“Forty-seven years ago, Martin Luther King, Jr. laid out his dream for America: that our nation would one day recognize true equality for all Americans, that our country would guarantee justice and opportunity for all Americans, and that all Americans would one day come together – regardless of each other’s race or background – in common spirit and kinship. The quarter million people who had gathered on the National Mall in Washington, DC to hear Dr. King speak shared in that dream – as did millions more who heard him on television or read of his speech in the papers the next day.

“In the almost fifty years since that day, our nation has made tremendous progress toward realizing Dr. King’s dream – and the dream of all those hopeful Americans who marched and demonstrated in common cause with him. Our country has done away with the most grievous remnants of the legacy of slavery, including segregation, and we have passed laws protecting civil rights and stating that Americans of all races and backgrounds are equal in the eyes of the law. The American people have made progress not only toward removing racial biases in our laws, but also toward removing their own racial blinders – toward a world in which, in the words of Dr. King, we are able ‘to stand up for freedom together.’ Let us continue to work together to meet Dr. King’s goal of making ‘justice a reality for all of God’s children.’

“As a long-time civil rights attorney, I know that inequality and injustice persist, but I take heart in how far our country has come and I have faith that, under the leadership of President Obama, our country will continue to move forward toward becoming a more perfect union for all.”

Today we highlight a local effort in Alabama. OFA Alabama is pounding the pavement, reaching out to folks in beauty salons and barbershops around the state to GOTV for November 2010 and let communities know what important races are happening. Here’s what OFA-AL State Director Leanne Townsend had to say:

“In pouring rain, we reached out to over 16 places in only a couple of hours!”

Through a targeted campaign, OFA Alabama has identified over 40 beauty salons and barbershops in an effort to capture the enthusiasm of the many first time and disenfranchised voters who came out in droves to support the election of President Barack Obama.

Young and old are committing to Vote 2010-- will you take that pledge?

Forty-five years ago today President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Voting Rights Act, one of the most pivotal and monumental laws governing racial equality and parity as it relates to every eligible American’s fundamental right to vote. The right to vote is not only a fundamental principle of our democracy but is an integral piece of the fabric that makes up our Republic; for a country that does not recognize the rights of the minority is a country that denies full citizenship to all of her people.

Let us not forget that when our country was founded African Americans and women were not viewed nor valued as full citizens. It would take the tireless and relentless efforts of many and the ultimate sacrifice of far too many for America to live up to her ideals. However, it was only because countless Americans put their lives on the line to secure and defend that right that America is fulfilling that promise immortalized in the Declaration of Independence that

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by the Creator with certain inalienable rights.

The Democratic Party-- the party of Jefferson, Roosevelt, Johnson and Obama-- is and will continue to be the party that will defend every Americans’ right to vote and make sure that essential right is protected. Never again can we allow Americans because of their socio-economic status, gender or race be denied their right to full citizenship. Conversely, it is the responsibility of every single American to exercise that right.

We cannot and we must not let the sacrifices of so many be in vain. It is because of their sacrifice that every American can exercise their right to vote. It is because of their sacrifice that generations of Americans will continue to have their voices heard. This November it is the responsibility of every American to exercise their right to vote. Moreover, if President Obama is to continue the work of turning our economy around, creating jobs and building upon the tremendous work he and Congressional Democrats have already done he must have allies in Congress to do so. At a time like this we cannot and must not waiver in our commitment to electing Democratic allies for the President. Too many people have fought, suffered and died for our right to vote and we must exercise that right this in November.

While there is still much work to do to ensure that every American has the opportunity to make their voice heard, we can and should take solace in knowing that we as a country and a people truly have come a mighty long way.

More on the Voting Rights Act:

• The History of the Voting Rights Act
• Donna Brazile: Stay Vigilant to Protect Voting Rights
• Jeremy Bird: Celebrating the Voting Rights Act
• Alabama Commemorates the Voting Rights Act

In recognition of the historic achievement 45 years ago, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement:

“When President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act, he called it a ‘triumph of freedom.’ Although the necessity of this law was born out of the dark legacy of slavery and Jim Crow laws, the Act opened the door to a brighter future for all Americans by guaranteeing – more clearly than ever before – that American citizens, regardless of race, had the fundamental right to choose their leaders and to make their voices heard in the halls of government.

“In the 45 years since the Voting Rights Act became law, America has become a more equal nation. Through the enforcement of this law and others that protect the rights of Americans and through the striking down of laws that prevented many Americans from fully exercising their rights, we have empowered Americans of all backgrounds to more fully realize the promise of our nation.

“But as a former civil rights lawyer, I know there remains progress to be made. While our country and our government are now more diverse than ever before, we must continue to defend and protect Americans against discrimination. We must continue to vigorously protect the rights of voters to cast their ballots. And we must continue to work toward greater freedom and equality in America.

“On this 45th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, I would like to join with President Obama and individuals across America in celebrating the progress that has been made to guarantee Americans’ civil rights, in expressing my gratitude to all those Americans who put their lives on the lines to fight for those rights, and in recommitting to advocating for and defending the voting rights that make possible self governance that is at the heart of American democracy.”

On the air, Chairman Kaine talked about the importance of registering to vote and voting this fall. He pointed listeners to the DNC website www.raiseyourvote.com, where they can find all the information they need to register and make their voice heard this year, and he made it clear that this year’s elections are too important for anyone to stay home. It is critical that we elect and reelect strong Democrats who will stand with the President to help him continue to move America forward. Said Chairman Kaine:

“We have [Republicans] running to be elected who are saying that the Civil Rights Acts are things that they may not agree with, who are talking about privatizing Social Security, who have stood against the President as he tried to turn the economy around. There is a sharp choice in these November elections between the President and Members of Congress who are doing the heavy lifting to get the economy climbing again and the Party that wants to take us back to the same policies that put us in the ditch to begin with…

We were in a ditch; the President and Congress have had to build a ladder and start climbing…the clear choice this November [is] do you want to keep climbing or do you want to go back in the other direction?”

You can listen to the entire interview here.

In his interview with the Rev. Sharpton, Chairman Kaine emphasized his long-standing relationship with the African American community and the critical importance of African American voters:

“I come out of a civil rights background in Richmond, Virginia, where the African American community frankly has been key to every one of the seven races that I’ve ran and won, and…I don’t forget who was helping me.”

Today, Chairman Kaine echoed that message on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, noting that the Democratic Party this year will be working particularly hard to reconnect with first-time 2008 voters—an important group who helped make President Obama’s election possible and who can help make Democratic success possible this year. Said Chairman Kaine:

“There were 15 million Americans who voted for the first time in 2008—[they were] overwhelmingly minority, largely young, more women than men. ... On June 5, we started to do canvasses [with those voters]. About 20,000 volunteers went out on the street on the fifth of June…to go directly door to door to those voters to start to make the connection between what change they wanted to see happen when they voted in 2008 and the need to continue to be about putting good partners in place who will work with this President, not just throw rocks at him.”

You can listen to Chairman Kaine’s interviews below and find out more about how you can vote and make a difference this year at www.raiseyourvote.com.

“Our main focus at the DNC is really going to be the 15 million Americans who voted for the first time in 2008, who wanted to be part of an historic election. We know that they are disproportionately minorities, disproportionately young, more women than men, but we also know that they would not normally participate at a heavy level in a midterm election…so we’re focused very significantly on this group of 15 million to try and increase that turn-out.”

“We do have to have very significant turn-out in the African American community…Here we have a President who walked in after a historic election to the toughest circumstances since FDR was inaugurated in 1933 – a horrible economy, two wars , all kinds of other issues – and whether it’s been turning the economy around…or getting health insurance reform passed…this President has tackled all the tough issues. But he’s only going to be able to be successful in the second half of this term if he’s got good colleagues to work with in Congress and in the Governors’ mansions, and it’s absolutely critical that African-American supporters who stood so strongly with the President in 2008 continue to help him have partners who will enable him to get the job done.”

You can listen to the full interview below, and visit RaiseYourVote.com to find out how you can register to vote and make a difference this year.

Said Chairman Kaine:

“Raise Your Vote…will enable people all over the United States - whether you’re living in Mercer Island, Washington, or Cleveland, or the Upper East Side of Manhattan to get on one website and figure out how to register to vote if you’re not registered.”

Noting that “an expanded electorate is great for our country and great for our candidates,” Chairman Kaine placed the Raise Your Vote tool within the context of the DNC’s larger Vote 2010 efforts to bring more first-time 2008 voters back to the polls this fall to support the President’s allies in races across the country.

The DNC will be reaching out to first-time 2008 voters and other new voters to ensure they have the information they need to support the President and Democrats this fall.

You can listen to the interview for yourself below and hear all about the DNC’s Raise Your Vote and Vote 2010 efforts here. And don’t forget to register to vote!

"I want to be remembered as someone who used herself and anything she could touch to work for justice and freedom...I want to be remembered as someone who tried." - Dr. Dorothy Height

Civil rights legend Dr. Dorothy Height passed away this morning in Washington, D.C. at the age of 98. Dr. Height, President of the National Council of Negro women for 40 years, was one of the most influential women involved in the civil rights movement, and had devoted her life to fighting for equality for African Americans and women.

President Obama released the following statement on the news of Dr. Height's passing:

"Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dorothy Height - the godmother of the Civil Rights Movement and a hero to so many Americans. Ever since she was denied entrance to college because the incoming class had already met its quota of two African American women, Dr. Height devoted her life to those struggling for equality. She led the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years, and served as the only woman at the highest level of the Civil Rights Movement - witnessing every march and milestone along the way. And even in the final weeks of her life – a time when anyone else would have enjoyed their well-earned rest – Dr. Height continued her fight to make our nation a more open and inclusive place for people of every race, gender, background and faith. Michelle and I offer our condolences to all those who knew and loved Dr. Height – and all those whose lives she touched."

The Washington Post reported on some of Dr. Height's life work and accomplishments:

As a civil rights activist, Ms. Height participated in protests in Harlem during the 1930s. In the 1940s, she lobbied first lady Eleanor Roosevelt on behalf of civil rights causes. And in the 1950s, she prodded President Dwight D. Eisenhower to move more aggressively on school desegregation issues. In 1994, Bill Clinton awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor...

In the turmoil of the civil rights struggles in the 1960s, Ms. Height helped orchestrate strategy with movement leaders including the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Roy Wilkins, A. Philip Randolph, Whitney Young, James Farmer, Bayard Rustin and John Lewis, who later served as a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia....

In August 1963, Ms. Height was on the platform with King when he delivered his "I have a dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial. But she would say later that she was disappointed that no one advocating women's rights spoke that day at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Less than a month later, at King's request, she went to Birmingham, Ala., to minister to the families of four black girls who had died in a church bombing linked to the racial strife that had engulfed the city.

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine's Statement On The Passing of Civil Rights Leader Dorothy Height:

“Today, the world lost an iconic figure, a true visionary and drum major for equality and justice. Dr. Height, one of the founding members of the Civil Rights movement, worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Whitney Young, Roy Wilkins, A. Phillip Randolph, Mary McLeod Bethune, and others. She fought tirelessly so that African American women and men would be treated fairly and with dignity. Her efforts on behalf of economic and social justice helped secure desegregation of public schools, equal employment opportunities, greater pay equity for women, equal access to public accommodations, and voting rights for all Americans.

“During her four decades as president of the National Council of Negro Women, Dr. Height worked hard to ensure that the causes of freedom and equality remained at the forefront of the American consciousness. For her work, Dr. Height received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor, as well as the Congressional Gold medal, the highest honor Congress can bestow.

“Dr. Height’s tireless efforts on behalf of the less fortunate were a testament to her love and compassion toward her fellow man. Her long and distinguished career improved the lives of countless Americans and her legacy will endure for generations to come. I join Dr. Height’s friends and family in commemorating her lifetime and I offer my condolences on their loss.”

DC Democratic Party Chair Anita Bonds' Statement on the Passing of Dr. Dorothy Height:

"The District of Columbia Democrats acknowledge the passing of Dr. Dorothy Height, famous, celebrated and outstanding American. Her legacy will live on through the millions of lives she touched during her lifetime of 98 years. During her most active years in the civil rights struggle, the average citizen in the Black community, the President of the United States, and governments across the world, sought her comforting presence, knowledge and wisdom. In recent times, her undying dedication to the call of justice and democracy was exemplified through her love for young people by connecting them to the rich history of their cultures and promises for a bright future through teaching that "you can be what you want to be" with preparation to better yourself -- be it President of the United States, world champion tennis athlete, accomplished college graduate or esteemed family. May Dr. Height rest in peace knowing that her journey has been an inspiration to her nation.”

We are honoring the civil rights activist by remembering when the DC Council presented her with a recognition resolution last year. The recognition took place during the Congressional Black Caucus week in Washington DC at the Park at Fourteenth. See a video and photos of the presentation of the recognition here:

With the passing of Civil Rights activist and feminist Dr. Dorothy Height, CNN’s Ali Velshi and Donna Brazile discuss the next generation of leaders and crusaders. Watch the video here.

The Democratic Party continues the fight for voting rights year-round. As we know too well, these struggles are not a thing of the past: Minority voters in particular still encounter obstacles at every step of the voting process, from registration to casting a ballot. Practices such as photo identification laws that respond to the made-up problem of voter fraud disproportionately exclude low-income and minority voters.

We are making definite progress -- but we won't stop working to promote a system of elections that is accessible, open, and fair in upcoming elections and beyond -- and ensure that every vote lawfully cast is counted.

You can read the statement from DNC Chairman Tim Kaine commemorating today's anniversary of Bloody Sunday below:

“This weekend marks the 45th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, where some 600 civil rights marchers attempted to walk from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. They had only made it about six blocks, to the Edmund Pettus Bridge, when the marchers were met with tear gas and beaten by state and local officers with clubs. Horrific images from that day broadcast on television left an indelible mark on the American people. Later that year, President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965, putting an end to poll taxes, literacy tests, and other efforts to keep minorities from voting.

“We have certainly come a long way since Selma. Last year, more than four decades after Bloody Sunday, our first African American President, Barack Obama, was sworn into office. For many, his Presidency represents the achievement of Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream. But as we acknowledge how far we have come, we cannot allow ourselves to think our work is over to breaking down barriers for all Americans.

“Even today, decades after Jim Crow laws were struck down and four years after the Voting Rights Act was renewed, too many Americans still face discrimination at the polls and people are treated unfairly because of who they are or what they believe. That is why the President and the Democrats at all levels of government are committed to ensuring that every eligible American is able to cast a vote and have their vote counted. And it’s why the President and the Justice Department are making fighting discrimination a priority. President Obama’s signing of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which is named in part for James Byrd, who was dragged to his death behind a pickup truck in Texas because of the color of his skin, was just one step in the right direction.

“But there is more work to do. As we remember the brave men and women who marched 45 years ago, let us renew our commitment to ensuring that all Americans – regardless of race, color and creed – are able to live free from fear or discrimination and able to achieve the American Dream.”

During the evening Chairman Kaine discussed the DNC’s outreach to the African American community and the president’s agenda on a host of issues. It was also a time to commemorate Black History Month.

The DNC takes diversity seriously among its staff, and we work hard to reach out to communities and voters from all walks of life. The DNC has worked on improving its outreach to the African American community by including African American leaders in its state party and OFA outreach, having meetings with community leaders, and having national calls with DNC African American leaders and other prominent African American community leaders to promote and support the President’s agenda in the African American community.

The evening was very successful and the DNC looks forward to holding more discussions with the community in the future.

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine:

“Today we begin our celebration of Black History Month, a month where our country sets aside time to honor African Americans and their contributions to the fabric of American life and culture. We must not forget how far our country has come within such a short amount of time. Less than 60 years ago African Americans were relegated to segregated bathrooms and second-class citizenship by force of law. Now African Americans are an integral part of and participate in the leadership ranks of our most esteemed private and public sector institutions.

“Last year, our nation swore in its first African American president. President Obama's election is a significant moment in U.S. history—a moment that all Americans can be proud of and a sign of how far our country has come.

“Our success as a nation would be incomplete without the contributions of African American pioneers such as Fredrick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, W.E.B. Dubois, Howard Thurman, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Dr. Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Justice Thurgood Marshall, Governor Douglas Wilder, and many others too numerous to mention. As a result of their leadership and tireless efforts America is a stronger nation. All Americans, regardless of race, creed or color have benefited from their accomplishments.

“Of course, there is more to do. Inequalities in many aspects of American life—including education, health care, housing, and more—still disproportionately affect African Americans. The Democratic Party is committed to making sure that all Americans have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed, are treated fairly, and are given the respect they deserve.

“On behalf of the Democratic Party, I thank all of those who spent their lives fighting for equality, and encourage all of us to recommit ourselves to the march for civil and equal rights.”

DNC Black Caucus Chairwoman Virgie Rollins:

"We celebrate the beginning of Black History Month reflecting on African American achievements. Nearly forty-five years after the passage of the Voting Rights Act, the Democratic Party continues to be at the forefront of ensuring social and economic justice for every American, and promoting the richness of diversity in our nation.

"We made history electing our first African American President. Our Party will continue its commitment to ensuring that African Americans have the same opportunities as our fellow Americans in realizing the American Dream.

"We also continue to pray and support our sisters and brothers and their families in Haiti."

Donna Brazile, DNC Vice Chair of Voter Registration and Participation, energized a crowd of hundreds of African American leaders and voters on Thursday in Nevada.

Addressing more than 400 participants at the Culinary Training Academy in North Las Vegas, Vice Chair Brazile came with a strong message of support for her friend Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

As reported by the Las Vegas Sun, she told supporters, “Harry Reid is part of our family – not just the Democratic family or the black family but the American family. I am proud to be an African American for Harry Reid.” She continued, ”In the bank of justice, he has a full account. Some people don’t even have an account. He opened that account decades ago, long before it was fashionable to back this and support that. He opened his account because of his faith. And he believes that God made us all equal.”

Participants left fired up and ready to go with clear instructions to continue carrying the message of support for Senator Reid to others in their community.

Nevada State Democratic Party Chair Sam Liberman was thrilled with the turnout and said “Donna’s heart, humor, and keen insight are an inspiration to multiple generations of Democratic voters. Her support of Senator Reid is unwavering and much appreciated by Nevadans and Democrats across the country.”

You can read more about the event as reported by the Las Vegas Sun.

Fannie Lou believed in democracy. When she first learned that Blacks could vote, she did not wait. She raised her hand to go down to Indianola, Mississippi to register to vote. Though her first attempts were unsuccessful, the experience moved Fannie Lou to act. Despite the loss of her job as a sharecropper, multiple beatings, and threats to her life, Hamer became involved in voter registration drives and helped form the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, which challenged the all-white Mississippi delegation to the Democratic National Convention. In 1964, Hamer took her case to the Convention. Speaking to the Credentials Committee, she famously challenged the Party to live up to its ideals, asking “Is this America, the land of the free and the home of the brave, where we have to sleep with our telephones off the hooks because our lives be threatened daily, because we want to live as decent human beings, in America?” Hamer’s words and presence at the Convention led the DNC to change its rules in 1968 to require equal representation within state delegations to its national conventions.

Fannie Lou served as a Mississippi delegate to the Democratic National Convention, and continued to work to expand the rights of women and people of color until her death in 1977. She is buried in her hometown of Ruleville, Mississippi, where her tombstone, adopting her signature line, reads, “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

The spirit that Fannie Lou ignited in our country decades ago continues to grow today. As millions of voters prepare to go to the polls in Virginia and New Jersey to cast their ballots, the Democratic National Committee stands strongly committed to meaningful and comprehensive election reform that will guarantee every eligible American - regardless of race, ethnicity, geography, disability, language, political party, gender, economic status or education - the constitutional right to equal participation in the political process.

Today, we remember a pioneer. A woman who dared to expand democracy for all people.

Read the DNC Resolution in Support of Accurate, Open and Transparent Elections in the United States of America.