Rock the Vote

The Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most powerful pieces of legislation in the nation's history, enfranchised millions, enabling them to participate in the political process. But not everyone realizes that some of its key provisions are due to expire in 2007.

Rock the Vote will be working to ensure that the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act addresses threats facing minorities, low-income voters and young people. From Cali to the Carolinas, RTV helps young people understand and exercise their right to vote.

This Saturday, August 6th, is the 40th anniversary of Lyndon Johnson's signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and MSNBC is airing "The Law That Changed America," a commemorative documentary that will take a look at the then-revolutionary ideas that inspired the Act, the actual events that led to it and the people, both famous and unknown, who struggled to make it a reality.

"The Law That Changed America," which airs on Saturday night at 9pm EDT/6pm PDT, will also present individual stories of people, such as RTV Board member Chuck D, who have been empowered by the legislation and who work to expand and protect the right to vote for all Americans.

Time Warner Inc. and Court TV are also celebrating the Voting Rights Act anniversary with a panel this Thursday in New York City. The panel will feature Rock the Vote President Jehmu Greene along with leaders from the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, and Southwest Voter Registration Project.

If you're in Atlanta, join the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and friends on Saturday at their "Keep the Vote Alive!" Pro-Democracy March & Rally. The march kicks off at 9:30am at the Richard B. Russell Federal Building. For more info, click here. http://action.rockthevote.org/ctt.asp?u=814548&l=7260