Washington DC Voting Rights March

Written by: Sheri Divers on Apr 23, 2007 1:30 PM EDT

Kesh Ladduwahetty is Chair of DC for Democracy:

It's been nothing short of a historic week for DC for Democracy and the District of Columbia.  This Monday, on DC Emancipation Day, despite dangerous wind gusts and rain, thousands of us marched to the Capitol to demand our rightful vote in the People's House.  Even the mainstream media had to acknowledge it was the largest demonstration for DC Voting Rights in three decades.  Then today, as if on cue, the House passed HR 1905, granting the District a real vote for the first time ever.  With the firm support of the Democratic leadership, It was more or less a party-line vote, 241 to 177, with just 22 principled Republicans breaking ranks to vote Aye.  Once again, the Democratic Party has proven itself to be the party of civil rights and real democracy.

We at DC4D are deeply appreciative of the selfless support we have received from Jim Dean, Tom Hughes, Charles Chamberlain, and Sheri Divers at DFA.  And we are indebted to our DFA allies around the country for their unstinting support: from San Francisco to New York City; Birmingham, AL to Columbia, MO; Salt Lake City, UT to Louisville, KY; Pittsburg, PA to Bettendorf, IA; Bloomington, IN to Overland Park, KS.  Our DFA brothers and sisters called and emailed their Representatives to urge them to support the DC Voting Rights Act -- and the great majority of them did.

DFA friends, we could not have done this without you!  Now the battle moves on to the Senate, and we will need you again soon.  In return, we will happily serve as your representatives on Capitol Hill.  We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership!

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