Rev. Dr. Rodney E. Williams, President
NAACP Kansas City, MO Branch
On August 6, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the 1965 Voting Rights Act into law, expanding the right to vote to tens of millions of disenfranchised Americans. As we celebrate the 56th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, we must recognize the attacks and barriers that have been put in place by States to restrict our right to vote. The Supreme Court ruling in Shelby v Holder in 2013 drastically weakened the Act and emboldened States to enact laws to make it harder for people of color and minorities to vote. Even now, after the largest turnout election in the history of this country, more new State laws are being enacted to restrict our voting rights.
The ability for citizens to vote in fair elections is a constitutional right. It is not a privilege granted to a few but a right to all citizens. We must stand up against all who seek to take our constitutional right from us. It is now time, as Congressman John Lewis said, for us all to get in “Good Trouble”. The For the People’s Act will enshrine in Federal Law the right to vote for all citizens and will override state laws that erect barriers for people of color and minorities to vote in elections. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act will re-instate key provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that were gutted with the Supreme Court ruling of 2013. The For the People’s Act passed the US House and is currently in the Senate.
The NAACP Kansas City, MO Branch is calling upon you to join us and get in “Good Trouble”. Call Senator Hawley and Senator Blunt and tell them to vote to pass S1 For the People Act now!
Please call using 1.888.453.3211 where you will be given information on the For the People’s Act before being connected. Make your call today.
When We Fight…We Win!