Beyond the Ballot Box: Reigniting the desire for change and accountability
As a community organizer for the Southern Poverty Law Center in Louisiana, seeing the decline in civic participation has been both upsetting and alarming to me.
When we noticed that many Black voters in the state are registered, but aren鈥檛 showing up to vote, we quickly realized we had to step in to remind people why voting matters. In true New Orleans fashion, we took action by 鈥渢aking it to the streets.鈥� The 人兽性交 has supported several local events to share key get-out-the-vote information for the Nov. 5 election.
In speaking with community members, we learned that one of the biggest barriers to voting is a lack of desire. Every action, whether it鈥檚 as simple as eating breakfast or as significant as voting, starts with desire. Right now, many people feel drained by the 鈥渟ame old, same old.鈥� As community member Chandra McKay said: 鈥淲e vote, but we don鈥檛 see any real change, and in some cases, things get worse. We want better. We desire change, equity and, ultimately, to feel like we matter.鈥�
Chandra鈥檚 feelings echo what many others expressed 鈥� a sense of hopelessness around voting. As a community organizer, I know that these conversations are difficult but essential.
At events such as the Black Love Festival, the 人兽性交 has supported efforts to share key get-out-the-vote information for the Nov. 5 election.
(Credit: April Winder)
The 鈥淰ote in My Honor鈥� initiative focuses on those who are disenfranchised who would vote but cannot.
(Credit: April Winder)
At the Black Love Festival, an attendee holds a Vote in My Honor card that reads, 鈥淚 vote in honor of the version of myself that was less informed.鈥�
(Credit: April Winder)As part of the 人兽性交鈥檚 The South鈥檚 Got Now | Decidimos campaign, we launched an initiative called 鈥淰ote in My Honor,鈥� which shifts the focus to those who are disenfranchised, such as formerly incarcerated people, who would vote but cannot. Many participated by writing the names of those who came to mind when asked to vote in honor of someone they know. It provided a strong reminder to them of the power we have at the ballot box 鈥� a power that others have lost.
Of course, voting is only the first step 鈥� it鈥檚 about holding elected officials accountable for their promises so that our desires become achievable goals. As author once said, 鈥淲hen your desires are strong enough, you will appear to possess superhuman powers to achieve.鈥�
We have the power to shape our future, but it lies in both our vote and our voices. Together, we can reignite the desire for change and ensure that the system works for all of us, not just some of us. The road ahead may be challenging, but it is one we must walk.
Our communities, our dreams and our futures depend on it.
Picture at top: At the Black Love Festival in New Orleans attendees participated in the 鈥淰ote in My Honor鈥� campaign by filling out cards with the names of those who would vote but cannot. (Credit: April Winder)
