Former Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll to be recognized as trailblazer in Florida politics at 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965
JACKSONVILLE, FL — Former Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll will be recognized at the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 for her significant accomplishments in state legislator and as the first Black and woman elected lieutenant governor in the state of Florida. The event will be held on Aug. 6, 2015 at 4 p.m. at the Main Library 303 N. Laura Street, Jacksonville, Fla.
“Without the passage of both the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, a Black person and a Caribbean descent of color would not have been able to break barriers to become the first elected Black Republican female in the Florida House of Representatives, the first female and Black elected as Lieutenant Governor and first Black elected statewide. It’s an honor to be recognized for the work I have done that benefits the Black population in Florida,” said Carroll.
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which banned the use of literacy tests and poll taxes in elections. This Act further supported the anti-discrimination measures passed under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and prevented Black Americans from exercising their right to vote under the 15th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
“It’s important for Black Americans to not simply vote for a party, but to vote for the per-son that will have the best vision, heart and commitment to doing what’s right to help the Black community propel to higher heights. No longer should low expectations be accepted, while other communities are prospering,” said Carroll.
During the seven and a half years Carroll served in the Florida legislature she passed meaningful legislation to: increase Black business growth, increase higher education opportunities for Black males, revise the student discipline and school safety zero tolerance to reduce the penal impact on Black youths, and she sponsored legislation of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. license tag which provides funding to the March of Dimes to combat infant mortality, birth defects, sickle cell disease and homelessness. Many of these issues disproportionately impact the Black communities in Florida.
As Lieutenant Governor, Carroll prevented budget cuts to Florida Historical Black Colleges and their advancement programs that provide an avenue for many disadvantaged Blacks to attend higher educational institutions. Carroll previously and currently represents other disadvantaged group, as she has fought to expand benefits to veterans, economic development, youth education, and international trade. Carroll will be speaking at the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association later this month in Miami.
To learn more about Carroll’s contribution to the state of Florida, visit http://www.jennifercarroll.com/.
