!Voting Rights Act Up for Re-approval in 2007

[Marpessa Kupendua]

FORWARDED MESSAGE
=========================

)Return-Path: <ca...@Cookie.secapl.com>
)Date: Fri, 24 Jan 1997 08:32:36 -0600 (CST)
)From: Kamaria Ngozi <ca...@Cookie.secapl.com>
)To: Marpessa Kupendua <natt...@ix.netcom.com>
)Cc: al...@sunsite.unc.edu
)Subject: * Fwd: Did you know you may not be able to vote?
)
)From: Dorothy K. Tibbs, Chicago 100 S. Wacker, 50 / 78613
)Date: 01/21/97 03:29 PM
)Subject: An Awakening
)
)Hello everyone,
)
)Over the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, I had the pleasure and opportunity
)to participate in the "The Road that Led to Freedom" trip, sponsored by
)V-103, 106 Jamz, Seaway National Bank, Southwest Airlines, Ameritech and
)other sponsors. During this trip, we visited Birmingham, Selma, Tuskeegee,
)Montgomery and Atlanta. I cannot begin to explain what an enlightening
)experience this was! We went through various cities becoming even more
)familiar with Dr. King's (as well as other civil rights leaders) mission and
)vision. We also were privileged to gain an abundance of information
)regarding the "foot soldiers" who assisted our leaders during the movement.
)There was, in particular,an issue which was brought up that will effect
)EVERYONE so, please read on.
)
)As everyone should be aware, in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the
)Voters Rights Act. This was created to allow Blacks the right to vote.
)
)In 1982, President Ronald Reagan signed an amendment to extend this right for
)an additional twenty-five years. You guessed it... In 2007 (ten years from
)now), Congress will decide whether or not Blacks should retain the right to
)vote. In order for this this to be passed, thirty-eight states will have to
)approve an extension. For me, as well as many others, this was the first
)time that we had heard this -- thus, bringing concern to all of us! What
)many Blacks before us fought and even died for as well as the milestones that
)we, as Blacks have achieved, this can be taken away from us...AGAIN!
)
)If this issue has taken you by surprise as well, I encourage YOU to contact
)your Congressperson, alderperson, senator -- anyone in government, that you
)put your vote behind and ask them what are they doing to -- firstly, to get
)the extension and furthermore, make our right to vote a LAW. This has to
)become a law in order for our right to vote to no longer be up for
)discussion, review and/or evaluation. (Remember: Blacks are the only group
)of people who require permission under the United States Constitution to
)vote!)
)
)Secondly, ask your representative how can we as Black individuals make our
)voice a louder one and become a foot soldier of the present! Bonnie DeShong,
)co-host of V-103's "The Monds Squad", who was also surprised to hear of this,
)will be recapping this weekend's events on the afternoon show. John Davis of
)V-103 and CBS will also have excerpts of this trip aired on Channel 2 during
)Black History Month (dates to be determined).
)
)As Black people, we cannot "drop the ball" on this one! We have come too far
)to be forced to take such a large step back. So, please let's push on and
)forward to continue to build the momentum towards gaining equality.
)
)Please pass this on to others, as I am sure that many more individuals are
)not aware of this.
)
)Thanks
)