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As America celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), millions of eyes are on the hard-fought battle that was finally won in 1965.

Forums, documentaries, and movies, such as “Selma”, are permeating the airwaves with the historic events that led to the Congressional passage of the VRA, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on Aug. 6, 1965. But, even as the celebration of the victory has begun, there are those whose eyes remain focused on making sure the right to vote remains fluid across the country.

“Is it time to celebrate Selma, Alabama – and the triumph of the Voting Rights Act? Or is it time to mourn Shelby, Alabama – and the radical backlash against voting rights?” 

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The national Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (Lawyers’ Committee) together with our affiliates, submitted a letter of support for President Obama’s nomination of United States Attorney Loretta E. Lynch to replace Eric H. Holder Jr. as Attorney General of the United States. Ms. Lynch’s prestigious legal career includes twice heading one of the most important U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the country and decades of experience as a lawyer and leader. Throughout her career, U.S. Attorney Loretta E. Lynch has made it clear time and again that she will stand for justice and the protection of human rights and dignity for all.  Ms. Lynch’s work with the Department of Justice demonstrates her commitment to ensuring equal opportunity and the fight against violence committed on account of a victim’s race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

As an organization founded by President John F. Kennedy to correct the history of laws, practices, and employment decisions that have traditionally excluded communities of color from equal participation in the political, economic, and social activities and benefits of this society, the Lawyers’ Committee is particularly heartened to finally witness the nomination and expected confirmation of the first African American woman to serve as the United States Attorney General.  “This country needs leadership that reflects the diversity of all the people that it serves,” said Lawyers’ Committee President and Executive Director Barbara Arnwine.  “President Obama’s selection of Ms. Lynch sends the message that she is the best applicant for the Attorney General position and that our federal government is committed to being inclusive of all races in positions of leadership.  Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. has been a bold champion for racial justice and equality at the Department of Justice for over 26 years and we are confident that Ms. Lynch is more than capable of carrying his outstanding legacy forward.”

“In her opening statement, Ms. Lynch reflected on the work ethic her father instilled: to match her principles with action, to think for herself, and the great reward one receives through service to others,” stated Lawyers’ Committee Public Policy Director Tanya Clay House. “We know that these principals have guided Ms. Lynch through a career spanning 30 years, and we believe she will remain committed to these principals as one of the President’s top advisors and chief law enforcement officer of the United States. We urge the Senate to remain focused on the task at-hand and confirm Ms. Lynch immediately.”

Ms. Lynch’s career has been one of integrity based on an uncompromising belief in the equal application of justice.  For these reasons and more, the Lawyers’ Committee and its affiliates proudly support Ms. Lynch’s nomination as the Attorney General of the United States.

Please click here to read the Lawyers’ Committee statement of support.