We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

As the Declaration of Independence stated on our country’s birthdate, governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, but unfortunately, our county’s self-endowed basic rights were systematically taken away from our county’s minority populations.

In 1965, civil rights activist rallied to ensure their rights, most in a peaceful, orderly fashion.

And 49 years later, Americans of all races gathered in Selma to celebrate the accomplishments of our democratic republic.

During this year’s Jubilee, many of the speakers talked about America being a shining of example of democracy at work, but some expressed concern about the Supreme Court’s decision to declare parts of the Voting Rights Act unconstitutional.

Many of the U.S. and state legislators at the Sunday Brown Chapel service voiced their support in protecting voting rights.

As right as our country is on many issues, we are a country still under development, under construction. We are a nation with growing pains and will always be. It’s a good problem to have.

But, of those things that make us special, it is our power at the polls we must always protect.