Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965
H. CON. RES. 216: COMMEMORATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT OF 1965 -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 29, 2005)
SPEECH OF
HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY
OF ILLINOIS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2005
Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 216, a resolution commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, which was signed into law on August 6, 1965.
Forty years ago, in many parts of the American South, it was almost impossible for people of color to register to vote. African Americans had to pay a poll tax and pass a socalled literacy test in some States in the South. There were black men and women who were professors in colleges and universities, black lawyers and black doctors who were told that they could not read or write well enough to register to vote. People were turned away from the courthouse when they attempted to register. Some were jailed.
The turning point came 40 years ago, on March 7, 1965, when about 600 men and women, and a few young children attempted to peacefully march from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery, the State Capitol, to dramatize to the world that people of color wanted to register to vote. And the world watched as they were met with night sticks, bull whips; they were trampled by horses, and tear gassed. One of the historic marchers is now a member of Congress, our colleague Representative John Lewis.
In the wake of what is now known as Bloody Sunday, under the leadership of President Johnson, Congress passed the Voting Rights Act, and on August 6, 1965, it was signed into law. This was a nonviolent revolution in America, a revolution of values, a revolution of ideas. The passage of the Voting Rights Act helped expand our democracy to let in millions of our citizens. We are a better country because of it.
Before we move toward reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, we must take notice of how far we have come and where we now stand, so that we can move together to ensure the continued effectiveness of the Voting Rights Act. Today many, including elderly adults, persons with disabilities, and people of color, continue to fight for the right to have their vote count while our nation's election system has yet to catch up and meet the needs of all of America's voters.
Today, we remember the people who fought to expand democracy 40 years ago. But we must do more than just remember; we must use their example to continue the struggle today until the dreams of those who fought for the Voting Rights Act of 1965 become a reality for all Americans.
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