Bennie Thompson: “in 2001 one of the most shameful and shocking reminders of voting rights discrimination occurred in Kilmichael…”

“in 2001 one of the most shameful and shocking reminders of voting rights discrimination occurred in Kilmichael, Mississippi, my congressional district. An all-white city council cancelled city elections 3 weeks before they were to be held because it appeared that African Americans would control the majority of the council's seats. Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, which requires covered jurisdiction, like my home State of Mississippi, to obtain preclearance from the Justice Department before they can change voting practices or procedures, protected the voting rights of the people of Kilmichael. When elections were finally held, three African Americans were elected to the board of aldermen and the town elected its first African American mayor. As elected leaders, it is our obligation to look beyond what is good for any one of us to what is good for the whole country and its future. Mr. Speaker, the Voting Rights Act is reverent, relevant, and must be renewed. ____________________”