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.
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  • Subjects = African American civil rights workers
  • Subjects = African American civic leaders
The 20th Anniversary Commemoration of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March was successful in generating community support and bringing attention to ongoing issues in voter registration and civil rights, with a delegation of Black leaders meeting with Alabama Governor George Wallace to discuss abolishing at-large election schemes, expanding job opportunities for Blacks, and the upcoming trial of the Perry County 3, while a survey conducted by the Black Women's Voter Project of VEP found that over 90% of Black women interviewed said they have seen the need to continue voter registration efforts because of the march. 3 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Reflections on the Selma March and Plans for the Future", March 8, 1985
Date Created
1985--03-08
Description
The 20th Anniversary Commemoration of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March was successful in generating community support and bringing attention to ongoing issues in voter registration and civil rights, with a delegation of Black leaders meeting with Alabama Governor George Wallace to discuss abolishing at-large election schemes, expanding job opportunities for Blacks, and the upcoming trial of the Perry County 3, while a survey conducted by the Black Women's Voter Project of VEP found that over 90% of Black women interviewed said they have seen the need to continue voter registration efforts because of the march. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Voter registration, African American civic leaders, African American civil rights workers, African American women
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release on the VEP announcing the list of speakers and discussion leaders for VEP's Contemporary Voting Rights Conference, which will focus on the Voting Rights Act Reauthorization, redistricting, and reapportionment, featuring Julian Bond, Leslie Burl McLemore, Robert Walker, Gerald Jones, Victor McTeer, Frank Parker, Laughlin McDonald, and Henry Kirksey, among others. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Announcement of Speakers for the VEP's Contemporary Voting Rights Conference", September 29, 1981
Date Created
1981-09-29
Description
Press release on the VEP announcing the list of speakers and discussion leaders for VEP's Contemporary Voting Rights Conference, which will focus on the Voting Rights Act Reauthorization, redistricting, and reapportionment, featuring Julian Bond, Leslie Burl McLemore, Robert Walker, Gerald Jones, Victor McTeer, Frank Parker, Laughlin McDonald, and Henry Kirksey, among others. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights, African American civic leaders, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release on a coalition of civil rights organizations was joined by Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson in announcing support for the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, which would extend the Act through 1992 and provide a new way for jurisdictions covered by the Act to "bail-out" if they can prove they have not had discriminatory voting practices for the ten years before the bail-out suit. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Mayor Maynard Jackson Joins Civil Rights Orgs in Campaign To Extend Voting Rights Act", September 17, 1981
Date Created
1981-09-17
Description
Press release on a coalition of civil rights organizations was joined by Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson in announcing support for the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, which would extend the Act through 1992 and provide a new way for jurisdictions covered by the Act to "bail-out" if they can prove they have not had discriminatory voting practices for the ten years before the bail-out suit. 2 pages.
Subject
African American mayors, African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights, African American women, African American civic leaders, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release on a rally planned by a coalition consisting of the VEP, NAACP, SCLC, and GABEO in support of the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, which will feature prominent civil rights activists and political figures, including Congressman Walter Fauntroy, and highlights the importance of minority political participation in the political process. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voting Rights Act Rally at Piedmont Park", August 28, 1981
Date Created
1981-08-28
Description
Press release on a rally planned by a coalition consisting of the VEP, NAACP, SCLC, and GABEO in support of the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, which will feature prominent civil rights activists and political figures, including Congressman Walter Fauntroy, and highlights the importance of minority political participation in the political process. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights, African American women, African American civic leaders, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release on Mrs. Geraldine G. Thompson, executive director of the VEP, testified before the Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights of the House Judiciary Committee, calling the Voting Rights Act "the most effective civil rights legislation ever passed" and stating that the key provisions of the Act should be extended if minorities are to achieve full equality in the political system. 5 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Thompson Speaks on Voting Rights Act", June 23, 1981
Date Created
1981-06-23
Description
Press release on Mrs. Geraldine G. Thompson, executive director of the VEP, testified before the Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights of the House Judiciary Committee, calling the Voting Rights Act "the most effective civil rights legislation ever passed" and stating that the key provisions of the Act should be extended if minorities are to achieve full equality in the political system. 5 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights, African American women, African American civic leaders, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Press release on Geraldine G. Thompson being appointed as the Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, Inc. 6 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Appointment of Geraldine Thompson As the Executive Director of VEP", June 19, 1981
Date Created
1981-06-19
Description
Press release on Geraldine G. Thompson being appointed as the Executive Director of the Voter Education Project, Inc. 6 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Civil rights, African American women, African American civic leaders, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Benjamin Lawson Hooks is appointed as the Executive Director of the NAACP, bringing unique qualifications and experience to restore the organization to a sound financial footing and attract a younger generation, while also signaling that Black institutions deserve the best Black talents available. 1 page.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Announcement for Benjamin Hooks at Executive Director of the NAACP, 1976
Date Created
1976
Description
Benjamin Lawson Hooks is appointed as the Executive Director of the NAACP, bringing unique qualifications and experience to restore the organization to a sound financial footing and attract a younger generation, while also signaling that Black institutions deserve the best Black talents available. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American civil rights workers, African American civic leaders
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
Flyer for a voter rally featuring John Lewis and Hosea Williams in Selma Alabama, along with a VEP request for payment form. 2 pages.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
"Voter Rally, John Lewis and Hosea Williams", 1974
Date Created
1974
Description
Flyer for a voter rally featuring John Lewis and Hosea Williams in Selma Alabama, along with a VEP request for payment form. 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
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
Vivian Malone Jones talks with another VEP member after a meeting.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Woman Smiles After a VEP Meeting, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
Vivian Malone Jones talks with another VEP member after a meeting.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Meetings, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Vivian Malone Jones reads a report while standing at a desk.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Woman Reads a Report at a Desk, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
Vivian Malone Jones reads a report while standing at a desk.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Vivian Malone Jones reads a report while sitting at a desk.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Woman Sits Down at a Desk, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
Vivian Malone Jones reads a report while sitting at a desk.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A man sits in a classroom during a VEP meeting.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Man Sits at a VEP Meeting, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
A man sits in a classroom during a VEP meeting.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Meetings, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Vivian Malone Jones sits in a classroom at a VEP meeting.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Woman Sits at a VEP Meeting, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
Vivian Malone Jones sits in a classroom at a VEP meeting.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Meetings, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Vivian Malone Jones speaks during a VEP meeting.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Woman Speaks at a VEP Meeting, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
Vivian Malone Jones speaks during a VEP meeting.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Meetings, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A man speaks during a VEP meeting.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Man Speaks at a VEP Meeting, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1978
Description
A man speaks during a VEP meeting.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Meetings, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Two men sit in a church pew during a VEP meeting.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Two Men Sit at a VEP Meeting, circa 1973
Date Created
1970/1976
Description
Two men sit in a church pew during a VEP meeting.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Meetings, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
A man sits in a church pew during a VEP meeting with a box of files.
Voter Education Project Organizational Records
Man Sits at a VEP Meeting, circa 1973
Date Created
1970/1976
Description
A man sits in a church pew during a VEP meeting with a box of files.
Subject
African American civic leaders, African Americans--Civil rights, Meetings, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Voter Education Project Organizational Records