July 22. Unity in Community hosted its John Lewis Day of Action Rally to commemorate the life and legacy of the late US Rep. John Lewis on the fourth anniversary of his death.

The rally brought together individuals of all political affiliations to advocate for voting rights and civic participation. The event focused on legislation such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the Freedom to Vote Act, the Native American Voting Rights Act and DC Statehood.

Quotable

“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.”

Pictured left to right: NAACP – Dr. Kevin Allison, 3rd Vice President; Clergy – Rev. Dr. Sarah Martin-Fleming, Associate Minister at Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church; Beth Gardner Helfrich – D Candidate, House District 98; Aurrita Payne, President of Unity in Community; Davidson College – Melody Crowder Meyer, Associate Professor of Political Science; Social Justice Poet Mav Smith, Davidson College Student; Village Heartbeat Inc – Rev. Jordan Boyd, Executive Director; VoteRiders – Pamela Pearson, National Voter ID Assistance Director