Ambassador Andrew Young, Martin Luther King, III, Dr. James C. Perkins, Dr. Charles Steele, and Dr. James Forbes challenge Presidential candidates to speak to voting rights in the 2016 election cycle
PRLog - Aug. 5, 2015 - WASHINGTON -- The Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. (PNBC), led by Dr. James C. Perkins, is holding its 54th Annual Session in Dallas, TX on August 3-7, 2015. Thursday, August 6, 2015, marks the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. On August 5, at 4:00 p.m., PNBC will partner with the Drum Major Institute (DMI) to present a Voting Rights Forum. Added to the Forum is a press avail at 3:00 p.m. Both events are held at the Dallas Hyatt Regency Hotel, 300 Reunion Blvd. in Dallas, TX. The press avail and Forum features Ambassador Andrew Young, Martin Luther King III, and Dr. Charles Steele, the President and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), as well as leadership from the Progressive National Baptist Convention.
Press attending this event will receive exclusive information and announcements from civil rights leaders Ambassador Young, Mr. King, Dr. James Forbes, former Pastor of Riverside Church in Harlem and the Senior Scholar and Fellow for DMI, Dr. Steele, Dr. Perkins, Dr. Raphael Warnock, Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA, and other special guests. Speakers will address the subject of voting rights in the upcoming 2016 Presidential election cycle. On August 6, the same date that marks fifty years since the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the right to vote – one of the most basic guarantees in a democracy – is in peril more than ever before.
Over the last few years, we have witnessed a widespread and relentless assault on the voting rights of ordinary American citizens. Particularly people of color, students—the rising new American electorate—and the working poor have been adversely impacted. The unnecessary voter ID laws, the elimination of Sunday voting, and limitations on early voting are all a part of the tactics being used by politicians to suppress the vote. Tomorrow is the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act and tomorrow is the beginning of the Presidential debates. The American public deserves to know where all candidates who desire to be the next President of the United States stand on the issue of voting rights. As recently as 2006, the voting rights law was passed during President George W. Bush’s administration, 98-0. When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, their instructions to the U. S. Congress were to “fix it.” To date, this has not happened. We, the Progressive National Baptist Convention, the Convention of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., demand that the U.S. Congress pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act. The VRAA serves to rectify the damage created by the U.S. Supreme Court in their Shelby vs. Holder ruling. Congress’ intent on remaining silent and a lack of movement on the issue while celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Selma is a glaring contradiction and the height of hypocrisy.
Additional commentary will be offered during this press avail as leaders from three historic faith-based and civil rights organizations challenge Presidential candidates to safeguard the voting rights of all Americans. The PNBC voting rights events will culminate in a press conference on August 6 at 10:00 a.m. where PNBC will show their support of the VRAA and kick-off a nationwide voter registration campaign. Joining PNBC for the press conference will be Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30); Dr. Warnock; Dr. Frederick Haynes, Pastor of Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, TX; and Dr. John Mendez, Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC.
About Drum Major Institute
The Drum Major Institute was founded in 1961 by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Harry Wachtel, lawyer and advisor to Dr. King during the turbulent years of the civil rights movement. The name, “Drum Major” comes from a recurring theme of Dr. King’s, best illustrated in a speech delivered at Ebenezer Baptist Church. DMI focuses on working to eradicate poverty, racism and militarism/violence, through advocacy, empowerment and education.
About SCLC
SCLC, the venerable civil rights organization, was founded in 1957 out of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. served as the group’s first President. Today, the organization consists of chapters throughout the country.
About PNBC
PNBC was the convention-denominational home and platform for Dr. King, who addressed every Annual Session of the Convention. PNBC was founded in 1961 to give full voice, sterling leadership and active support to the American and world fight for human freedom. The denomination’s history is rooted in advocacy for social justice, full voter registration, education and participation in society, and economic empowerment and development for all people. For additional information, visit www.pnbc.org.
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Progressive National Baptist Convention, Drum Major Institute, and SCLC Voting Rights Forum Press Avail
August 05, 2015 at 11:11 AM EDT
