Voting Rights Act Remembered
Yesterday marked the 50th Anniversary of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965, which struck down such state laws allowing blacks to vote including poll taxes, literacy testing and certain types of drawing up legislative districts known as gerrymandering.
While the measure affected mainly the south, it also affected Brooklyn, which until the Voting Rights Act, never elected a black federal lawmaker due to gerrymandering despite a large black population. This forced the federal government to create a special voting rights district and to the election of Shirley Chisholm as the borough’s first black Congress member.
Over the years, the Voting Rights Act, which was first passed to ensure the voting rights of blacks was expanded to include other minorities such as Hispanic- and Asian-Americans. While several Brooklyn neighborhoods have large Asian-American neighborhoods including Sunset Park and Bensonhurst, Asian-Americans still do not have a city, state or federal American lawmaker.
The following are lawmaker comments on the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo: “Today is a national reminder that there is more to be done to achieve equality for all. The right to vote is one of our most fundamental rights as Americans, and we cannot allow it to be compromised by institutional prejudices and false arguments. When the Voting Rights Act was signed by President Johnson in 1965, it was a monumental victory for the civil rights movement and a profound step toward a more perfect union. But today, a full generation later, that progress is being challenged, and obstacles to its future remain. Only when voting rights are protected and affirmed can we continue to move forward as one truly indivisible nation. It’s time for Congress to act, and protect the voting rights of all Americans.”
Public Advocate Letitia James: “Half a century ago, the Voting Rights Act broke down one of the biggest barriers to equality for millions of Americans – eliminating Jim Crow practices like voting literacy tests and poll taxes. The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy, but there are still those trying to turn back the clock of progress and limit access to the ballot box for people of color. Last night, a federal appeals court ruled on the side of justice, striking down a bigoted Texas voter identification law. We must continue to fight back against efforts to reinstate discriminatory practices that belong in history books, not in modern society. It’s up to us to continue the progress of our forefathers and mothers and fortify the right to vote for all Americans.”
Borough President Eric Adams: “Fifty years after the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed into law, we have a great distance to travel to achieve the aims for which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Representative John Lewis, and thousands of others risked life and limb. We still face significant obstacles to casting a ballot, especially in communities of color, as well as cynical state legislators across America that have gerrymandered district lines to disenfranchise minority voices. Our collective goal should always be to have every single American participate in our democracy, yet we consistently struggle to see meaningful numbers turn out at the polls. I ask leaders from both sides of the political spectrum to unite over the basic premise of boosting civic participation and equitable representation, with the faith that the outcome will always result in a stronger nation for everyone.”
State Sen. Jesse Hamilton: One of the signal accomplishments of the Civil Rights Movement was signed into law fifty years ago today. The Voting Rights Act provided sweeping federal protections against state laws aimed at disenfranchising voters. We should celebrate the tremendous work that led to that August 6,1965 day. As we mark this 50th anniversary, we must also look forward to writing the next chapter in the ongoing struggle to secure human dignity for all. We must work together to face down the present-day challenges to voting rights and full civic participation. These ongoing obstacles prevent everyone in our community from enjoying civil rights and human rights. We cannot rest on past, hard won victories.
Local Electeds Demand EPA Investigate Transfer Station Site
Democratic 47th Assembly District Leaders Charles Ragusa and Nancy Tong recently wrote the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) demanding they investigate alleged violations of the construction company working on the Southwest Brooklyn Marine Transfer Station.
The city-run Transfer Station, 400 Bay 41st Street near 26th Avenue, is also the grounds of the Brooklyn incinerator, which has illegally been operated by the Department of Sanitation for over 30 years.
Local Assemblyman William Colton and City Councilman Mark Treyger has been fighting this citing of the transfer station since it was first announced under the Bloomberg Administration because of the contaminants that remain from the old incinerator that will discharge and be released into the air by the building of the new Transfer Station.
Included in the letter are pictures of flooding of the site, uncovered soil/debris, and lack of netting.
Ragusa and Tong strongly urge anyone with concerns or questions about the Transfer Station to call Colton’s office at (718) 236-1598. Additionally, Colton is calling upon the community to send any further photos or videos of violations of the construction site to the email neighborhoodwatch47@gmail.com.
Donovan To Travel To Israel
Southern Brooklyn Congressman Dan Donovan, yesterday, announced he will be traveling to Israel as part of a congressional delegation sponsored by the American Israel Education Foundation.
The Aug. 8-15 trip fulfills a pledge Donovan made during his campaign that a visit to Israel would be the first international trip he would take upon his election. The trip is strictly educational with no lobbying and paid entirely using private funds.
“Visiting Israel and learning firsthand about the many shared issues between our nations is incredibly important to me,” said Donovan. “As a member of the Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security committees, in addition to being the representative of one of the largest Jewish constituencies, this trip will give me invaluable insight on the challenges we face. It will be a jam-packed, whirlwind trip but I look forward to sharing my experience with the people of the 11th congressional district on how we can work to secure our relationship with one of our greatest allies and address our very serious national security concerns.”
Williams Gives “Big Up” On Jamaican Independence Day
Flatlands City Council Member Jumaane Williams, yesterday, congratulated the Jamaican-Americans in his district and citywide as they celebrated their Independence Day from Great Briton 53 years ago.
“Jamaicans have made invaluable contributions to our city, state and country, and, like anyone else in this nation, also deserve a fair, and just immigration system. I am proud that President Obama visited the country earlier this year, which allowed our government to engage and support the socio-economic success of this country. Under the Bush Administration, the U.S. implemented regressive immigrant deportation policies that directly affected Caribbean immigrants and led to an enormous rise in crime,” said Williams.
“I’m encouraged that the Obama Administration is making headway on these issues, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done in New York City to fight for common sense immigration reform. By creating IDNYC, our city’s new, free municipal identification card, the Council has made it easier for every city resident, including undocumented immigrants, to receive the benefits they deserve. I encourage all of New Yorkers to join me in becoming an IDNYC card holder, which will aid in creating a more dynamic, unified New York,” he added.
Adams Invites All Brooklynites To Borough’s Free Concerts
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams invited New Yorkers of all ages to enjoy the remaining free shows of the 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series, the 33rd season of weekly performances held at Wingate Park in East Flatbush.
The line up includes VP Records Presents Reggae Night will include Freddie McGregor, Christopher Martin, New Kingston, and Ikaya on Monday Aug. 10, and Old School Night with Doug E. Fresh, Kurtis Blow, and Special Ed on Monday Aug. 17. Both shows are free to the public and begin at7:30 PM.
“Wingate Park is the hot spot for cool entertainment and free fun in Central Brooklyn!” said Adams. “I am honored to host the Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series for the second straight year. These shows are emblematic of the commitment to bringing our communities together in a celebration of the spirit that makes us One Brooklyn.”
Those interested in more information on either the Seaside Summer Concerts 2015 Festival in Coney Island and the 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series are encouraged to visitwww.brooklynconcerts.com.
