In preparation for the upcoming election season, over 36 collaborators and partners, including Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, president of the Ward Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Danny J. Bakewell, Jr. of the L.A. Sentinel, and Dr. Carliss R. McGhee, will be gathering for The Rosa Parks’ Birthday Outing, and to demonstrate the importance of voting.
In honor of Rosa Park’s birthday, Feb. 4, 1913, a celebration will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center at 4718 West Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016.
As the mother of the Civil Rights Movement, Rosa Parks once said, “There’s a lack of interest in voting in the United States, and that troubles me. It is necessary that people get registered, study the issues, and be aware of the politics of our country.”
This quote inspired this campaign to commemorate the legacy of Rosa Parks, to remind others of the “principles of equality, justice, and democracy,” according to the flyer, and to go out and make a difference.
Attendees are asked to bring their ballots to cast at the event, and the United States Postal Service will be available for them to mail in their ballots that day.
“I am an advocate for education, envisioning a future generation empowered by the decisions I make at the ballot box,” Dr. McGhee said.
There will be a screening of the Rosa Parks documentary, and after, a panel including co-moderators Danny J. Bakewell, Jr. and Kelly Hawkins Davis will lead a conversation.
“We are at a critical juncture where every action counts. So, we hear the constant drone that African Americans and people of color are likely to ‘skip the elections’. We want to send a resounding message of truth. We know that every vote counts! So we are calling the village together – every champion for freedom, justice and democracy is needed,” said Dupont-Walker.
Veteran community activist Billie Green added, “We are at a time in America. Where Blacks, Browns and Jewish people are being attacked, just because of who we are. We must stand up to injustice, miseducation and the banning of books. Never forget we stand on the shoulders of those who died for the Vote. We must vote!”
