West Orange Group Holds Voter Registration Drive For MLK Day

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange African Heritage Organization (WOAHO) sponsored a voter registration drive on Monday to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

“We wanted to do something that was both honoring of his legacy and that which continues the struggle – even 54 years after his assassination – for the rights of African Americans and indeed all people to participate fully in our civic society,” said WOAHO President Althia Tweiten.

The event saw attendance from Bill Payne, the uncle of U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr., who attended on behalf of the congressman.

“This Voter Registration Drive, which took place at the South Valley BBQ in West Orange, is our response to those seeking to suppress the right to vote by spurious means,” said Brent Scott, WOAHO historian.

“We speak loudly and proudly in support of The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (HR-4) and The Freedom to Vote Act (HR-1),” Scott said. “This is must pass legislation in the continuing fight for equal voting rights, upholding of the one person, one vote principle and protecting American democracy.”

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