Press Releases

In recognition of the need to restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Congresswoman Terri Sewell has invited Sheyann Webb-Christburg of Montgomery – who at 8 years old was the youngest Foot Soldier to march from Selma to Montgomery in the name of voter equality – as her special guest for President Obama’s final State of the Union address.

“The State of Union falls on ‘Restoration Tuesday’ and I believe Sheyann Webb-Christburg is the embodiment of the struggle for voter equality in America.  My hope is that her presence at the President’s address will remind us of the modern day fight for ensuring that ever American citizen has access to the ballot box. The closure of DMV offices in Alabama last year proves that barriers to voting still exist and that Congress should pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act now!

“At an early age, Sheyann recognized that America failed to live up to its own promise by depriving African-Americans of their right to vote.  Sheyann’s bravery reminded those around her that they were fighting for the next generation – her generation – as fervently as they were fighting for their own. Her courage also made it possible for me to represent our hometown of Selma in Congress. And as my childhood babysitter, I have literally grown up in her shadow. I am thankful to call Sheyann my friend, and honored to have her as my special guest for President Obama’s last State of the Union. Her presence should once again serve as a reminder of the importance of the vote,” said Rep. Sewell.

This will be Sheyann Webb-Christburg’s first time attending the State of the Union.

“I am very grateful, honored, and blessed to be given the opportunity by Congresswoman Terri Sewell to share in such an historical moment. It is my hope that President Obama will reflect on the progress that has been made since he took office, and outline his vision for our nation,” said Sheyann Webb-Christburg.

“Our nation has come a long way, but we still have a long way to go to. Federal voting protection is critical, and urgently needed. Recent experiences have shown us that disenfranchisement still poses a threat to our democracy. It saddens me to know that this is still an issue 50 years later. The struggles, blood, sweat, and tears of the 1960's were too horrific and unjust for us to take any steps backwards. We must continue to educate and fight to protect this privilege and this right,” she continued.

Background on Restoration Tuesday:

On Restoration Tuesday, Members of Congress are encouraged to speak on the floor in support of restoring the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965.  RestorationTuesday is the opportunity for Members to bring attention to modern day barriers to voting and urge passage of the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015 (H.R. 2867) which provides a modern day formula for federal preclearance protection.

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