“So All Can Vote"
Fifty years ago on June 21, three 1964 Freedom Summer activists – Andrew Goodman, James Chaney and Michael Schwerner – were murdered by the KKK in Mississippi for registering African-Americans to vote.
That’s why Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice in partnership with The Andrew Goodman Foundation and The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights held a candlelight vigil on the National Mall this past Tuesday evening.
Yarzheit candles were lit in memory of these men who were instrumental in the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which banned voting discrimination. It has been one year since the SCOTUS deemed part of that same Voting Rights Act unconstitutional, meaning that states can enact new voting restrictions without federal approval.
People of all different ages, religions and races around Washington D.C. gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial to spell out “So All Can Vote” with candles to remember these three men giving their lives so future generations could help shape our nation.
Rock the Vote was happy to participate at the vigil and celebrate the bravery these men possessed. Rock the Vote is currently partners with The Andrew Goodman Foundation. Click here to learn more about the important work this organization is doing.