[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF THE PROGRESSIVE NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION'S ANNUAL 
                 SESSION FROM AUGUST 2 THROUGH 7, 2015

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                          HON. MARC A. VEASEY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 8, 2015

  Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the instrumental 
work of the Progressive National Baptist Convention to protect the 
right to vote as they host their annual session from August 2 through 
7, 2015 in Dallas, Texas. At its annual session, the Progressive 
National Baptist Convention calls on its current members to protect the 
right that its founding members fought to earn: the right to vote. 
Today, on the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, the right to 
the ballot box is once again challenged and the foot soldiers fighting 
to protect against the disenfranchisement of vulnerable populations are 
more necessary than ever.
  Since its Civil Rights era founding in 1961, the Progressive National 
Baptist Convention has fought to improve the conditions of the African 
American community at large. The Progressive National Baptist 
Convention was the denominational home and platform for Dr. Martin 
Luther King Jr., as its founding leaders worked to unite Baptist faith 
communities across the country to further the socio-economic liberation 
of African Americans in the United States. The founding principles of 
fellowship, progress, service and peace continue to guide its 
membership as they now apply the cornerstones of their organization to 
advocate for full voter registration and participation.
  In the last two years the Supreme Court weakened key components of 
the original Voting Rights Act of 1965, allowing state legislatures 
nationwide to actively create and implement voter ID laws meant to keep 
African Americans, Latinos and other traditionally disenfranchised 
communities away from the ballot box. On the heels of the 50th 
anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, the Progressive National Baptist 
Convention continues to be a vital Baptist denomination with an 
estimated membership of 2.5 million actively working to give full 
voice, leadership and active support to the black community, America, 
and ultimately the universal fight for human freedom. Today, the 
Progressive National Baptist Convention calls on its nationwide 
membership to fight in the name of voter empowerment and restoration of 
voting protections for all Americans.
  In my home state of Texas, one of the battlegrounds for the modern 
struggle to protect the right to vote, the Progressive National Baptist 
Convention will galvanize member churches across the country to work to 
end voter intimidation, voting suppression, and suspicious practices. 
Additionally, the Progressive National Baptist Convention will embark 
upon a nationwide voter registration campaign with a special focus on 
the communities targeted by voting discrimination.
  In honor of the great civil rights tradition that the Progressive 
National Baptist Convention continues, and in recognition of its status 
as an active advocate organization for the African American community 
and disenfranchised communities everywhere, this statement will be 
entered on Tuesday, September 8, 2015.

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