The subjugation of blacks in the United States just over forty years ago is a stain on this nation that will not heal for many generations. The Civil Rights Movement was fought by people who understand the most important of democratic principles: that all people, no matter what color, religion, or ethnic background, deserve equal rights. The Voting Rights Act was enacted in 1965 after many civil rights organizations, including many Jewish ones, shed sweat and blood in order to bring equal rights to blacks. If Ike Brown and other black Americans are indeed disenfranchising whites in Noxubee County, then they are disgracing the work of the Civil Rights leaders. The focus of the fight against voter disenfranchisement in the United States today generally remains a fight to protect the rights of minorities. Nevertheless, we can not forget that it is just as offensive to our democratic principles when rights are denied to any American.

In the upcoming month, the RAC staff will continue to work hard to mobilize congregations to “Get Out the Vote.” Part of this movement is to educate Jews and others around the country about disenfranchisement issues that still exist today. Even though most American Jews probably have not had 1 st hand experience with disenfranchisement, stories like this one from Mississippi remind us how important is the right to vote. They also should give us pause to reflect on how hard Jews worked to win the right to vote for everyone in the United States. Considering our history in the civil rights movement, Jews must continue to speak out against all forms of voter disenfranchisement across the country. After all, the right to vote is the most basic principle of a democracy.