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Hey John,
Thank y’all for keeping up with our discussions this far and listening as we navigate these crucial topics.
With only 6 days until Election Day, it’s important for us to discuss what’s at stake for our community. It’s time we had an in-depth conversation about our right to vote and what we can really do with it—which is what the latest episode of our Black Lives Matter podcast, “What Matters!”, is all about.
Listen to the episode and any you’ve missed now!
A lot of us might wonder: “Will my vote actually make a difference in the world?” And we’re here to say YES!
In this episode, our host and guests discuss the policies that may or may not have our best interests at heart and how to fully exercise our voting rights this election season. Voting couldn’t be more important, especially in the time we’re living in right now. Our vote specifically is an act of self-determination and is influential in shaping the future for ourselves and by ourselves. Voter participation is how we disrupt the “norm,” and demand change electorally.
Taking protest to the polls is a critical part of the fight for Black liberation and eradicating white supremacy. If our vote didn’t matter, there wouldn’t be so many efforts to suppress it. From being considered only three-fifths of a person and being denied any right to vote to now, the Black vote is a powerful tool to fight against systemic oppression and enact real change — that’s why we were denied it for so long.
But it doesn’t end at the presidential election. Down-ballot voting is crucial in shaping local and state policies, impacting everyday issues like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Down-ballot voting ensures that the community’s needs are represented at all levels. That means city council, school board, local judges, and other elections need our attention just as much as higher profile elections like the presidential election.
A more informed vote for the presidential and local elections means the people elected by us actually fight for us. We have the chance to hold elected officials accountable for the promises they make to our communities, giving our vote some real purpose and power.
But voting is just the start and it’s only one tool in our toolbox for the real work that needs to be done. It is not the only thing that will get us to Black liberation but it will bring us even closer. We must keep going to secure the future we want for our Black communities.
So, we encourage you to join us as we talk through politics, representation, and what our vote means for us.
We appreciate all the love and support, Fam. Share your thoughts with us on Instagram, Threads, or X.
Thanks for listening,
Black Lives Matter
Our grassroots movement is pushing for Black liberation every single day. We are striving to create a world where Black people do so much more than just survive. It’s time we thrive.
As an organization one of our biggest hurdles is consistency.
A recurring contribution of anything you can afford goes a long way as we plan for the months, years, and even decades ahead. This is the most effective way for small-dollar donors (like you) to power our Black liberation work.
Will you make a recurring contribution of $5 or more today so that we can keep building momentum for our movement?
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