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NAACP observes 40th year of Voting Rights Act

By CAROLYN CARY
ccary@TheCitizenNews.com

Fayette County’s branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, held a commemoration service Saturday at the old courthouse building in Fayetteville.

It recognized the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Though passed on Aug. 6, 1965, three sections, including strict provisions governing federal oversight of election irregularities or changes in the election process, are up for renewal in 2007.

The Rev. Ed Johnson, president of the Fayette branch, held a rally at the gazebo in Fayetteville with various churches participating. Johnson, who serves the Flat Rock A.M.E. Church, opened with a prayer and the Edgefield Baptist Church choir sang.

Mt. Olive Baptist Church choir led in singing, and native Fayette Countian Rosa Penson Anderson gave a testimonial. She was the Fayette County Teacher of the Year in 1976.

The group walked from the gazebo to the old courthouse lawn to hold a brief ceremony encouraging its participants to remain vigilant in being sure the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is renewed.

They then returned to the gazebo with further remarks by John E. Jones, Georgia Representative Virgil Fludd, the Rev. Nelson B. Rivers III, and the Rev. Melvin Ware.

A spiritual dance was given by Ogechi Oparah, Jonaé Felton read a poem, and Ericka Smith led the National Anthem.

The Fayette branch of the NAACP meets the second Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Flat Rock A.M.E. Church. Johnson can be reached at 770-460-6446.