This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the passing of The Civil Rights Act of 1964 by Congress. This was a landmark decision that outlawed discrimination in the United States based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964, and it ended the application of "Jim Crow" laws. The act also strengthened voting rights, desegregated school and offered protection for workers. Many fought and died in order for this legislation to pass. Now this important document is being challenged. So exercising our right to vote is a very important issue in this election.
Personally, I have no desire to go back to a time when voting rights were restricted and for only a few (women and people of color were not allowed to vote,) workers had few benefits, and good healthcare was for the wealthy. Even more recently, I don't want to go back four years when everything was shut down and toilet paper was scarce, and the president was suggesting we drink bleach.
I hope everyone will find out what the important issues are and let their voices be heard. There are many issues to be addressed, for me as an African American it starts with being treated with dignity and respect and not garbage, having a truthful rendition of our stories in the history books, health care for everyone including women, children and seniors, protecting Social Security, gun control, and preserving our environment. Remember we vote not just for ourselves but for future generations.
Let your voice be heard, vote.
