On Saturday, August 6, Stevie Wonder will bring his energy, spirit and artistry to the effort to ensure the renewal of the Voting Rights Act. With key provisions set to expire in 2007, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law forty years ago on August 6. Now, on the anniversary of that momentous event, Wonder will take the stage at New York's historic Apollo for a special evening designed to educate the public and encourage our legislators to support the renewal of these key provisions. A second performance is scheduled for Thursday, August 11.

Sections 4, 5, 6-9 and Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act could expire if Congress does not renew them. Section 4 determines which states are covered by Section 5, which requires federal pre-clearance of voting changes before they are enacted. Section 6-9 provides for federal examiners to monitor elections by the Department of Justice. Section 203 mandates that certain voting materials be translated in the language of minorities in certain jurisdictions.

Stevie returns to the Apollo Theater in its 70th year to deliver his message from the famous stage that has been the launching pad of so many meaningful Civil Rights initiatives. "We must begin now to make the public aware that this is an important democratic right we must protect for all people. The right to vote is so precious, we must do everything we can to protect that right for all citizens," Stevie commented.

Once again Stevie Wonder is using his voice in advocacy for an issue that is important to all of us. Although Stevie may be best-known for his stellar contributions to popular music with 22 Grammy awards, an Academy Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, equally important are his humanitarian efforts among which are spearheading the realization of Martin Luther King Day as a national holiday and his unflinching support of the movement to end apartheid in South Africa.

"Secure the Right Forever -- Educate and Legislate" The Voting Rights Act at the Apollo Theater will begin at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday August 6 and Thursday, August 11, doors open at 7:00 o'clock.