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The Alabama NAACP is set its Shelby Summit 2024, kicking off on June 21, at the historic Shelby County Courthouse. This event, brimming with community and empowerment, aims to engage and inspire attendees over a transformative two-day agenda.
The Summit will launch with a rally at the courthouse, symbolizing a steadfast commitment to civil rights and social progress. This opening will segue into a series of sessions held at the Shelby County Arts Council, where participants will have the opportunity to meet and network with like-minded advocates for change.
Day two of the Summit promises to be a day of insightful dialogue and action, focusing on pressing issues such as social justice, equity, inclusion, and the empowerment of community voices. Highlighted by the NAACP Alabama Youth & College Division’s town hall titled “So, You Want Our Vote,” the day will also feature a collaborative effort on Voter Restoration Training led by Greater Birmingham Ministries and the League of Women Voters of Alabama.
As the Summit coincides with the eleventh anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder, which challenged the efficacy of The Voting Rights Act, NAACP Alabama President Bernard Simelton reflects on the significance of the venue and timing: “We are going back to the very beginning, where it all started, to mobilize, strategize and tackle issues that affect our communities.”
The Shelby Summit is more than just a series of meetings; it is a call to action to urge Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, aiming to fortify the integrity of the voting process. This gathering at the very heart of historical civil rights challenges symbolizes a beacon of hope and a proactive step towards securing equitable voting rights for all. Through collaboration, reflection, and strategic action, the Alabama NAACP is not just revisiting history—they are making it.
