The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for August 31, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC — On the 63rd anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, civil rights and pro-democracy leaders spoke to supporters gathered for ‘Defend the Vote” at the Lincoln Memorial. Speakers decried the erosion of voting rights by the Trump administration and the U.S. Supreme Court’s majority.
The August 28th event was organized by the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network and Martin Luther King III’s Drum Major Institute. It was supported by 90 civil rights and pro-democracy groups. Speakers included King, Senator Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, said: “It’s been four months since the U.S. Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act of 1965, opening the door to a coordinated attack on the Black political power and fair representation across the South,” she said. “Over the last few years, hundreds of bills to restrict voting access have been introduced in states around the country with the aim of closing polling locations and imposing stricter voter ID requirements.”
Chloe Irene McIntyre, a senior at Spelman College, addressed youth voters. “We know how to organize, mobilize, and make change go viral. We know how to turn a moment into momentum, and we know that justice isn’t just a trend, it’s a lifelong commitment.”
We’ve linked to a recording of the event’s over 50 speakers at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
CSPAN – Video Recording of The March on Washington – Defend the Vote
March on Washington: Defend the Vote – We Carry The Unfinished Work Forward
States Newsroom – Voting rights struggle continues, advocates say at March on Washington anniversary
The Hill – Civil rights groups make urgent plea for voting rights in DC, ahead of midterm elections
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – With SCOTUS Appearing Ready to Strike Down More of the Voting Rights Act in 2026, MLK’s 1957 ‘Give Us the Ballot’ Speech is Still Relevant
American Democracy Minute – Louisiana v. Callais Didn’t Just Affect VRA Section 2 Protections for Black Americans; Hispanic, Native, and Asian-American Districts are Impacted, Too.
Groups Taking Action:
National Action Network, Drum Major Institute, Defend the Vote Supporting Organizations
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org
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