The 50th Anniversary for March on Ballot Boxes Planning Committee has announced two honorary co-chairs for the upcoming commemorative event on May 8. Ambassador Andrew Jackson Young, Jr. and Dr. Clarence Jones have agreed to serve as honorary co-chairs. Both individuals played important roles in the Civil Rights Movement and were a part of Martin Luther King Jr.’s trusted inner circle.

Young and Jones were present when Dr. King shared his “March on Ballot Boxes” speech on the athletic field of Tomlinson High School in Kingstree in 1966, moving thousands of attendees to vote.

“It is an honor to be a part of this event and pay tribute to Dr. King,” said Young. “As we continue to fight for equal rights for all, it is important to remember the impact that one individual can have on the lives of millions.”

For some, this event is more than just a way to commemorate how far we have come – it serves as a reminder of how much farther we have to go.

“The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is now endangered by the restrictions following the Roberts Court decision in Shelby v Holder in 2013 – which required pre-clearance from the Justice Department before they could change the eligibility requirements in their State to exercise the right to vote,” said Jones. “Thus, it is more important than ever, especially in South Carolina, former cradle of the Confederacy, that Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech at Kingstree be commemorated.”