The Voter Education Project (VEP) began in 1962 as part of the Southern Regional Council. Initially VEP granted funds to civil rights organizations to support voter education, voter registration drives, and voting-related research. In 1964, Vernon Jordan, the second executive director of the VEP, expanded the programs goals to include citizenship training, voter education, and leadership training in the southern United States, while continuing to provide funds to independent voter and civil rights groups, including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and the League of Women Voters. The VEP’s work with the League of Women Voters is highlighted in the materials below. In 1971, VEP under the leadership of John Lewis, became an independent organization and functioned as a research center and became known as an authoritative source for statistics on southern elections and voter registration in general. Lewis also forged the VEP into an activist organization, launching Voter Mobilization Tours with Georgia state legislator and civil rights advocate Julian Bond. At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
Sep 4, 2020

Voter Education Project Organizational Records

The Voter Education Project (VEP) began in 1962 as part of the Southern Regional Council. Initially VEP granted funds to civil rights organizations to support voter education, voter registration drives, and voting-related research. In 1964, Vernon Jordan, the second executive director of the VEP, expanded the programs goals to include citizenship training, voter education, and leadership training in the southern United States, while continuing to provide funds to independent voter and civil rights groups, including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and the League of Women Voters. The VEP’s work with the League of Women Voters is highlighted in the materials below. In 1971, VEP under the leadership of John Lewis, became an independent organization and functioned as a research center and became known as an authoritative source for statistics on southern elections and voter registration in general. Lewis also forged the VEP into an activist organization, launching Voter Mobilization Tours with Georgia state legislator and civil rights advocate Julian Bond.

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
40 Objects displayed
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  1. Browse Repository
  2. Archival Collections
  3. Voter Education Project Organizational Records
For:
  • Subjects = African American civic leaders
  • Geographic Location = Georgia--Atlanta
  • Decade = 1970-1979
Speech delivered to the Hungry Club Forum of Atlanta by Vivian M. Jones regarding the VEP.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Speech Delivered to the Hungry Club Forum, October 19, 1977
Date Created
1977-10-19
Description
Speech delivered to the Hungry Club Forum of Atlanta by Vivian M. Jones regarding the VEP.
Subject
Speeches, African American civic leaders, Voting, Voter registration
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article discussing Black leaders rallying in support of Vernon Jordan, who criticized the Carter administration's record on civil rights and social programs. Benjamin Hooks, executive director of the NAACP, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson also echoed Jordan's criticisms. Carter defended his record, but there were indications that a rift was developing between the White House and Black leaders. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Black Leaders Support Jordan Attack on Carter", July 27, 1977
Date Created
1977-07-27
Description
Newspaper article discussing Black leaders rallying in support of Vernon Jordan, who criticized the Carter administration's record on civil rights and social programs. Benjamin Hooks, executive director of the NAACP, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson also echoed Jordan's criticisms. Carter defended his record, but there were indications that a rift was developing between the White House and Black leaders. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements, Presidents
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article from The Atlanta Constitution endorsing John R. Lewis for the Fifth District congressional seat in an upcoming special election after it was vacated by Andrew Young after his appointment to the United Nations. Among its reasons for endorsing Lewis as a worthy successor to Young, the Constitution primarily believed that he would be a strong advocate for the people of the district. The Constitution also noted that Lewis was an original freedom rider and leader of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, emphasizing his deep understanding of the political process and the problems facing the Fifth District. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"John Lewis", March 10, 1977
Date Created
1977-03-10
Description
Newspaper article from The Atlanta Constitution endorsing John R. Lewis for the Fifth District congressional seat in an upcoming special election after it was vacated by Andrew Young after his appointment to the United Nations. Among its reasons for endorsing Lewis as a worthy successor to Young, the Constitution primarily believed that he would be a strong advocate for the people of the district. The Constitution also noted that Lewis was an original freedom rider and leader of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, emphasizing his deep understanding of the political process and the problems facing the Fifth District. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper op-ed by John R Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, calling on the United States to withdraw its support for the apartheid government of South Africa. Lewis argued that the United States was morally obligated to support majority rule in South Africa and that its current policies are only prolonging the suffering of Black South Africans. He proposed a number of concrete steps that the United States could take to end apartheid, including isolating South Africa from public and private support, participating in the United Nations embargo against South Africa, and repealing the Byrd Amendment. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"John Lewis: Beginning Steps For South Africa", December 25, 1976
Date Created
1976-12-25
Description
Newspaper op-ed by John R Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, calling on the United States to withdraw its support for the apartheid government of South Africa. Lewis argued that the United States was morally obligated to support majority rule in South Africa and that its current policies are only prolonging the suffering of Black South Africans. He proposed a number of concrete steps that the United States could take to end apartheid, including isolating South Africa from public and private support, participating in the United Nations embargo against South Africa, and repealing the Byrd Amendment. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson and Voter Education Project (VEP) Director John R. Lewis's plans to run for Congress. Jackson's top political advisor urged him not to run, but Jackson had not made an official decision yet. Lewis also had not made a decision, but he was encouraged by many people to run. State Rep. Mildred Glover was also expected to enter the race. She stated earlier that she did not want to run against Jackson, but she had since changed her mind. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Jackson Adviser Urges He Not Run for House", December 18, 1976
Date Created
1976-12-18
Description
Newspaper article describing Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson and Voter Education Project (VEP) Director John R. Lewis's plans to run for Congress. Jackson's top political advisor urged him not to run, but Jackson had not made an official decision yet. Lewis also had not made a decision, but he was encouraged by many people to run. State Rep. Mildred Glover was also expected to enter the race. She stated earlier that she did not want to run against Jackson, but she had since changed her mind. 1 page.
Subject
Political campaigns, African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, African American mayors
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper op-ed by John R. Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, imploring Black Americans to exercise their right to vote in the 1976 elections. Lewis argued that the vote was a powerful tool that could be used to transform communities, improve education, and achieve economic equality. He urged Black Americans to use their votes to elect officials who would represent their interests and create a better future for all. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Liberation Day November 2, 1976", October 27, 1976
Date Created
1976-10-27
Description
Newspaper op-ed by John R. Lewis, Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, imploring Black Americans to exercise their right to vote in the 1976 elections. Lewis argued that the vote was a powerful tool that could be used to transform communities, improve education, and achieve economic equality. He urged Black Americans to use their votes to elect officials who would represent their interests and create a better future for all. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper op-ed commending John R. Lewis for his long-time commitment to achieving civil rights for minority voters in the South, despite brutal and violent attempts to oppose civil rights efforts. The writer recognized Lewis as a civil rights icon who fought for equality and justice in the 1960s. Lewis was arrested 40 times and endured violence, but never gave up. Lewis also served as the Executive Director of the Voter Education Project where he continued to fight for social change. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Courage Won the Victory", August 2, 1976
Date Created
1976-08-02
Description
Newspaper op-ed commending John R. Lewis for his long-time commitment to achieving civil rights for minority voters in the South, despite brutal and violent attempts to oppose civil rights efforts. The writer recognized Lewis as a civil rights icon who fought for equality and justice in the 1960s. Lewis was arrested 40 times and endured violence, but never gave up. Lewis also served as the Executive Director of the Voter Education Project where he continued to fight for social change. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing John R. Lewis's statements at the Institute on Nonviolence and Social Change, where he argued that the philosophy of nonviolence was still important years after the civil rights movement's end. He said that nonviolence was an "ongoing process" towards the building of a community of justice and peace, and that the nonviolent movement of the 1960s was merely a bridge over troubled waters. 1 page
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Civil Rights Leader Says Nonviolence Still Needed", July 28, 1976
Date Created
1976-07-28
Description
Newspaper article describing John R. Lewis's statements at the Institute on Nonviolence and Social Change, where he argued that the philosophy of nonviolence was still important years after the civil rights movement's end. He said that nonviolence was an "ongoing process" towards the building of a community of justice and peace, and that the nonviolent movement of the 1960s was merely a bridge over troubled waters. 1 page
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing two Southern politicians, Bob Bullock of Texas and Zell Miller of Georgia, public support of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Bullock stated that the law was working and protecting the right to vote, while Miller stated that it should be extended to the entire nation. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Good Old Boys in the New South", November 30, 1975
Date Created
1975-11-30
Description
Newspaper article describing two Southern politicians, Bob Bullock of Texas and Zell Miller of Georgia, public support of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Bullock stated that the law was working and protecting the right to vote, while Miller stated that it should be extended to the entire nation. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing Lt. Gov. Zell Miller of Georgia's praise of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 for increasing voter registration and the number of Black elected officials in the South. However, he criticized Congress for not applying the law uniformly to all 50 states. Miller said that the law should be extended to all states, not just the South and states with large Spanish-speaking populations. He argued that it was discriminatory to apply the law to some states but not to others. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Miller in Texas, Praises Voting Act", November 24, 1975
Date Created
1975-11-24
Description
Newspaper article describing Lt. Gov. Zell Miller of Georgia's praise of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 for increasing voter registration and the number of Black elected officials in the South. However, he criticized Congress for not applying the law uniformly to all 50 states. Miller said that the law should be extended to all states, not just the South and states with large Spanish-speaking populations. He argued that it was discriminatory to apply the law to some states but not to others. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing Lt. Gov. Zell Miller of Georgia's calls for voting law changes that would increase voter registration and turnout. He specifically called for a switch to voter registration by mail, polling places to be open until 9 p.m., the mandated purge of voting lists to be expanded or eliminated, and ballots to be simplified. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Miller Asks Voting Reforms", August 6, 1975
Date Created
1975-08-06
Description
Newspaper article describing Lt. Gov. Zell Miller of Georgia's calls for voting law changes that would increase voter registration and turnout. He specifically called for a switch to voter registration by mail, polling places to be open until 9 p.m., the mandated purge of voting lists to be expanded or eliminated, and ballots to be simplified. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing the U.S. Senate voting down of an amendment to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that would have expanded the law to all 50 states. The amendment was proposed by Sen. Herman Talmadge, who argued that the law should be applied to all areas of the country where minority voting participation has been low. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Expanded Vote Act Refused by Senate", July 23, 1975
Date Created
1975-07-23
Description
Newspaper article describing the U.S. Senate voting down of an amendment to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that would have expanded the law to all 50 states. The amendment was proposed by Sen. Herman Talmadge, who argued that the law should be applied to all areas of the country where minority voting participation has been low. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing Mayor Maynard Jackson of Atlanta criticism of U.S. Sen. Herman Talmadge for opposing the extension of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Jackson stated that the act was still needed to protect the right to vote for black people in Georgia. Jackson said that Talmadge was "ignorant" of the facts when he claimed that Black people enjoyed universal voter registration rights. He pointed to the fact that there were continuing violations of the Voting Rights Act in Georgia. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Jackson Assails Talmadge Stand", July 16, 1975
Date Created
1975-07-16
Description
Newspaper article describing Mayor Maynard Jackson of Atlanta criticism of U.S. Sen. Herman Talmadge for opposing the extension of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Jackson stated that the act was still needed to protect the right to vote for black people in Georgia. Jackson said that Talmadge was "ignorant" of the facts when he claimed that Black people enjoyed universal voter registration rights. He pointed to the fact that there were continuing violations of the Voting Rights Act in Georgia. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Political campaigns, African American mayors
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Newspaper article describing Congressman Andrew Young urging of Congress to extend and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was set to expire. Young, who participated in the voting rights movement in Selma, Alabama, ten years prior, presented a documentary film on the voting rights movement to the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Renew, Strengthen Voting Act, Young Urges Congress", March 8, 1975
Date Created
1975-03
Description
Newspaper article describing Congressman Andrew Young urging of Congress to extend and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was set to expire. Young, who participated in the voting rights movement in Selma, Alabama, ten years prior, presented a documentary film on the voting rights movement to the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Civil rights movements
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Flyer and memo advertising a meeting with Coretta King, Julian Bond, and John Lewis, as well as a chartered bus service to Selma, Alabama for the 10th anniversary of commemoration of "Bloody Sunday". 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voting Rights Rally and March", 1975
Date Created
1975
Description
Flyer and memo advertising a meeting with Coretta King, Julian Bond, and John Lewis, as well as a chartered bus service to Selma, Alabama for the 10th anniversary of commemoration of "Bloody Sunday". 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Political posters, Voter registration, Voting, African American civil rights workers, African American civic leaders
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
The article discusses the work of John Lewis, head of the Voter Education Project, which aims to register Black voters in 11 southern states, and has added 2.5 million new Black voters to the voting lists since 1965, and the significance of the Voting Rights Act, including the recent extension of the act by the US House of Representatives and Ronald Reagan's denial of knowledge of the act. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Through Hell at King Elbow", 1975
Date Created
1975
Description
The article discusses the work of John Lewis, head of the Voter Education Project, which aims to register Black voters in 11 southern states, and has added 2.5 million new Black voters to the voting lists since 1965, and the significance of the Voting Rights Act, including the recent extension of the act by the US House of Representatives and Ronald Reagan's denial of knowledge of the act. 1 page.
Subject
Voter registration, Voting, African American civic leaders, Race discrimination, African American civil rights workers, African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Audio recording of the Voter Education Project's annual benefit dinner, moderated by Rep. Andrew Young. Atlanta Commissioner of Administrative Services Emma Darnell leads the attendees in prayer. Governor Jimmy Carter gives a keynote speech about the importance of universal voter registration. Mayor Maynard Jackson emphasizes the positive impact of VEP on voter registration in the South, declaring May 4, 1974 as "VEP Day." John Lewis thanks the attendees for attending the benefit dinner. Senator Edward Kennedy gives a speech regarding the need for voter registration work and advocates for an extension of the Voting Rights Act. John Lewis talks with friend and assistant Archie Allen about how inequities in the legal system impact the lives of Black Americans. Lilian Miles thanks the attendees for their donations and commitment to voter registration. Harry Hughey offers closing remarks. Rabbi Alvin Sugarman gives the final prayer and benediction.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Side B: Hungary Club
Date Created
1974
Description
Audio recording of the Voter Education Project's annual benefit dinner, moderated by Rep. Andrew Young. Atlanta Commissioner of Administrative Services Emma Darnell leads the attendees in prayer. Governor Jimmy Carter gives a keynote speech about the importance of universal voter registration. Mayor Maynard Jackson emphasizes the positive impact of VEP on voter registration in the South, declaring May 4, 1974 as "VEP Day." John Lewis thanks the attendees for attending the benefit dinner. Senator Edward Kennedy gives a speech regarding the need for voter registration work and advocates for an extension of the Voting Rights Act. John Lewis talks with friend and assistant Archie Allen about how inequities in the legal system impact the lives of Black Americans. Lilian Miles thanks the attendees for their donations and commitment to voter registration. Harry Hughey offers closing remarks. Rabbi Alvin Sugarman gives the final prayer and benediction.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American civic leaders, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government, Meetings
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
List of administrative and legal barriers to minority political participation, which was included in the VEP's "Election Notebook." In the past, minorities in the Southern states faced a number of barriers to registering to vote and voting, including purges and reregistration, discriminatory location of polling places, intimidation and exclusion of minority poll workers, and legal barriers such as at-large voting requirements and malapportioned election districts. These barriers made it difficult for minorities to participate in the political process and undermined their right to vote. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Administrative and Legal Barriers to Minority Political Participation, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
List of administrative and legal barriers to minority political participation, which was included in the VEP's "Election Notebook." In the past, minorities in the Southern states faced a number of barriers to registering to vote and voting, including purges and reregistration, discriminatory location of polling places, intimidation and exclusion of minority poll workers, and legal barriers such as at-large voting requirements and malapportioned election districts. These barriers made it difficult for minorities to participate in the political process and undermined their right to vote. 1 page.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Race discrimination, Voter registration, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Audio recording of VEP's trustees and financial advisers discussing the Voter Education Project's administrative and financial matters for the upcoming year. VEP was a non-partisan, non-profit organization which conducted voter registration, voter turnout, and voter education campaigns in eleven southern states. They raised money primarily to support their voter campaign efforts.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
VEP Meeting, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
Audio recording of VEP's trustees and financial advisers discussing the Voter Education Project's administrative and financial matters for the upcoming year. VEP was a non-partisan, non-profit organization which conducted voter registration, voter turnout, and voter education campaigns in eleven southern states. They raised money primarily to support their voter campaign efforts.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Meetings, African American leadership
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A man speaks during a VEP meeting, while other people listen and take notes.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Man Writes Notes at a VEP Meeting, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
A man speaks during a VEP meeting, while other people listen and take notes.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Meetings, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records