested for civil disobedience. This time, the movement aims to reignite its legacy of pushing back against policies viewed as unjust while drawing attention to the needs of vulnerable communities and preserving democratic values.
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