29th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Event

January 26, 2015

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, adding a profound piece of history to UW-Whitewater's annual Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration.

To discuss this year's focus, "The Voting Rights Act: Historical and Contemporary Developments," the campus will welcome Deuel Ross, an attorney at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. Ross' work includes promoting the equal and active participation of all African-American voters in the democratic process.

"It's a timely matter due to concerns about whether or not the rights of marginalized groups to vote will be honored," said Richard McGregory, assistant vice chancellor for multicultural affairs and student success.

This event is 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, in the University Center Hamilton Room.

"I really hope that all participants come with an open mind and take something from this
event," said Mai Yer Yang, intergroup relations coordinator. "Martin Luther King Jr.'s impact isn't the only piece; there are multiple pieces that contribute to the history."

Every year since 1990, the Office of the Chancellor and the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Student Success have sponsored this event.