Film Screening and Panel Discussion: Barriers to the Ballot

National Archives at Kansas City
Kansas City, MO

6:00 p.m. reception/6:30 p.m. film
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 all programs and workshops by calling 816-268-8010 or emailing kansascity.educate@nara.gov.