Commemorating 50 Years Since Voting Rights Act Signed Into Law
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It was August 6, 1965 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law. In honor of the anniversary, separate events were held by Alabama State University and the Southern Poverty Law Center.
The university wrapped up their voting rights conference. The theme of the conference was “Give Us the Ballot.” It highlighted struggles endured by foot soldiers 50 years ago.
The SPLC held a free screening of their documentary, “Selma- The Bridge to the Ballot,” a look at the teachers and students organizing before Bloody Sunday.
Lecia Brooks, Outreach Director SPLC said, “We see it as a way to tell Civil Rights history and also energize people, encourage people to vote, exercise their right to vote in honor of those people who made tremendous sacrifices to bring the Voting Rights Act to us.”
The SPLC also had a booth set up where people could register to vote.
