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As everyone should be aware, in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voters Rights Act. This was created to allow Blacks the right to vote.In 1982, President Ronald Reagan signed an amendment to extend this right for an additional twenty-five years. You guessed it... In 2007 (ten years from now), Congress will decide whether or not Blacks should retainthe right to vote. In order for this to be passed, thirty-eight states will have to approve an extension. For me, as well as many others, this was the first time that we had heard this -- thus, bringing concern to all of us! What many Blacks before us fought and even died for as well as the milestones that we, as Blacks have achieved, this can be taken away from us...AGAIN! If this issue has taken you by surprise as well, I encourage YOU to contact your congressperson, alderperson, senator -- anyone in government, that you put your vote behind and ask them what are they doing to -- firstly, to get the extension and furthermore, make our right to vote a LAW. This has to become a law in order for our right to vote to no longer be up for discussion, review and/or evaluation. (Remember: Blacks are the only group of people who require permission under the United States Constitution to vote!) Secondly, ask your representative how can we as Black individuals make our voice a louder one and become a foot soldier of the present! Bonnie DeShong, co-host of V-103's "The Monds Squad", who was also surprised to hear of this, will be recapping this weekend's events on the afternoon show. John Davis of V-103 and CBS will also have excerpts of this trip aired on Channel 2 during Black History Month (dates to be determined). As Black people, we cannot "drop the ball" on this one! We have come too far to be forced to take such a large step back. So, please let's push on and forward to continue to build the momentum towards gaining equality.
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