Atlanta activists join nation in march to demand federal election reform

Atlanta was the site of one of many protests across the country on Saturday, marking the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s march on Washington D.C. with a tribute event. 

The March On for Voting Rights took place in cities across the United States on Saturday in hopes of keeping Dr. King’s dream "deferred no longer." Advocates in King’s era achieved the Voting Rights Act of 1965 — which drastically improved voter access for Black Americans.

The march also marked the 58th anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech."

RELATED: Atlanta-area group protests for rent cancellation and reinstitution of eviction ban

The event included a cast of elected officials and civil rights activists:

  • Congresswoman Nikema Williams
  • Former NAACP President Ben Jealous
  • Dr. Bernice King
  • Chris Rey, Phi Beta Sigma International President and CEO
  • Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin
  • The Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley

Originally, the march was set to start at Ebenezer Baptist Church and continue to Centennial Olympic Park, but the location changed due to COVID-19 concerns. 

The FOX TV DIgital Team contributed to this report. 

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