U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, on Thursday released a video message marking the 61st anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Sewell honored the civil rights activists who helped make the landmark law possible and called on Americans to “continue the fight to protect the fundamental right to vote.”
“Today marks 61 years since President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law—a law made possible by the courage of ordinary people who did extraordinary things right here in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District.
“From the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge to communities across our district, so many risked everything to secure the fundamental right to vote.
“Today, that landmark law has never been more at risk. Years of court decisions have weakened the VRA, allowing extremists to make it harder for Americans to cast their ballots. It is a reminder that our progress isn’t guaranteed. Every generation must fight to preserve it and advance it.
“That’s why I’m proud to lead the fight in Congress to restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act as the author and lead sponsor of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
“But protecting our democracy isn’t just Congress’s job. We must answer these attacks the same way generations before us did: by voting. Voting like we’ve never voted before.
“On this anniversary, let’s honor those who came before us by continuing the fight to protect every American’s freedom to vote.”
Sewell represents Alabama’s 7th Congressional District.
