Alabama State University Hosts Voting Rights Conference
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Two of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s top aides are in Montgomery today as part of a voting rights conference at Alabama State University. They’re meeting with other activists as well as university leaders and students to tell stories of the movement 50 years ago.
The conference started Wednesday morning and takes place all day. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March so the conference is timely.
A crowd gathered at Alabama State University’s Health Science Building to hear from two of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s top aides, Reverend Dr. Bernard Lafayette Jr. And Reverend Dr. CT Vivian. Both strategized with King to get black people the vote.
“It’s important for people to know the history of how these changes took place and that’s why we’re here today,” Lafayette said.
The theme of the conference – “Give Us the Ballot” – highlights struggles endured by foot soldiers 50 years ago.
“By not allowing black people to participate in the government on an equal basis, we deny them the opportunity to get the full benefit of living out the best life.”
Vivian says he doesn’t want young people to take past struggles for granted.
“There must be a serious understanding of what it means to vote. They must register to vote from the day they can.”
Both men now live in Atlanta, another city that played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement…but they say it was Alabama that changed the future for the better.
“Montgomery was the place, in fact, let’s take Alabama. This entire nation has Alabama to thank. Right here started the greatest movement of the 20th century,” Vivian said.
Several city leaders, including Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange and County Commission Chairman Elton Dean attended this morning’s conference.
Part two of the conference begins at 9am on Thursday in the Natioanl Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African-American Culture.
