*(Washington, D.C.). On Thursday, June 25, 2015 in Washington, D.C. the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. (PNBC), along with key lawmakers, will gather for the Progressive Legislative Day to urge Congress to take immediate action to ensure that all Americans will have a strong and reconstituted Voting Rights Act.
June 25 marks the two-year anniversary of the Shelby County vs. Holder decision. On June of 2013, the Supreme Court deemed unconstitutional the portion of the Voting Rights Act that was designed to prevent discrimination in voting by requiring all state and local governments with a history of voting discrimination to get approval from the federal government before making any changes to their voting laws or procedures, no matter how small.
According to Dr. James Perkins, PNBC President, “The Supreme Court’s decision turned the clock backward on our efforts to make our nation one of justice and liberty for all; however, it was also a wake-up call for Progressive Baptists and other lovers of social justice to rise-up to action. We are asking Progressive Baptists to join us on this day, as well as other key lawmakers. We are taking the message of voter rights restoration directly to Capitol Hill.” The gathering is a first step in a major campaign to be launched by PNBC.
August 2015 marks the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. PNBC will convene during its Annual Session in Dallas, TX on August 6 to begin nationwide movement to restore the Act, which is considered one of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s crowning achievements. PNBC was the convention-denominational home and platform for the late Rev. Dr. King, who addressed every Annual Session of the Convention until his death in 1968. The denomination is focusing on reclaiming its roots as advocates for social justice, full voter registration, education and participation in society, and economic empowerment and development.
The PNBC was founded in 1961 to give full voice, sterling leadership and active support to the American and world fight for human freedom. PNBC represents over 2,000 churches with an estimated United States membership of 1.5 million people. For more information on PNBC, go to www.pnbc.org.
source:
Linda Peavy
LiPav Consulting
[email protected]
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