The Transformative Justice Coalition (TJC) and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) joined the Rainbow Push Coalition and others at a star-studded celebration of the 57th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The all-star program presented what organizers called a tremendous opportunity to educate the public regarding the significance of the Voting Rights Act and the dangerous threats from the Supreme Court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Held at the Thurgood Marshall Center Trust in Washington D.C.\u2019s historic Shaw District, the event also highlighted the \u201canti-democracy forces\u201d that continue to threaten voting rights around the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Participants included the Rev. Jesse Jackson, TJC President Dr. Barbara Arnwine and Board Chair Daryl Jones, National Urban League President Marc Morial, NNPA President, and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Dr. William Barber II, and Black Voters Matter Fund co-founder Latosha Brown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got to make sure our Generation Z and Millennials don\u2019t, as Malcolm X said, fall for the okey-doke,\u201d Dr. Chavis exclaimed to the large gathering outside the Thurgood Marshall Trust Building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat they don\u2019t fall for misinformation. Our history shows that if we continue fighting for freedom, we will win freedom,\u201d Dr. Chavis said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf we continue to fight for voting rights, we will win voting rights.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Morial called out the evils of misinformation and voter suppression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere\u2019s an effort to suppress and dilute our votes, but we cannot be thwarted, frustrated, or deterred,\u201d Morial asserted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOnly determination and perseverance will help us ensure \u2026 because a lot is on the line. The violent insurrection threatened to bring this nation to its knees on January 6. But unfortunately, there are some in this country who don\u2019t believe in representative democracy. So don\u2019t believe in the universality of the right to vote.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n