NAACP To Host Voting Rights Event In Homewood

HOMEWOOD, IL — In an effort to educate and inspire voting in the Nov. 8 election, the south suburban branch of the NAACP will host a voting rights event in Homewood on Saturday, Oct. 29.

The event is free to attend, and will give attendees an opportunity to register to vote, as well as hear from speakers presenting on voters' rights.

"Recent years have provided the US with an excellent opportunity to establish political power at all ballot levels that better represents all Americans," wrote Gary Dingle, president of the chapter.

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"The NAACP-CFSSB is encouraging African Americans and others in the South Chicagoland area to create productive change within our political system by electing the next sheriff, mayor, district attorney, city council members, and school board members," Dingle wrote. "These votes decide the legislators at county, city, and municipal levels who make decisions on many important issues that affect everyone, including the quality of education for our children. It is now more critical than ever for us to protect the freedom and power to vote, as this is one of the few ways that will guarantee the representation and equality we deserve as a nation of all races, ethnicities, religions, and financial classes."

The event will take place Oct. 29 from 12 to 3 p.m. in the Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Hwy. Refreshments will be provided, as well as voting registrations and informational handouts. The Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights will speak on voting rights and attendees will be able to enter a free raffle while they learn about the importance of voting and the differences that voting can make for our local neighborhoods and future generations.

This event is sponsored by The Top Ladies of Distinction, the National Council of Negro Women, and the Top Teens of America.