“If you don ‘t vote, you don’t count.”
Vernon Dahmer, Slain Civil Rights Leader
On August 1 at 6 p.m., the Nonviolent Peaceforce and the League of Women Voters will host a free screening of the new film Dying to Vote, from the Emmy-winning director of The Uncomfortable Truth, Loki Mulholland, followed by a discussion on voting rights at the Peace Cafe, 2143 Lowry N.
The new documentary is a searing exploration of democracy’s cornerstone: the right to vote. Dying to Vote isn’t just a film; it’s a rallying cry for awareness, rooted in the true story of Vernon Dahmer, a man who paid the ultimate price for this fundamental right.
“We have a long history of voter intimidation in America that has crossed multiple demographics over the years, said Mulholland.“We need to understand that this is not about party but ideology. It’s about our democracy and rights.”
Mulholland, disturbed by the shadows of voter suppression looming over contemporary society, was inspired by conversations with Pulitzer-nominated journalist Jerry Mitchell to delve deeper. This isn’t just history; it’s an ongoing battle that is vividly captured through the Dahmer family’s eyes and the perspective of political leaders like Rep. Bernie Thompson, Chairman of the January 6th Committee.“January 6th was part of that history. It was the attempt, through intimidation, to deny the validation of the vote. We came very close to repeating the coup of 1898 in Wilmington, North Carolina,” Mulholland shared.“We all have an important role to play in this el