Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) and NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo joined national advocacy group Black Women for Biden for a virtual forum to commemorate The Voting Rights Act of 1965, landmark legislation signed in to law 55 years ago that abolished discriminatory laws at state & local levels that prevented African American citizens from exercising their right to vote as guaranteed by the 15th Amendment.

"We feel a sense of urgency to continue to expand the movement toward social justice with younger generations in the wake of John Lewis passing away," said co-founders and senior advisors of Black Women for Biden Dr. Stephanie E. Myers and the Honorable Daun S. Hester in a joint statement.

"One way Millennials and Generation Z can honor the 55th Anniversary of The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is by registering to vote and then voting on November 3, 2020," said Dr. Myers. "The support of Millennials and Gen Z for Black Lives Matter and protests about the killings of George Floyd, Brianna Taylor, Elijah McClain and so many others can be made real if they cast their votes. Voting is an important demonstration of adulting and we will be proud of our youth because they can determine the election," said Dr. Myers.

"The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society."

• John Lewis

The event will also feature:

• Opening prayer by Rev. Barbara Reynolds

• Musical performance of "Amazing Grace" by saxophonist Michael Wilkerson

• Value of the Vote talk with Black Women for Biden National Co Chair Danyell Smith

• Reading of "Soul of a Nation" by John Lewis from State Liaison Doris Lee.

• High school voting rights activists Nahla Owens of N.H. & Shayla Dell of DC

• Howard University student Hollye Weekes of DC

For more information, visit www.blackwomenforbiden.net, Instagram: @bw4biden, and Facebook: Black-Women-for-Biden