Michelle Obama delivered the keynote address at the 42nd Annual Phoenix Awards dinner, which is the grand finale black tie gala of Congressional Black Caucus week. The first lady said protecting the right to vote has become the nation's most important civil rights issue.
She told a gathering of black lawmakers and leaders at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center that they owe it to those who fought and died for equal rights in the 1960s to make sure every voter can freely cast a ballot. Her comments come amidst a push in more than a dozen states to pass laws requiring voters to show ID at the polls. Critics say the laws unfairly harm minorities, poor people and college students--all groups that tend to vote Democratic.
Comparing it to the civil rights movement, she calls voting rights "the march or our time" and "the sit in of our day."
Michelle Obama re-wore a black Michael Kors dress.
The evening included a tribute to the late Rep. Donald Payne, and a recognition of the work of retiring Rep. Edolphus Towns. There were additional awards to director George Lucas, Rep. Corine Brown & Harvey Gantt.
Guests included Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rep. Charlie Rangle (D-NY). Rev. Al Sharpton, Attorney General Eric Holder, Robert Townsend and Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II.
[Emanuel Cleaver II, George Lucas, Robert Townsend via]
[Eric Holder] [Michelle Obama]
[Rep. Charlie Rangle, center, waits with others to shake hands with first lady Michelle Obama after her address]
.jpg "How Comms Guru & Founder Of The PR Net Lisa Smith Put Her Stylish Stamp On The Industry")
.jpg "Who Are The Assoulines? Meet The Chic First Family Of Luxury Publishing")
.jpg "Who Is Nats Getty? The Oil Heir & Trans Activist Is Living Life Loud & Proud")
.jpg "Worldly Socialite Haya Maraka's Elegant Etiquette Tips For The Modern Lady")
.jpg "Haute Hostess Christine Chiu's Guide To Throwing The Most Fabulous Fête")
