Whereas, 1965 Voting Rights Act is one of the nation’s most important civil and human rights victories leading to political empowerment and voter enfranchisement;

Whereas, key provisions of the Voting Rights Act will expire in August 2007 unless Congress acts to reauthorize them;

Whereas, a mass mobilization must be undertaken to combat the conservative efforts underway to dilute and undermine – or eliminate – the Voting Rights Act;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE RAINBOW/PUSH COALITION WILL INITIATE A “1 MILLION FOR VOTING RIGHTS CAMPAIGN” TO REAUTHORIZE THE VRA IN 2007;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT THE RAINBOW/PUSH COALITION WILL INITIATE A MASS MARCH AND RALLY IN AUGUST 2005 COMMEMORATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT AND MOBILIZING FOR ITS EXTENSION IN 2007;

AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, THAT THE RAINBOW/PUSH COALITION WILL UNITE ALL WHO CARE TO BE UNITED AND BUILD A BROAD COALITION OF LABOR, PEACE, CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS TO WIN EXTENSION OF THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT SO AMERICA CAN BECOME A MORE PERFECT UNION.