Commemorating a Historic Stand: The Lessons of Selma Still Echo Today
The Heroism of the People
Every March, we remember the courageous residents of a small town in Alabama who, in a historic act of heroism, risked their lives to demand accountability from America’s democracy. The Lawyers’ Committee, the esteemed convener of the Election Protection Coalition, the country’s largest non-partisan voter support coalition, commemorates this event with a deep sense of reverence. In 1965, contemptuous of the progress of our democracy after almost a century since the 15th Amendment’s ratification, numerous southern states resorted to both legal and unlawful means to deprive African Americans of their right to vote.
The Selma marchers and their unwavering resolve hold a special place in our nation’s collective memory. Embodying profound courage, they followed the lead of John Lewis, then chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and Hosea Williams, executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Silent and determined, they confronted the 150 state troopers who viciously attacked them with batons and tear gas in Selma’s Browns Chapel.
Driving a National Response
President Lyndon B. Johnson, moved by the unspeakable brutality inflicted upon the marchers, delivered a historic speech, echoing the language of the civil rights movement. In his address, he stressed the importance of human dignity and the preservation of democracy, urging Americans from all walks of life and political affiliations to unite. President Johnson’s response captured the nation’s attention and helped translate the demands of the civil rights movement into meaningful political action.
Thanks to the relentless efforts of the movement and President Johnson’s support, the transformational Voting Rights Act became law six months later. This landmark legislation brought to life the promises of the 15th Amendment and solidified America’s dedication to becoming a true democracy. The Act’s provisions included the prohibition of voting discrimination (Section 2) and the requirement for jurisdictions with a history of discriminatory practices to submit voting changes for federal review (Section 5).
The Erosion of Voting Rights
In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court dealt a significant blow to the protection of voting rights in the landmark case Shelby County v. Holder. The Court deemed the formula used to determine federal review jurisdictions as unconstitutional. Ironically, in 2006, Congress had overwhelming support to reaffirm the need for this formula to safeguard voters from discrimination. In the wake of the Shelby County decision, Texas and several other states boldly implemented voting laws proven to be discriminatory, as previously identified by the Department of Justice and federal courts.
This disheartening trend persisted, with states enacting suppressive voting laws meticulously designed to disproportionately affect African American voters. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals exposed North Carolina’s suppressive voting laws as being enacted with “surgical precision” to target this community. Predictably, these suppressive laws fueled increased racial disparities in voting access in states like Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas, all of which were previously subject to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.
A Call for Concrete Action
This alarming trend of states eroding voting rights must be halted. As in 1965, we implore Congress to assume its responsibility and act. The lessons of Selma teach us that Congress responds when confronted with the sight of peaceful protestors enduring violence. Such tragedy should not be the catalyst for political action; rather, every American, who cherishes the future of our democracy, must demand that Congress be proactive guardians of our voting rights. The late John Lewis, who bore a fractured skull at the hands of state troopers, urged his fellow citizens not only to persevere in the face of adversity but also to engage in the ongoing struggle for justice. Today, in his honor and in honor of countless civil rights activists, we must insist that our elected officials do everything in their power to protect the sanctity of every American’s right to vote.
Protecting our democracy demands active participation and vigilant accountability both from citizens and our leaders. Let us ask ourselves, how will we contribute to the vibrancy of our democracy? How will we ensure that elected officials do not succeed in silencing the voices of historically disenfranchised voters and constructing barriers that undermine the foundation of our nation?
Marcia Johnson, co-director of the Voting Rights Project at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
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