Next Week: 59th Annniversary of The Voting Rights Act

 

A Celebration of the Signing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act 

Set for Tuesday, August 6^th at 2:30 p.m.

at the National Voting Rights Museum & Institute in Selma

 

            An inspirational Celebration and Commemoration of the signing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act is set for Tuesday, August 6^th, at 2:30 p.m. at the National Voting Rights Museum & Institute in Selma. The public is invited and encouraged to attend, and elected officials are specifically invited to participate. August 6^th is the 59^th Anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson’s signing this landmark piece of legislation into law. 

 

            This event is also an opportunity to encourage all voters to fully exercise their right to vote in the 2024 General Election and in all elections. Passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act would not have been possible without the sacrifice of countless individuals whose names are both known and unknown. 

 

So many people from diverse backgrounds and from across this country fought for the right to vote for all United States citizens. Some gave the ultimate sacrifice – their lives – for the right to vote, including men and women, Blacks and Whites, young and old, and members of the clergy. Selma played a crucial role in the Movement that brought about the 1965 Voting Rights Act and is a worldwide symbol for struggles for the right to vote. 

 

            Leaders of national organizations have been invited to participate, and some participating in the August 6^thevent include Southern Christian Leadership National President & CEO Charles Steele and others with SCLC. U.S. Representative Terri Sewell (CD 7) has been invited as has the Democratic nominee for Alabama’s 2^nd Congressional District, Shomari Figures. 

 

A cookout is being held as part of the Voting Rights Celebration and Commemoration with all food is being provided at no cost to all those in attendance. School children also played a pivotal role in the Voting Rights Movements, and free basketballs have been provided by North Star Beloved Community Corporation in conjunction with Kay Doherty and Sharing, Inc and will be given to children who participate in the August 6^th Celebration and Commemoration. 

 

This event is sponsored by SOS – the Save Ourselves Movement for Justice and Democracy. The National Voting Rights Museum & Institute is located at 6 US-80 East in Selma on the Montgomery side of the foot of the Bridge.