*March On Washington 63rd Anniversary*

Greetings and blessings! “Defending the votes mean defending the [fundamental and valued] foundation of our democracy.” However, this past Friday marked the 63rd anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr’s historic March on Washington where he delivered his iconic “I Have A Dream” speech. Now again, thousands of people of many races gathered from all across the country, to the Lincoln Memorial. They came to march in solidary, focusing on protecting voting rights and the heightened threats to civil rights and economic opportunity. Yes, standing shoulder to shoulder in the August heat in unity with blacks to fight for and protect our moral and ethical dignity. So, here we go again! Unfortunately, we are living and witnessing unprecedented, troublesome times. Yes, times where our constitution and democracy are just mere meaningless words to Trump and his administration. Let’s be perfectly clear, this is not about political parties, nor black or white, it’s about what is and isn’t right. In fact, this 63rd March On Washington was significantly about, once again defending our voting rights, which has been literally dismantled and under relentless now attacks by this present President. Right now, with days before the mid-term election, battle ground states maps are being re-districted to benefit this now Dictator King. And too, this Supreme Court favored Trump’s request to block mail-in ballot voting which the president himself already used. It’s unthinkable, too many have fought, bled and ultimately died for our voting rights. How can we ever forget “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Alabama where mainly black’s blood ran down the streets like running water. God knows, it’s a crying shame that we now have to fight harder to keep, what we already fought so hard to get. But nevertheless, their enormous sacrifices will not be in vain, because we will fight on. A songs says, “Keep your hand in God’s hand, we fight on.” And we know indeed, “God is our defender, we will not be defeated. (Psalm 62:6). Trusting in God and His Word will make the ultimate difference in this again uncalled for fight for justice and voting rights!

Activist Al Sharpon described this Supreme Court decision as “a bullet in the heart of the voting rights movement, [and I do agree,” with an urgent need for renewed civil engagements and actions. And rightly so, we all know that we have been down this long, difficult, challenging a tiresome and dusty road before. However, we know, it’s evil on steroids, seemingly no solution. Yet still, we must fight on to “Defend the vote!” May God’s grace, mercy, blessings and love be with you!