Public Wise Commemorates 59th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday with a Call for Voting Rights Protection
MEDIA CONTACT: Joshua Stewart, jstewart@bluestate.co | Laylah Wilson, lwilson@bluestate.co
Public Wise signs letter urging President Biden to publicly ask Congress to send him the Freedom to Vote Act and John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act for signature on day 1 of his next term.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Public Wise, an organization committed to fighting for a multiracial democracy that reflects the will and protects the rights of the people, released the following statement to commemorate the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and reaffirms call for voting rights protection after Executive Director Christina Baal-Owens traveled to Selma, AL to participate in commemorative festivities:
“In the spirit of the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, Public Wise reiterates its commitment to honor the bravery and determination of those who fought for equality and justice against great odds. This day, when peaceful protestors on the Edmund Pettus Bridge faced brutal violence, sparked a push for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
“This critical chapter of our history is not merely a remembrance but an ongoing fight against anti-democratic forces disenfranchising citizens and undermining elections. Current efforts to curtail voter participation, disenfranchise communities, and subvert the core values of those who sacrificed their lives underscore the unfinished nature of this struggle. Such actions are a daily reminder that the battle for fair and representative governance continues.
“The recent reintroduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act by Senators Durbin, Warnock, and Schumer with the support of 50 U.S. Senators, along with the announcement of a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the bill, represents a crucial step towards correcting ongoing injustices in our electoral system. This legislative push is significant because it coincides with the anniversary of Bloody Sunday and President Biden’s State of the Union address. This timing not only highlights the current voting rights challenges facing America but also offers President Biden a historic opportunity. He can further demonstrate his commitment to democracy by advocating for the passage of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and we urge him to do so.
“In honoring the legacy of those who marched on Bloody Sunday, Public Wise stands committed to fighting to secure a government that reflects the will and protects the rights of the people. We invite you to join us in this vital effort.”
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About Public Wise
Persistent and unyielding in our commitment to a just multiracial democracy, Public Wise fights to secure a government that reflects the will and protects the rights of the people. We accomplish this through education, research, organizing, funding, and partnerships that support more voting and more equitable representation.