Only about half of Maryland’s eligible voters have exercised their right to vote in recent elections – 66 percent of us in 2012 and 42 percent in 2014. Being reminded of our history and that people have fought and died for this right could rekindle our appreciation for the foundation of our democracy.
Dr. Clara Small, recently retired Salisbury University professor of history, award-winning author, and currently appointed to a commission by our governor to study the history and legacy of slavery, will recount for us the African-American experience leading to the 15th Amendment, and the Women’s Suffrage movement leading to our 19th Amendment.
Our second speaker, Olivia Brice, is a University of Maryland graduate and a Strategy and Operations consultant employed by Deloitte Consulting. The Department of Homeland Security and the Defense Department are among her clients. She will address the voting issues we are facing today, including strategies for encouraging greater participation.
Following their presentations, certificates and a first place prize of $100 and second place prize of $50 will be awarded to the Talbot County high school students who have submitted the winning essays on voting. They will be invited to share their essays and join the panel discussion that follows. Questions will be welcomed.
This program, free and open to the public, is being sponsored by the Talbot County Democratic Forum; and will be presented Sunday, April 17, 3-5 PM at the Senior Center, 400 Brookletts Avenue, Easton.
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