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60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act Celebration

Aug 6, 2025 12:00 PM

June 23, 2025

12:25 PM

The Civil Rights-era Voting Rights Act has been under near constant attack by right-wing elements since its passage in 1965, with some of the worst recent assaults on civil rights emanating from the Supreme Court. The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is hosting this celebration of the VRA’s history, which doubles as a call for the protection of rights by the passage of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The day includes speakers, legislator visits, workshops, lunch and a reception. Registration for the in-person event closed on July 30, but a livestream of the noon program can be viewed at view.yololiv.com/live/1329897124552249344.

media release: On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin will host “The 60th Anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights Act” at the State Capitol. We are also honoring the 50th Anniversary of Section 203, the 1975 amendment which expanded language access to ensure all citizens have the right to vote without barriers. The theme of the day will be “Voting Rights: The Foundation of Democracy" and our event will commemorate one of the most important civil rights laws in American history, while also sounding the alarm on current threats to voting access and the urgent need for our federal government to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a turning point in U.S. history; legislation born from determination, protest, and the demand for justice. It outlawed discriminatory voting practices that kept generations of Black and brown Americans from the ballot box. Unfortunately, the rights so many fought for are once again in jeopardy. New laws and constitutional amendments have been passed that create barriers to voting. Restrictive ID laws, polling place closures, gerrymandering, and more have become tactics of modern-day disenfranchisement. This event is both a celebration and a call to action, aligning with our ongoing work to ensure every vote is counted.

The event will feature keynote speaker, Dianna Wynn - Board President of The League of Women Voters US, art exhibit by the executive director of Forward Art Initiative, Niki Johnson, as well as testimonials from local activists. Attendees will learn about the VRA and its deep connections to Wisconsin’s history, and discuss the need to protect voting rights nationwide. A press conference and educational workshops will follow.

This anniversary is a chance to honor the past while organizing for the future. It’s a moment to ensure that every voice is heard and reinforce our belief that democracy is strongest when everyone is included. We thank all of our sponsors and contributors for helping make this event possible. And we give special thanks to the Brico Foundation for their generous contribution. The deadline to register is July 30, 2025: bit.ly/VRA-anniversary

We will be urging our attendees to call their Senators to encourage the passage of John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Read more about the League's position on this important legislation:

LWVUS Supports the Reintroduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act