This event is a bit far afield. But it’s being hosted by one of our congressmen, and it’s important. Rep. G. K. Butterfield and the Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute are commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act with two workshops that are free and open to the public. “The Voting Rights Evolution in North Carolina After Reconstruction: It’s Successes, Failures and Challenges” will first focus on the barriers to black political
participation, the limited electoral successes and the social climate preceding the Voting Rights Act of 1965, then shift to the significant events of 1968 and the battle toward full inclusion in the North Carolina political process. “A Call to Action” will focus on the history of the Voting Rights Act and its effects on issues such as redistricting and electoral reform, then conclude with lessons on grass-roots outreach and a question-and-answer session. The workshops will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church, 1095 Allen Road, Greenville.