Episode 949: With SCOTUS Appearing Ready to Strike Down More of the Voting Rights Act in 2026, MLK’s 1957 ‘Give Us the Ballot’ Speech is Still Relevant

The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Jan. 19, 2026

With SCOTUS Appearing Ready to Strike Down More of the Voting Rights Act in 2026, MLK’s 1957 ‘Give Us the Ballot’ Speech is Still Relevant

Years before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke on the Brown vs. Board of Education decision during the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial, May 17th, 1957. As the U.S. Supreme Court seems poised to strike down more of the VRA in 2026, his words are still relevant today.

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Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change - Audio of Dr. King delivering "Give Us the Ballot" on May 17, 1957 at the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute, Stanford University - Transcription of the "Give Us the Ballot" Address
Brennan Center for Justice - Voter Suppression
The Fulcrum - Trump Targets Voting Rights and Suppresses Voting
NAACP Legal Defense Fund - Louisiana v. Callais

Groups Taking Action:

Southern Poverty Law Center, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, ACLU, Campaign Legal Center

Register or Check Your Voter Registration:

U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State

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