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The vote is the most powerful, non-violent tool we have in a democratic society.
- John Lewis, US Representative
Note: League of Women Voters of the United States is one of dozens of organizations partnering for March On for Voting Rights. Allies for Justice and Equity of Trumbull, CT are the sponsors of this particular event. The League of Women Voters of Connecticut encourages our members and anyone concerned with defending democracy to join the March On for Voting Rights. You can see a complete listing of other events happening around the country here.
Saturday, August 28, 2021 marks the 58th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic March on Washington. The vision of MLK's I Have a Dream speech can no longer be deferred. Today, state legislatures are pushing America back to the Jim Crow era with laws that reinstate systemic discrimination at the ballot box. Since January, at least 18 states enacted 30 laws that restrict voting.
All Americans who believe in the power of democracy and free elections are invited to join this event to denounce voter suppression and demand fair, easy access to the vote for all.
In step with the national mobilization, March On for Voting Rights - CT is a virtual event, for those unable to attend one of the in-person flagship demonstrations. The program will include a keynote address, panel discussion and audience Q&A, featuring state dignitaries.
Note: a link for the virtual program will be circulated closer to the date via e-mail along with a pre- and post- event action list for all registered attendees.
Who is marching?
For a full list of partners, visit www.marchonforvotingrights.org/allpartners. People all over the country will march, including notable figures such as Martin Luther King III, Rev. Al Sharpton and other civil rights activists and national leaders.
The significance of August 28th
On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King led 250,000 people on a historic March On Washington. There, in front of the Lincoln Memorial, he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, calling on the nation to rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. His speech that day has become one of the defining moments in American history.
At the time, Black Americans were living under the tyranny of laws—called “Jim Crow” laws— that legalized racial discrimination. Children were taught in segregated schools. Black Americans could be refused service in a restaurant, denied a job or housing because of the color of their skin, and denied the vote for failing a literacy test that was impossible to pass. (Try one for yourself. Get just one answer wrong, and you don’t get to vote.) The March On Washington was a massive protest to call attention to the cancer of racism in American society and a demand that Congress act.
If you would like to join in-person with the LWV Greater Hartford along with partner ROAR (Rapid, Organized, Action, Response), a rally will be held in West Hartford, CT on Saturday August 28th from 10:30- 12pm at the CT Veteran's Memorial (corner of Main Street & Farmington Avenue) please see the details on the flyer below:
