Film Debut and Panel Discussion of Willie Velsquez: Your Vote is Your Voice

National Archives at Kansas City

Press Release: September 19, 2016

Kansas City (MO)…On Monday, October 3, at 6:30 p.m., the National Archives at Kansas City in partnership with Kansas City Public Television, will debut a new documentary Willie Velásquez: Your Vote is Your Voice. A free light reception will precede the lecture at 6:00 p.m.

Throughout American history, Latinos were often kept from the ballot box through the use of poll taxes, gerrymandering, and outright intimidation. With his rallying cry of “su voto es su voz,” (your vote is your voice), Willie Velásquez started a grassroots movement in the 1970s that resulted in the registration of millions of Latino voters and paved the way for the growing power of the Latino vote. Willie Velásquez: Your Voice is Your Vote chronicles Willie’s journey from radical student activist to respected statesman, and examines the history of the Latino vote as well as contemporary issues facing Latinos today, including the 2016 presidential election.

This program is presented in partnership with Kansas City Public Television; Latino Public Broadcasting; Hispanic Coalition/Chamber of Commerce; Kansas City Hispanic Business Political Action Committee; and the Young Latino Professionals.

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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