Barriers to the Ballot Film Screening and Panel Discussion

National Archives at Kansas City

For More Information Contact:
Kimberlee Ried, 816-268-8072

Press Release: September 27, 2016

Kansas City (MO)…On Tuesday, October 11, at 6:30 p.m., the National Archives will host a film screening of The Black Belt and panel discussion titled, Barriers to the Ballot. A free light reception will precede the lecture at 6:00 p.m.

Directed by Margaret Brown, The Black Belt is a new documentary film short that illustrates the challenges residents face in one state around obtaining identification. In 2015, Alabama closed 31 Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) locations in counties with predominately black residents due to budget cuts, forcing residents to obtain voter ID cards by going to mobile DMV units. The film focuses on the mobile units, which are farcical at best, and how residents cope with finding a viable alternative for obtaining identification.

After the film a group of local activists and scholars will discuss the ongoing challenges around current attempts to change voter identification laws. Moderated by Dr. Delia Gillis of the University of Central Missouri, panelists include Delores Furtado, League of Women Voters; Anita Russell, NAACP-KC chapter; and Quinton Lucas, University of Kansas.

This program is presented in partnership with the American Association of University Women-KC Branch; League of Women Voters; and the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group.

Reservations are requested for this free program by calling 816-268-8010 or emailing kansascity.educate@nara.gov. Requests for ADA accommodations must be submitted five business days prior to events.

The National Archives at Kansas City is home to historical records dating from the 1820s to the 1990s created or received by Federal agencies in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. For more information, call 816-268-8000 or visit us online.

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LPM/LE-KC 17-02