Wednesday, July 17, marked the four-year commemoration of the passing of civil and human rights champion Congressman John Lewis. Labor and civil rights partners, allies, and friends came together in their communities for the John Lewis National Day of Action where they raised awareness for the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the Freedom to Vote Act and the Native American Voting Rights Act, all pieces of legislation that Lewis backed while fighting for marginalized communities.
IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen spoke among Delta workers in Atlanta to celebrate John Lewis’s life and demand the passage of these critical bills.
“The John Lewis Voting Act aims to eliminate discrimination in our elections, ensuring that all citizens’ voices are heard and valued,” said Johsen. “It’s deeply troubling that the same group fighting to suppress voting rights is also pushing some of the most anti-worker laws in our nation. These attacks are not isolated instances. They are part of a coordinated effort to silence the voice of working people and dismantle the labor movement. We must stand united in any voter suppression attempts. Our union is dedicated to ensuring that all members have full access to the ballot box.”
The voting rights and human dignity of people of color, language minorities, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, young voters, and voters with disabilities have been continually attacked by the same forces that target workers’ right to organize.
The IAM is proud to have worked with the late Congressman Lewis during his full and impressive career standing up for justice, equality, and true democracy.