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       *Stevie Wonder will perform Aug. 6 at New York’s Apollo Theater in an effort to educate the public and encourage legislators to support the renewal of key provisions of the Voting Rights Act. A second performance is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 11.

       With key provisions set to expire in 2007, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law forty years ago on Aug. 6. Sections 4, 5, 6-9 and Section 203 of the legislation could expire if Congress does not renew them. Section 4 determines which states are covered by Section 5, which requires federal pre-clearance of voting changes before they are enacted. Section 6-9 provides for federal examiners to monitor elections by the Department of Justice. Section 203 mandates that certain voting materials be translated in the language of minorities in certain jurisdictions.

       Wonder returns to the Apollo in its 70th year to deliver his message from the famous stage that has been the launching pad of so many meaningful Civil Rights initiatives.

       "We must begin now to make the public aware that this is an important democratic right we must protect for all people. The right to vote is so precious, we must do everything we can to protect that right for all citizens," said Wonder, who was among the effort to establish Martin Luther King Day as a national holiday.

       "Secure the Right Forever -- Educate and Legislate" The Voting Rights Act at the Apollo Theater will begin at 8 p.m. on Saturday and Thursday; doors open at 7.