SHE POWER HOUR
Our Voice • Our Vote • Our Responsibility Dr. Andrea Oliver • SHE Power Hour • October 12, 2026
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The Promise—and the Contradiction
American democracy expanded through generations of struggle. Voting rights were never extended equally or automatically. Dr. Andrea Oliver • SHE Power Hour • October 12, 2026
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Black Political Power
14th Amendment (1868): citizenship and equal protection 15th Amendment (1870): racebased voting discrimination prohibited
Black Women Built Civic Power Mary Church Terrell – prominent suffragist
Sojourner Truth • Ida B. Wells • Mary Church Terrell • Gwen Sawyer Cherry Black women organized despite exclusion from the ballot.
19th Amendment (1920): extended voting rights to women Dr. Andrea Oliver • SHE Power Hour • October 12, 2026
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Gwen S. Cherry – FL’s first black female state legislator
From Jim Crow to the Voting Rights Act
Poll taxes • literacy tests • intimidation • violence Selma and grassroots organizing helped secure the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Dr. Andrea Oliver • SHE Power Hour • October 12, 2026
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Voting Essentials: Be Prepared
Confirm registration and eligibility Check your polling place, ID rules, and ballot Verify early-voting and mail-ballot deadlines Dr. Andrea Oliver • SHE Power Hour • October 12, 2026
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Fair Access: Rights and Barriers
Disenfranchisement and restoration of voting rights Language, disability, transportation, and information access Disqualification rules vary by state Dr. Andrea Oliver • SHE Power Hour • October 12, 2026
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Redistricting and Representation
Every decade, census data informs new districts. Gerrymandering can weaken community influence. Not every unfair-looking map violates the same law. Dr. Andrea Oliver • SHE Power Hour • October 12, 2026
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Community Power Beyond Election Day
Voter education • school boards • local government Community organizations • public comment • accountability
Dr. Andrea Oliver • SHE Power Hour • October 12, 2026
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A Historical Case Study: Fannie Lou Hamer
“Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.” Freedom Summer and the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party
Dr. Andrea Oliver • SHE Power Hour • October 12, 2026
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From Awareness to Action
1. Verify your own voter information. 2. Help someone locate official election resources. 3. Choose one sustained civic action. Dr. Andrea Oliver • SHE Power Hour • October 12, 2026
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Your Voice. Your Vote. Our Responsibility.
History shows that progress is made—and protected—by participation. Dr. Andrea Oliver • SHE Power Hour • October 12, 2026
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Thank you for joining SHE Power Hour.