As we approach the critical midterm election (November 8, 2022), the future of our democracy hangs in the balance. Photographer, film producer and social justice activist Phil Portlock presents his timely film, Voting Rights: The Struggle to be Counted ⏤ an informative one-hour program (film and discussion) each Sunday from September 4 through November 6, 2022 at 7pm.
With creative use of music, powerful images, and narration by his wife, Pat Sloan, the film traces the long and often brutal struggle by African Americans to gain and maintain the unrestricted right to be counted at the ballot box.
This film is Portlock’s response to the June 25, 2013, U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision in the Shelby v Holder Voting Rights Case. The five conservative justices declared Section 4b (the coverage clause), and Section 5 (the preclearance clause) of the historic 1965 Voting Rights Act unconstitutional. The court’s decision has led to the enactment of more than 400 voter suppression laws in at least 29 states, which have impacted millions of eligible voters. The future of our democracy is in great danger, but our votes can make a difference.
Click here to read a Washington Post article about the filmmaker and the film.
In May of 1865, Frederick Douglass, abolitionist, orator and newspaper founder said, “Slavery has not been abolished until the Black Man has the right to vote”. A voteless people is a voiceless people. Stand up and be counted. Vote! Vote! Vote!
You can reach Phil Portlock at 202 271-5495 or the3rdeye72@gmail.com