Blog Post Updates January 15, 2018. Original Blog Post January 18, 2016 by Tonya R
Martin Luther King Day
The holiday, Martin Luther King Day is in recognition of the birth date of a man that changed U.S. history forever. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929. Martin Luther King Day is a day for honoring and remembering the man, and the movement that still rings loudly in history books and households across the nation. Why does this man’s legacy last? King’s legacy last because it impacts the rights of all Americans. Dr. Martin Luther king Jr. played a pivotal role in securing voting rights for all Americans. The ‘Voting Rights Act’ signed into law August 6, 1965 was a landmark piece of federal legislation, meant to prohibit racial discrimination in voting.
Perish As Fools
Fast forward 2018 where voting rights are still at the forefront of the political debates, as legislative measures by state continue to threaten disenfranchisement in subtle, but damaging ways. The dream for all U.S. citizens continues. Dr. Martin Luther King’s words still ring loudly with truth today, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”. We all want our country to rise to the level of greatness that supports equality and inclusiveness, and dismiss divisive tactics that bridge us apart. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said it best, “We must learn to live together as brothers, or perish as fools”.
Voting Rights Today | A Dream Derailed
According to ‘Brennon Center for Justice‘, 2016 was the first Presidential Election in 50 years without the full protections of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). Perhaps a dream derailed, as the threat to the Voting Rights law today, Section 5 Preclearance looms. So what was the impact? Expressyourselfblog’s Voting Rights Today article offers a detailed account. There is much work to be done in procuring consistent voting rights for all. Ironically, Citizens coming out to vote in mid-term elections may be the best solution in the constant quest for a unilateral approach to voting rights, and ensure ones right to vote is not stipulated by state.
