The Voting Rights Act: The Struggle Still Continues – Conversations at Connecticut’s Old State House – Tuesday, October 7 at Noon

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For Immediate Release
September 29, 2014
Contact: Chris Zaccaro
chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov

As Connecticut prepares to vote on a Constitutional amendment that could pave the way for dramatic changes in how we vote, Connecticut’s Old State House poses a question to the public: Are voting rights truly equal in 2014?

On Tuesday, October 7 join Dr. Stacey Close, Professor of History at Eastern Connecticut State University and author of Connecticut Explored African Americans who was named one of Connecticut’s Most Influential African Americans by the Connecticut NAACP, for a discussion on the legacy of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. During this engaging event, attendees will learn more about the struggle to get this ground-breaking legislation passed and discuss its impact on American society today.

Following his lecture, Dr. Close will be joined by Valeriano Ramos, Director of Strategic Alliances and Equity Officer at Everyday Democracy, and Dr. Kevin McMahon, Professor of Political Science at Trinity College, for a lively panel discussion on voting rights in 2014. The Connecticut Network’s (CT-N) Diane Smith will moderate the discussion and take questions and comments from the audience.

Conversations at Noon, a monthly program at Connecticut’s Old State House, begins at Noon and lasts for one hour. Each program is free for the public to attend as funding is provided by Connecticut Humanities. Registration is encouraged but not required. The electronic registration form for this event can be accessed here.

Located in Hartford, a short walk from the Wadsworth, Connecticut’s Old State House served as a seat of government for the Constitution State from 1796 to 1878. The Old State House Shop, located on the Main Street side of the building, provides visitors an opportunity to purchase great, quality-made Connecticut and Hartford themed gifts, products and apparel. The Old State House Farmers Market, the oldest of its kind in the state, is open Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the summer. For more information on admission prices, upcoming events and parking discounts nearby, become a fan of Connecticut’s Old State House on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or visit us online at http://www.ctoldstatehouse.org.

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