UiC's John Lewis Day of Action rally on July 17th brought together individuals of all political affiliations to advocate for voting rights and civic participation. Through guest speakers, music and spoken word performances, Unity in Community sought to educate, motivate and activate the community toward meaningful action. The event focused on advancing critical legislation such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the Freedom to Vote Act, the Native American Voting Rights Act, and DC Statehood.

“We are facing unprecedented challenges to our democracy,” said Aurrita Payne, president of Unity in Community. “Our rally aimed to empower individuals with the knowledge and inspiration needed to advocate for legislation that protects and expands voting rights for all Americans. This event is not just a commemoration of John Lewis’ legacy but a call to action for each of us to uphold the principles of justice and equality.”

PHOTO from left: NAACP 3rd Vice President Dr. Kevin Allison; the Rev. Dr. Sarah Martin-Fleming, associate minister at Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church; Beth Gardner-Helfrich, Democratic candidate running to represent House District 98 in the N.C. General Assembly; Unity in Community President Aurrita Payne; Melody Crowder Mayer, associate professor of political science at Davidson College; Mav Smith, social justice poet and Davidson College student; the Rev. Jordan Boyd, Village Heartbeat executive director; and Pamela Pearson, VoteRiders national voter ID assistance director. 

Read the Lake Norman Citizen article HERE.