With the election only a week away I find myself wondering which America will emerge on top? The America that I hope and pray for or the America of yesteryear that remains very much prevalent today. A country that perpetuates systemic racism by turning a blind eye or rewriting history. Every once in a while there is a slither of change as allies step up, advocacy progresses, slowly inching forward. Only to slip further back, losing years of momentum as a result of justices being unjust.
Walking through my neighborhood seeing --ump (I won't type his name and allow the algorithm to trend upward) flags and yard signs I am dismayed. “Take America Back” from who? To where? I do not want to go back. As a country, we need to move forward. The pledge of allegiance seems all but false to me. I am troubled that this country, our country is one nation under God, DIVISIBLE with Liberty and Justice for SOME.
I won’t ask who you’re voting for but only that you exercise your right to vote. Moreover, be an educated voter. I implore you to vote beyond your circumstance, vote beyond just one topic and think of what is needed for our country to unite and serve the best interest of all its citizens. I do not think that any political party is absolute, they have both fallen woefully short of their promises. However, I will say that I believe in this election there is a person that is extremely divisive and incites hate directly, indirectly and is complicit. He isn’t the sole reason this election has been fueled by hate. It has been there all the while under the surface and people are emboldened to say what they really feel. When someone shows you who they are, believe them.
This video reminds me that not too long ago Blacks fought and sacrificed to vote. Voting is a right. Voting is a privilege. It is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Don’t opt out because you don’t like the candidate. Instead show up and vote. Not just this election, but every election. And what you do next is even more important. Use your voice, hold your electeds accountable. Call them, email them, let them know what matters to you. They have a job to do. Would you hire a someone and walk away and leave them to their own devices? We should not treat our politicians that way either.
