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WHEREAS, U.S. Representative John Robert Lewis of Troy, Alabama died on July 17, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia, at 80 years old, and at the end of a life devoted to civil rights, progress, and combatting disenfranchisement of minority voters; and,
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WHEREAS, prior to being elected to Congress in 1986, Representative Lewis was the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, a Freedom Rider and an organizer and speaker during the March on Washington; and,
WHEREAS, Representative Lewis’ steadfast commitment to civil rights led him to organize with Hosea Williams the March from Selma to Montgomery, during which he was beaten for supporting equality in the violence known as “Bloody Sunday”; and,
WHEREAS, his later role as director of the Voter Education Project allowed him to play a central role in registering millions of voters; and,
WHEREAS, Representative Lewis’ career was marked with sacrifice and numerous milestones of success; and,
WHEREAS, now more than ever it is essential that the Voting Rights Act is expanded ahead of the November presidential election; and,
WHEREAS, to honor Representative Lewis’ legacy, the Council of the City of Pittsburgh wishes that the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of 2020 (H.R 4) should be enacted into federal law; and,
WHEREAS, the bill, in addition to other measures seeking reversal of disenfranchisement, would restore the rule directing states with a history of voter discrimination to obtain federal approval prior to changing voter laws; and,
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Pittsburgh urges Congress to renew the Voting Rights Act, improve the voter-registration process and eliminate unnecessary hurdles, and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh urges the U.S Congress and President to support the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of 2020 to ensure the upcoming presidential election, and all others thenceforth, are fair and uncorrupted.