Being Civically Active

By Yvonne Sam
Contributing Columnist

Already Americans are at the polls, voters are casting their ballots early in record numbers this time, amid the current pandemic, in a last ditch effort to ensure that the incumbent becomes recumbent on November 3.

A word of caution, however: “Voting is the first thing, not the last thing”. “Voting is the beginning, not the end. Voting is the start, not the finish.

Most voters, especially an unprecedented number of Blacks, believe that once they have cast their ballots, their responsibility is over and done, especially, if the person, for whom they have voted, wins. They strongly believe that it is now in the hands of the person they voted for, and that the elected official will now fight for them and the issues they care about. The voter believes that the elected official has all the answers and knows everything about all the issues. Reality Check Aisle 1: nothing could be further from the truth.

As you prepare to dump or stump the 45th, remember that whether the person you voted for wins or loses, you now need to become an advocate for the issues you care about. It is easier to fight and advocate for your issues, when the person you voted for, wins. This is because one assumes they have a voice inside the walls of government.

On the other hand, it can be more challenging to advocate for your issues, when the opponent wins.

However, regardless of whether your candidate wins or loses, you still have the responsibility to advocate for the issues you really care about.

Who knows, depending on how well you advocate, there is always a possibility to get the opposition to support and push for your issues. That is why voting is the first thing, not the last thing. Voting is the beginning, not the end. Voting is the start, not the finish.

You must always advocate for your issues, if you really want to change your present reality — no more police brutality, inequality, disparity, bias, schism, systemic racism, health care, wealth fear etc.

At this critical juncture in American history, which sadly seems to be repeating itself before our very eyes, Blacks must not only make their voices and votes known, but even more, ensure that the elected keep Black needs at the fore. From 2020, and forever more, let it be chanted that the Black vote will no longer be taken for granted.

Needless to say, there are many ways to advocate for your issues, and Blacks certainly have a lot of these. However, the one I particularly want to stress is holding your elected officials accountable, by engaging them.

Whether you attend committee hearings, write a letter, call, text, email, fax or use social media it really does not matter — as long as you organize, through regularly advocating for your issues with your elected official.

Blacks need to step from the back, stay in the boat and remain afloat, knowing even before entering the voting booth, where their candidates and policy makers stand on certain issues — as they pertain to Blacks, not Rowe vs Wade, but issues more top grade, or the folder of Sheby vs Holder. www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/6/25/18701277/shelby-county-v-holder-anniversary-voting-rights-suppression-congress

What are the duties and responsibilities of each of the various elected/appointed bodies that represent you, so that you know where to go for your issues and their eventual resolution?

Remember, it is your democratic right to vote and, by all means, exercise it to its fullest, but it is imperative that in this 2020 election, the Black vote act like a lightning bolt. Yes, you intend to cross the line and correct the 2016 voter turnout decline, but do not forget to advocate for the issues that concern you — after the election has been decided.

At this critical juncture in American history, which sadly seems to be repeating itself before our very eyes, Blacks must not only make their voices and votes known, but even more, ensure that the elected keep Black needs at the fore. From 2020, and forever more, let it be chanted that the Black vote will no longer be taken for granted.

Black America faces an epic choice. It is a fact, that we must, collectively, act, if we want to change our present condition and see our dreams of a more inclusive and equitable society.

Aleuta — the struggle continues.