And he belived only the courts could reverse that entitlement because elected lawmakers would never see fit to eliminate this “Racial Entitlement” for fear of being voted out of office, so the 5 Republican life time appointed Justices invalidated Section 5 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act single handedly stating that the 50 year protections provided through Section 5 of the Voting Right Act by the United States Justice Department of pre-clearance of new voting laws or amendments to exisiting laws no longer applied and were no loner necessary
Voting Rights
Although voting has been a staple in American democracy since its inception, certain legislation has enhanced this process. One example is The Voting Rights Act of 1965, which assisted African Americans as they worked to overcome legal barriers at both thenational (federal),state and local levels in order to exercise their right to vote. This legislation significantly impacted the civil rights movement, enabling citizens to enjoy decision-making power where it mattered most. When enacting The Voting Rights Act, Congress formally acknowledge that racial discrimination had occurred within the voting system. In June of 2013, the Supreme Courtinvalidated certain sections of the act which allow some states to alter their election laws without federal approval. Setbacks like this are a constant reminder that non-profit organizations like We Empower You are essential to ensuring that citizens are informed, aware and prepared to exercise their rightsperpetually from generation to generation understanding that there will always be efforts to roll back the VRA and other progressive accomplishments.
Does it matter?
“Bad officials are elected by good citizens who don’t vote” – George Jean Nathan, Author, critic and editor
While the common misconceptions about voting may leave citizens feeling helpless, the realities of a successfully mandated democracy are a glimmering beam of hope. Unbeknownst to many, the will of the people and the nature of the elector are the main factors when it comes to election decisions.
The primary benefits of the VRA that before states and local legislature most specifically in the southern states could establish or change laws related to voting that could discriminate against blacks they would need to and receive preclearance from the Justice Department which was a protection to Voting Rights found in Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act this landmark legislation. UNFORTUNATLY we were sleeping resting on past accomplishments and the Supreme Court on June 25, 2010 invalidated Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act opening up the doors to allow the States to now make changes in law locally without preclearance this decision was accomplished with a prevailing belief as stated by Justice Antonin Scalia that the Voting Rights Act is a “Racial Entitlement” and should be invalidated since the challenges of the past no longer existed yet see the map’s which indicate that the Supreme courts belief are so far from the truth evidence with the continued changes indicated in this map since the Supreme Court invalidated Section 5 of the VRA.
Political awareness is vital to achieve our individual, local community, and national interest in a properly functioning society. History is generally a strong indicator to determine the how and why on many current day issues and it will give insight on how to achieve your interest, however more importantly who has and is resisting your efforts to achieve your community’s interest. John has chosen not to rest on the achievements of the civil rights movements of the 60’s but to actively support and advocate for the interest of his community today by strongly advocating the awakening and continue need for action in his community. The right to vote for blacks and minorities was a long fought battle to achieve since the ending of the Civil War in 1865 and the beginning of the Reconstruction Era. It took many steps such as the 14th Amendment and the 15th amendment to the United States constitution, Supreme Courts narrow interpretation of constitutional Amendments, state legislations to restrict or limit the laws of the land to promote the right for Blacks most specifically to vote without discrimination. Finally the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed in congress and signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson as a direct result of the civil rights movement of the 60’s resulting in the VRA.
JW Cherry III travels the country and speak to groups, increasing the education and awareness of critical information and political topics. These topics include the Voting Rights Act, All of John’s speaking engagements are by invitation to churches, colleges, community venues, as well as cable and radio shows. Additionally, John is an author of a book on the history of the Voting Rights Act, from its beginning to present time.
Increasing Awareness
As I travel throughout the country, my goal is to promote citizen participation everywhere I go. My aim is to provide political education on how to affect change related to each person’s own interest. A crucial part of this is getting out to vote and having your voice be heard. Due of my strong belief in the right to vote, I encourage everyone to turn out in large numbers for every election and to make a difference with each ballot. I took an integral part in the 2014 elections and am looking to make an even bigger impact in the mid-term elections in November, 2014.
Contacting Your Elected Officials
In the business world, if you have a complaint, you call the right person to make sure your voice is heard and change is made. In the same way, if you want to affect change in your community, you need to contact your elected official voice your opinions. During my political education speaking engagements, I let people know that just complaining isn’t enough. You have to make phone calls, send emails, and post letters to elected officials to get their attention. Fortunately, their job is their primary interest, so if you pay enough attention to contact them, they are more willing to hear you. Through my website, I provide you with the state links to get the resources and contact information you need to see real change.
Judges
Supreme Courts June 25 Striking Down material parts of the Voting Rights Act
June 25, 2010
These are the 5 Judges that felt the protections of Section 5 special provisions were no longer necessary. The following states below starting from 2 days after the invalidation invalidate of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act the preclearance protections the following state states changing their laws to suppress the VOTE in ways prior to the Supreme court Justices invalidating Section 5of the Voting Rights Act which would not have been subjected to Section 5 of the VRA has now allowed restrictive laws being introduced much easier with recourse only after passage of new laws. The Supreme Court Justies were proven wron immediately after their actions. Many of the states below suggested Laws of discrimination and suppression are proof positive that racial bias does continue to exist evidenced by the targeted efforts of these newn laws unlike these 5 Judges suggested.
Supreme Court Judges for life. How they got their Jobs?
| Judges Name Presidents Party | Year Appointed | Appointing President | Years’ Service | |
| 1. | Antonin Scalia- Republican | 1986 | Ronald Regan | 27 yrs |
| 2. | Anthony Kennedy Republican | 1988 | Ronald Regan | 25 yrs. |
| 3. | Clarence Thomas Republican | 1991 | George H. W. Bush | 22 yrs |
| 4. | Samuel A. Alito Republican | 2006 | George H. W. Bush | 7 yrs |
| 5. | John G. Roberts Republican | 2005 | George H. W. Bush (Chief Justice) | 8 yrs |
With the Supreme Courts invalidation of Section 5 in the Voting Rights Act you need to know has your state changed Laws to suppress your right to vote.
(See maps of States below)
Bloody Sunday
John R. Lewis as a young peacefully Marching for Civil Rights was beaten by police in an attempt to stop the Marchers efforts to achieve equal Voting Rights her in America.
March on Washington, 1963
Black and White student March and protest seeking equal Voting rights for Black Americans in Washington DC. During The 1963 March On Washington
President John F. Kennedy, welcomes Martin Luther King Jr. and some of the Leadership to the Whitehouse after the successful 1963 March On Washington which was initially feared by President Kennedy that the March may provoke violence however Dr. King was unwilling to wait.
March on Washington, 2013
Now Congressman John R. Lewis the only living speaker from the 1963 March on Washington there in Washington celebrating and speaking once again during the 50th anniversary of the March On Washington in 2013
Martin Luther King III, stands at the Lincoln memorial where his father 50 years ago gave his famous “I Have A Dream Speech” realizing in part the Dream his father died for
Reverend Al Sharpton Speaks at the 50th year anniversary of the March on Washington 2013.
President Barack Obama the first African American President the embodiment of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream and effort for equality. Although the Dream is not fully realized we have come a long way.
