Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 19 March 1998 — Page 5

The Muncie Times, March 19,1998, Page 5

‘Excuse me, but you can’t vote’ Blacks Voting Rights Act expires in nine years

COMMENTARY

We are fast approaching the 21 st century and I was wondering if anyone out there knew what the significance of the year 2007 is to black America. Did you know that our right to vote will expire in the year 2007? The Voters Rights Act, signed in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson was just an act. It was not made a law. In 1982 Ronald

Reagan amended the Voters Rights Act for another 25 years, which means that in the year 2007 we could lose the right to vote. Does anyone realize that Blacks (African Americans) are the only group of people who require permission under the U.S. Constitution to vote? In 2007 Congress will once again convene to decide whether blacks should retain the right to vote. For this to be passed, 38 states will have to approve an

extension. In my opinion (and many others) this is ludicrous Not only should the extension be approved, but the act must be made a law. Our right to vote should no longer be up for discussion, review and/or evaluation. We must contact our congress persons, senators, alder persons, etc., to put a stop to this. As bona fide citizens of the United States, we cannot “drop the ball” on this one. We have come too far to

let government make us take such a huge step backward. So please, let us push forward to continue to build the momentum towards gaining equality. Please pass this on to others, as I am sure that many more individuals are not aware of this. I urge all of you that are able, to contact those in government that have your vote on this issue. To send Internet mail directly to the president of the United States, the address is: http:// www.whitehouse.gov./

WH/Mail/html/Mail President.html. The address for the vice president is http://www.whitehouse.gov/ WH/Mail/html/mail vice President.html To send regular email (like this one) to the president address it: president @ whitehouse.gov Write your congressman. Write your president, write somebody. This is not a joke. It can happen. Let’s work together to continue to strive towards equahty for all blacks/African Americans.

African American Women on Top Tour map ambitious program

“/ come back every year and encourage other sister-friends to do the same because AAWOT changes lives. ” Jewel Diamond Taylor rrxDlivationd speaker

San Diego, Calif.— The African American Women on Tour comes through again with an impressive line- up of keynotes speakers for its 1998 tour series. The empowerment conference will be joined by the legendary Maya Angelou, vocalists Gladys Knight and Melba Moore, author lyanala Vanzant and actress Sheryl Lee Ralph. Other keynote speakers include talk show host Bertice Berry; comedian Phyliss Yvonne Stickney; Johnnetta Cole president emeritus of Spelman College and women’s health activist Bylle Avery. AAWOT will feature over 25 workshops in each conference city, presented by some of the country’s most sought- after workshop speakers. Among the tour’s workshop facilitators will be Los Angeles- based author and motivational speaker. Jewel Diamond Taylor. She will join over 20 other speakers at the Los Angeles, conference, April 24 and 26

as she presents her workshops “Overcoming the Enemies of Your Success: and “How to Become a Professional Speaker.” “This conference offers a nurturing, cultural atmosphere which embraces diversity among black women- spiritually, physically and socio- economically,” said Taylor, author of Success Gems and founder of the national organization, The Enlightened Circle. “I come back every year and encourage other sister- friends to do the same, because AAWOT changes lives.” Also joining the tour Los Angeles will be nationally recognized speaker and author Terri McFaddin talking about “Peace, Power and Perserverance: The Keys to

Success.” When the conference make its debut in Detroit on, May 29 to 31, investment expert Gail Perry Mason of First Michigan Corp., will present a workshop focusing on money matters for African American women. In addition, popular author/activist Jajvanza Kunjufu’s workshop, ft Good Brothers Looking for Good Sisters” will examine male/ female relationships from a male perspective. In a Philadelphia on June 5 to 7, AAWOT will feature several experts from across the country, including entreprenuer and author Traci Lynn, who presents “The Mind of a Millionaire,” and the Rev. Suzanne Johnson Cook, whose workshop title is ‘Too Blessed to be

Stressed” intergrating spirtual principles into personal success, health and wholeness. Brooklyn, N.Y., will host African American Women on Tour July 10 to 12. Attendees will learn “How to Publish and Market Your First Book” from Uterary publicist, Julia Shaw of New York- based Shaw Literary Group. Also in New York, Celeste Johnson will present her workshop on “Balance or Burnout,” a guide to fine tuning life management skills. As the tour progresses to Washington, D.C., on Aug. 21 to 23, it will be joined by author and radio talk show host Audrey Chapman, whose workshop ‘Tender Loving: Moving

Past Shame and Blame” will address male/female relationships. Also, in Washington, D.C., popular author Anita Bunkley will present “Steppin’ Out With Attitude: Sister, Sell Dreams.” As the Tour wraps up in Atlanta on Aug. 28 to 30, attendees will learn to “Live Your Purpose, Plan and Potential,” with Connie Smith. Another featured speaker in Atlanta will be nationally recognized fiber artist Jacquelyn Hughes Mooney is also the official quilter for AAWOT’s Dream Quilt, a communal piece which weaves the lives of the African American women who attend the conference. In its eighth year, AAWOT will feature four powerful Rites of Passage program for girls 12 to 18; young women 19 to 25 boys, ages 12 to 16; and adult women. For more information on African American Women on Tour call 1-800-560-AAWT (2298); or visit the web site at www.aawot.com.

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