Northeast News

September 30, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – With the upcoming presidential election just over a month away, the National Archives at Kansas City, Missouri (W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108) will be looking back at the history of voting in the Latino community with the screening of “Willie Velasquez: Your Vote is Your Voice” on Monday, October 3, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The screening of the new documentary will be followed by a Q&A session featuring notable activists and historians including Manny Abarca and Dr. Gene T. Chavez. Abarca told the Northeast News that Velasquez’s quest to register thousands of Latino voters during the 1970’s and 1980’s provides a worthy history lesson as low voter turnover continues to be an issue in Kansas City.

“That’s something that I’m focusing on right now, is making sure that I’m getting the Latino vote out and getting them engaged in this process,” said Abarca. “If not, we’re going to miss out. If we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu.”

Before the October 3 screening, a reception will begin at 6:00 p.m. To learn more about Willie Velasquez or to register for the event, visit kcpt.org/events.