Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., stands on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., on Feb. 14, 2015. | Supply: Invoice Clark / Getty
UPDATED: 10:30 PM EST March 7, 2025
As we honor the life and legacy of the esteemed U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a longtime Congressman from Georgia and fearless champion of civil rights and voting equality who died virtually 5 years in the past on July 17, 2020, we should confront the persisting battle to safeguard and improve these elementary rights.
Each the John Lewis Voting Rights Development Act and the Freedom to Vote Act stay at a standstill. These two essential items of laws are aiming to safeguard voting rights.
The John Lewis Voting Rights Development Act and The Freedom to Vote Act
The John Lewis Voting Rights Development Act is a proposed legislation that seeks to strengthen and restore key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. goals to handle the weaknesses created by a 2013 Supreme Court docket choice and shield the voting rights of all residents, significantly those that have traditionally confronted discrimination. Regardless of its significance, the act nonetheless faces hurdles in Congress.
The Freedom to Vote Act addresses voter suppression and marketing campaign finance, aiming to broaden entry, improve safety, and promote truthful illustration. Nevertheless, its major targets are to broaden entry to voting, strengthen election safety measures, and foster truthful illustration. But, it struggles to realize bipartisan help.
Voting rights empower Black people to handle inequalities, promote justice, and create equal alternatives. By voting, they will elect representatives who perceive the challenges and might make progress relating to altering it.
Traditionally, the combat for voting rights has been a cornerstone of the civil rights motion. Black activists and leaders have made large sacrifices to safe these elementary rights. Voting empowers Black folks to have a say in choices that instantly influence their lives, communities, and futures. It serves as a device for difficult traditionally horrible practices. Voting permits the advancing of insurance policies that tackle racial injustice, financial disparities, and a lot extra.
4 extra years of Donald Trump
Nonetheless, defending and increasing voting rights for Black folks is not only about making certain equal participation. But additionally about upholding the ideas of democracy and fostering a extra inclusive society for everybody.
Nevertheless, as we put together for one more 4 years of Donald Trump, it’s essential to acknowledge these icons in 2025 who’re devoted to preventing for voting rights. These leaders have clearly been impressed by the spirit of John Lewis. They work tirelessly to make sure equal entry to the poll and fight voter suppression.
These advocates function a strong reminder of the importance of defending voting rights as a cornerstone of a simply and inclusive society. They’re instrumental in upholding the ideas of democracy and empowering each eligible citizen to take part within the course of.
Right here, we acknowledge 10 exceptional people who’re carrying that custom of creating “good hassle” within the identify of attempting to safe voting rights.
1. Arekia Bennett
Supply:emersoncollective
Arekia Bennett, an Emerson Collective Fellow and govt director of Mississippi Votes, is main the 1890 Venture marketing campaign to lift consciousness about discriminatory voting legal guidelines in Mississippi and advocate for change within the state legislature, aiming to revive the ballot-measure course of and empower younger advocates for disenfranchised voters.
2. Damon Todd Hewitt
Supply:@DamonTHewitt
Hewitt, because the appearing president and govt director of the Attorneys’ Committee for Civil Rights Underneath Regulation, dedicates his efforts to combatting voter suppression and making certain truthful elections.
3. Derrick Johnson
Supply:Getty
Because the president and CEO of the NAACP, Johnson leads efforts to fight voter suppression by schooling, advocacy, and litigation, making certain equal voting rights for all People.
4. LaTosha Brown and Cliff Albright
Supply:Getty
As co-founders of Black Voters Matter Fund, Brown and Albright mobilize and empower Black voters, working to dismantle systemic boundaries to voting.
5. Melanie L. Campbell
Supply:Getty
Melanie Campbell, because the president and CEO of the Nationwide Coalition on Black Civic Participation, empowers marginalized communities and fights to safeguard their voting rights.
6. Marc Morial
Supply:Getty
Serving because the president and CEO of the Nationwide City League, Morial is on the forefront of the battle towards voter disenfranchisement, striving for a extra equitable electoral system.
7. Nikema Williams
Supply:Georgia State Senate
Following within the footsteps of her predecessor, John Lewis, Williams continues to be a vocal advocate for voting rights because the U.S. Consultant for Georgia’s fifth congressional district. She was additionally a member of the Georgia State Senate for the thirty ninth district earlier than her Home marketing campaign.
8. Rebekah Caruthers
Supply:https://www.fairelectionscenter.org/
Because the vice chairman of the Honest Elections Middle, Caruthers actively works to broaden entry to the poll field and problem discriminatory practices, safeguarding the voting rights of all People.
9. Sherrilyn Ifill
Supply:Getty
Sherrilyn Ifill was the previous president and director-counsel of the NAACP Authorized Protection and Instructional Fund. Ifill tirelessly fights towards voter suppression and advocates for equal entry to the poll field.
10. Stacey Abrams
Supply:Getty
Famend for her tireless efforts in voter registration and mobilization, Abrams fights towards voter suppression and advocates for truthful elections. She was a member of the Georgia Home of Representatives from 2007 to 2017, serving as minority chief from 2011 to 2017.