August BLOG 2020 – L.O.V.E. the VOTE
Lori: Sometimes I think we forget just how far we have come. Current day protests centered around justice and human rights remind me that, and this is my own opinion, we are not nor have we ever been FREE. When our board decided that the “VOTE” would be the topic of our August blog, I was excited! This is an important human right.
Whenever the topic of voting comes up, I am always drawn to images I’ve seen where our people actually died trying to exercise their right to vote. As women and as women of color, we didn’t always have the right to vote. This speaks to how we are valued, like we are less than. We have to fight for everything!!! That’s why I vote, every chance I get, BECAUSE I CAN and because many died so that I could!
We CELEBRATE those who stood their ground to make OUR lives better.
Our board shares their opinions and hope you join us by commenting below. L.O.V.E. is Leading Ourselves to Value and Excellence.
It rained all day but that did not dampen the spirits of blacks determined to register to vote. They stood in the rain trying to register in a priority book to take voter registration test in Selma, Alabama, Feb. 17, 1965. Nearly 1,000 black names are now on the book waiting to take the voter registration test. (AP Photo) 
Claudette: Voting is the most important civic duty that I have as an American citizen. It’s a deeply personal question as I think all Americans should exercise their right to vote. It’s one of the founding principles of America. People, black people have died for the right to vote. They have been humiliated trying to gain the right to vote. They have paid poll tax for the right to vote. It may just be our last hope. It is where I approve of, consent to, believe in, some of the ideas put forth for my community. I want representatives voted into office who understand my needs and have my best interest at heart. Just like your dollar, where you vote is typically where your heart or alliance lies/lives. If you don’t stand for something you fall for anything.
We all need to understand the importance of knowing the elected official is representing our ideas and working on behalf of their constituents and not against them. Again, we need to understand all the sacrifices that were made by previous generations for the right to vote. And if for no other reason, why do other races vote?
Leige: Voting is a legacy respecting what our ancestors fought for and an opportunity to speak our piece.
Le’Shan: Voting to me means my voice gets to be heard. Voting is a right and a responsibility. Woman fought hard to have the right to vote . My opinion, my thoughts, concerns and hopes are important. I feel it’s my duty to stand up and vote for what I and others believe in in this election system.
Lafaye: Voting to me is about exercising your rights. Rights that were once upon a time denied to us. In a way I feel like it’s a continuous way to honour those who marched, protested, fought and died for us to be able to show up to those voting booths. I also believe it’s important to be informed about the people making decisions for our community, and being able to pick candidates who have interest in helping to better my community. As well as uplifting communities who often go unheard such as the black and brown communities, and women in particular.
I encourage women to vote because we need someone in the office who respects women, and will not be afraid to have women work and stand beside them in the fight to better all communities. These past few years our political climate has been a mess, and enough is enough. Bills, laws, and human rights are no laughing matter, and in order to be serious we need someone who will take them seriously. If you’re not sure how to vote, ask someone, do your research, get registered, and then go vote. I encourage everyone to take a friend to go vote with you, and if you don’t want to go out make sure you are signed up for the mail in ballot. However you decide to do it, and whatever you decide to vote for is all up to you just make sure you do it.
We are also sharing these links so that we stay education about our truth.
https://www.history.com/news/african-american-voting-right-15th-amendment
https://www.nps.gov/articles/black-women-and-the-fight-for-voting-rights.htm
https://www.nps.gov/articles/african-american-women-and-the-nineteenth-amendment.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_voting_rights_in_the_United_States
2020 VOTING INFORMATION LINKS
Vote Info. – https://www.vote.org/
Register to Vote – NEWSONE ONE VOTE – Vote
CA Voting Dates – https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/voting-california/election- dates-and-resources/
Voting & Elections – https://lavote.net/home/voting-elections
Voting and Elections | USAGov – https://www.usa.gov/voting
How to Vote – Rock the Vote – Election Information for Your State – HOW TO VOTE
VOTE411 – https://www.vote411.org/
Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance Commission – https://www.eac.gov/voters/register-and-vote-in-your-state
Vote Centers – https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/vote-centers.aspx
Can I Vote | NASS – https://www.nass.org/can-I-vote
Voting in California | California Secretary of State – https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/voting-california/
Whenever the question of voting comes up, this is what I say:
People who don’t vote get the government they deserve. (That doesn’t include people who are prevented from voting because of systemic racism!)
All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.
Thanks.