Who Can Vote? Exhibit Opening with Keynote Speaker Dr. Yohuru Williams

The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society, the League of Women Voters White Bear Lake Area, White Bear Lake Rotary Club and Many Faces, invite the community to the August 17 opening of a compelling new exhibit exploring the complex history of voting rights in the United States. The opening night keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Yohuru Williams, Distinguished University Chair and Professor of History and Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas. His presentation, “Grave Harms: Voting Rights, Judicial Power, and the Long Struggle for American Democracy,” will examine the enduring struggle for voting rights and the role of judicial power in shaping American democracy. Amy Perna, executive director, League of Women Voters Minnesota, and Sara Hanson, executive director, WBLAHS, will offer opening comments. This special event offers an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s ongoing pursuit of equal voting rights and to engage with the historical forces that continue to influence civic participation today. The event will be held at the White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 4th Street. Doors open at 6:00 PM with the program beginning at 6:30 PM. Space is limited, please click here to register. Who Can Vote? A Brief History of Voting Rights in the U.S. will be on view at the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society, 2228 4th Street, from August 18-September 11. Visit the WBLAHS website, whitebearhistory.org, for information on hours. The exhibit examines voting rights, emphasizing the role of the U.S. Constitution and the interplay between the states and federal government in determining who is allowed to vote. Beginning with the founding era and going up to the election of 2000, this exhibition explores the complex history of the right to vote that forms the core of our nation’s democracy. Topics include voting as a constitutional right, women’s suffrage, Reconstruction and the Jim Crow era voting rights, the Civil Rights Movement, and the enfranchisement of Indigenous peoples. The exhibit is sponsored by the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society in partnership with League of Women Voters White Bear Lake Area. The exhibit is sponsored by the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society in partnership with League of Women Voters White Bear Lake Area.