As a young African American I feel as though it’s my job to vote as a voice for those who died trying to gain this right. Not too long ago my grandfather told me stories about how he and his father would try to register to vote daily, but were denied every time. In schools, we learned about the unnecessary tests that African Americans had to take before registration. Across the nation, Black voters were harassed, intimidated and arrested all while trying to vote. While many of this seems far gone, these events were only about 60 years ago.
With the election being weeks away, it is important to note how these past events, and even current ones, affect a number of Black voters. While many believe that their votes won’t count, or simply refuse to participate in a country that has shown hatred towards them, it is still important to exercise your right to vote. As a young Black woman in this country, it is important for me to use my voice and ensure that we are making progress as a community.
With the recent killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, race has become an important topic regarding this election. Not only is it important to discuss the matter of race and police brutality, we must also discuss the broader issue of systemic racism. The leaders of our current administration have dismissed this topic and became offended by the thought of it. Our current VP believes that the issue is a “great insult to the men and women who serve in law enforcement.” While it is important for any government official, and candidate for an upcoming election, to take pride in their country, it is also important for them to own up to flaws that this nation has. As seen by the killings mentioned earlier, and the thousand other Black lives that were lost due to systemic racism and police brutality, it is virtually impossible to not view this as an issue. To live in a country that is governed by those who focus on its “greatness” rather than its room for growth, makes me uncomfortable and have fear for my life. Whether the people of this country agree or not, it is important for racism to be clearly marked as an issue and actively addressed as policies are made.
The Black Lives Matter movement has also been dismissed and named as a “symbol of hate”. With its purpose being to advocate for racially motivated violence against Black people, the movement has seen much backlash. Any government official, candidate, or person that sees a group advocating for justice for innocent lives lost as a threat shouldn’t be in charge of a nation. While many dislike the group because of the looting and riots that are being done by others, they fail to understand what the group is standing for. Even though we have entered a new era of celebrating Black lives, racism and ignorance are still prevalent. Both of which are problematic and prevent the nation from moving forward. This is why it is important to participate and vote not only in national elections, but local ones as well.
To put it plain, I am voting to bring awareness to and advocate for basic human rights for the Black community. While there is much work to be done , it is a necessary step that will lead us in the right direction. While many believe that Biden’s call to racism is only lip service and an act to reach the Black voters, it is important to me that I put my trust in a candidate that is able to recognize the issue for what it is.