SAGINAW-The NAACP Saginaw Branch has awarded Congressman Dan Kildee, Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, the Harry McBride Community Service Award for being a champion of voting rights. Congressman Kildee accepted the award and made remarks as part of the 51st Annual Saginaw NAACP Freedom Fund Celebration Sunday in Saginaw.

"I am honored to receive this award from the Saginaw NAACP, especially an honor named after such a selfless public servant like Harry McBride," Congressman Kildee said. "The right to vote is one of the most fundamental rights afforded to every Michigan citizen. Unfortunately, there are many who continue to push laws to make it harder or more complicated for people to vote. In Congress, I have championed laws like the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act to make sure every Michigander has access to the ballot box."

"The Saginaw NAACP Branch leadership is absolutely convinced that the Congressman is more than deserving of this award, especially in light of his unequivocal support of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act," said Terry Pruitt, president, NAACP Saginaw Branch.

Harry McBride dedicated his life to bettering his community, including by serving as president of the Saginaw NAACP. He also held leadership positions in the Saginaw County Minority Business Canter and the HealthSource Saginaw Board of Trustees. Community members remember him for his generosity and infectious smile.

Congressman Kildee sponsored, and helped pass, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act in the U.S. House of Representatives to strengthen our democracy and protect every Michigan citizen's right to vote. Kildee previously supported the For the People Act to fight gerrymandering, weaken big money's influence over campaigns and to strengthen the right to vote across the country.