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America’s Largest Private Sector Union Calls on Congress to Honor MLK’s Legacy by Passing Voting Rights Legislation

January 16, 2022 Updated: January 21, 2022

Washington D.C., USA - September 23, 2012: Martin Luther King quote inscription on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on The National Mall. "I Have a Dream" was a public speech delivered by American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. on August 28, 1963, in which he calls for an end to racism in the United States. Delivered to over 250,000 civil rights supporters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington, the speech was a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement.

Washington, D.C.—Today, as the country prepares to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., Day on January 17, the UFCW is calling on Congress to restore and expand voting rights to honor Dr. King’s legacy.

UFCW International President Marc Perrone issued the following statement:

“The UFCW is calling on Congress to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by taking immediate action to pass the Freedom to Vote Act (S. 2747) and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 4 / S. 4).

“These bills are critical steps to ensuring that eligible voters across the country have their voices heard and will offset years of decisions and efforts by state and local politicians to prevent millions of Americans from voting. Ensuring the right to vote is the key to making progress on all the other pressing policy issues facing our country, including affordable health care, fair labor laws, and safer workplaces.

“It would be a fitting tribute to Dr. King this year if our country and those who lead us could begin moving beyond divisions, and towards an America that is defined by justice, dignity, and respect by protecting and strengthening the right to vote.”

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The UFCW is the largest private sector union in the United States, representing 1.3 million professionals and their families in grocery stores, meatpacking, food processing, retail shops and other industries. Our members help put food on our nation’s tables and serve customers in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Learn more about the UFCW at www.ufcw.org.

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