Categorized | Carousel, Features

SLIDE SHOW: Pallone Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Voting Rights Act

See Slide Show below • St. Peter’s Church, Perth Amboy – 8/20/15 *Photos by Eric Salvary & Carolyn Maxwell

PERTH AMBOY – During the 50th Anniversary of Voting Rights Act, there was a living testimony given by Ms. Corinne Spencer who was born in Charleston, South Carolina. She talked about the discrimination that she faced while living there. When she moved up north, she found discrimination there, but she did recall casting her first vote in Perth Amboy and that was for President Kennedy. She was pleased to let everyone know that she has 3 granddaughters, – one who is a Doctor, another in the Navy and a third one in the Air Force.

When Congressman Pallone talked, he spoke about how those who fought for the right to vote stressed that they were willing to do anything. “Over 20 States have placed restrictions since the Voting Rights Act was struck down. Some said that the Act was outdated and that updated laws were place to protect voter rights. Congress has taken no action to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act. The Act can be revised to cover all the States – not just the Southern States. We can encourage people to vote by allowing voting on Saturday and Sunday as some places do. I appreciate you coming here in the middle of the day. I commit to you that I won’t rest until the Voting Rights Act is reauthorized!”

After Pallone spoke, the Master of Ceremonies Dot Daniel who also put the program together spoke. “I rather that the Voting Rights Act be an Amendment along with an Amendment protecting women against domestic violence.”

The Benediction was done by Pastor Bernadette Falcon-Lopez. She recalled as she was growing up, her parents were political activists and marched for people’s Civil Rights. She remembered on her parents’ walls was the picture showing President Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Other participants included Mayor Diaz, who read: “Perth Amboy: City of Firsts,” Melvinia Knight (First VP of NAACP – P.A. Branch) who read the highlights of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Stephanie Rodriguez (Senior at Colonia High School) read an original essay on the importances of voting. City Council President Lisa Nanton read the biography of Thomas Mundy Peterson. Dot Daniel acknowledged some of those in attendance which included: members of the Housing Authority, the NAACP, Council Members and other Members of the Clergy. The last photo is of the site of the grave of Thomas Mundy Peterson and his wife, Daphne Peterson, located in the Church Graveyard near a large tree.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Browse Current Issue - Click Here

Safety Announcement

We are taking safety precautions in the City of Perth Amboy, and emphasize that it is important: IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!!
Report Suspicious Activity – Be Vigilant – STAY ALERT! Do not think that any call or report is too small. Don’t allow the actions of a few dictate your quality of life.
FOR ALL EMERGENCIES, DIAL: 9-1-1
FOR ALL NON-EMERGENCIES, DIAL: 732-442-4400