Blog — Youth and College
#NAACPYC Florida Update
NAACPConnect caught up with youth and college leaders at #NAACP105 in Las Vegas
Justice Tour Game Changers
NAACP national President and CEO Cornell William Brooks discusses the youth role in the Association.
#NAACPYC at #NAACP105
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Voting Rights Act of 1965 is almost 50, Section 5 still needed
On August 6, 1965 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act. Although the Fifteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution granted people of color the right to vote, we were not protected from the unjust practices to drive people away from the polls. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was and still remains a historical milestone of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. For the first time, legislation was enacted to ensure all African-Americans and other minorities could participate in the voting process.
Now, forty-nine years later, our right to vote is under attack. In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down a very important section of the Voting Rights Act. Section Four created the formula that identified specific areas that exhibited outright discrimination at the polls. For these areas, the law mandated they go through a “preclearance” (Section Five) before they were able to amend different voting laws. Sadly, in the Supreme Court Case Shelby v. Holder, the court held that the formula was outdated and struck down as unconstitutional.
This hit to the Voting Rights Act has put the minority vote at stake, especially African Americans. The fight was long and hard but it is not yet over. There have been years of strategic planning to take back the black vote. On this day, we must remember that complacency will only lead to defeat. And defeated we will not be! While this is a time to celebrate a victory of gaining our right to vote free of poll taxes, literacy tests and threat of violence, it must not overshadow the uphill battle to stop voter suppression in our communities.
Voting Rights: It’s Time To Take Action!
With mid-term elections approaching, the NAACP’s initiatives to ensure voter equality are in high gear. During the recent United States Senate Committee hearing on the Voting Rights Act, the NAACP’s presence was readily apparent and felt when Francys Johnson, President of the Georgia State Conference of NAACP Branches, testified before the committee.
Mr. Johnson spoke of voter discrimination in Georgia, both past and present, and the undeniable need for amendments to the current Voting Rights Act. The amendments would ensure rules and regulations implemented by states and election commissions do not have a discriminatory effect on minorities.
Mrs. Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, echoed Mr. Johnson’s sentiment, and further testified that the increased incidence of voter discrimination in the past year warrants the amendment of the Voting Rights Act to include protections for minorities under Sections Four and Five.
The Legal Department is also taking action to ensure voter equality and access in the upcoming mid-term elections. The Association has launched The Vote Watch Project. The Project enables members to report and combat voter suppression. By utilizing the information provided in these reports, the NAACP has taken action in Illinois, South Carolina, Florida, and Wisconsin to ensure that all eligible citizens are able to exercise their right to vote.
Additionally, the NAACP’s Legal Department and the Southern Coalition for Social Justice prepared voter guides for each of the fifty states. The purpose of these guides is to inform the public of voter registration deadlines, voter registration requirements, early voting laws, absentee ballot deadlines, voter identification laws, and restoration of voting rights laws. By doing this, the NAACP is ensuring citizens across the country are well-informed of their rights and what is required of them at the polls.
Anyone can assist the NAACP in the fight to end voter discrimination. Any individual that has knowledge of voter discrimination, adverse polling practices or regulations can report the conduct to the NAACP by filling out the provided form here. Complaints may also be reported to [email protected] or (410)-580-5114. The NAACP will investigate the claim and take the appropriate actions to ensure that voter discrimination does not occur.
Christopher Smith, NAACP Legal Law Fellow
Erika Roberts: Continuing the Fight for Civil Rights
My involvement with the NAACP began as an intern who was looking to gain experience and knowledge in the area of advocacy. I had no idea that working with the NAACP would ignite a flame of passion to advocate equality for people of color. I have been most inspired by the efforts of the voting rights department and how they continue to work tirelessly to keep the importance of the Voting Rights Act front and center.
In addition, having the opportunity to work hands-on with the NAACP has further motivated me to attend law school and focus on civil rights law. I have some big shoes to fill, but it is not impossible. My generation is the link to past generations that will keep the fire for equality burning.
When the organization was established in 1909, the founders and those who followed stood on the principal that all people of any color should be treated equally and have full access to their constitutional rights. The torch has now been passed on to us. Deep down in my heart, I feel it is our obligation to our ancestors and elders that we continue the fight. Today, it is up to us to make sure the path of equality in all areas of society continues to be lit. Although many battles were won during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, the war wages on. We, the current generation, must rise up and step into leadership positions that have been saved for us.
Erika Roberts, Washington Bureau NAACP Intern
