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An Open Letter to African Americans All black Americans must vote on November 7. Voting is essential for all Americans because it is by the ballot that we in a democracy effect the changes in our lives, in society, and indeed in the world that we desire. If things are not right, we fix them by voting. And for African Americans, there are a lot of things wrong with society. The lingering effects of racism are unmistakably manifested in education, housing, jobs, medical care. Our voting can bring tremendous relief in these and in all areas of our lives. But, no vote, no hope. The new President of the United States may likely get to appoint two or three new Supreme Court Justices; therefore, his influence will directly impact upon our lives well into the 21st Century. Our votes help determine whether there will be more Clarence Thomases and Robert Borks nominated for the Court or judges whose thinking is more like that of Thurgood Marshall, the late Supreme Court Justice. The Constitution does not change often, but the interpretation of the Constitution changes constantly. By voting, we blacks help choose those who want to get rid of racism in American. But, no vote, no hope. Never before in the history of our country have blacks had a better opportunity to see that black leaders in Congress become leaders of some of the most powerful and important committees. Two blacks, in particular, Representatives John Conyers and Charles Rangel, are sure to become committee chairs if enough blacks and others vote to give them this chance. But, no vote, no hope. Most of our ancestors had no chance to vote, no chance to make a difference in racist America was. So many were beaten, fired from their jobs, jailed, and even killed just because they wanted to vote to make life better for themselves and for us, their progeny. We blacks today have the right to fight against all forms and strains of racism. But, no vote, no hope. In a word, if we blacks don't vote or if we vote but don't vote intelligently, we shame all those who gave their blood, their lives, etc. so that we may prosper today. The memories of the Dr. Kings, Medgar Evers, Malcolm X's, Harriet Tubmans, etc. should never be so besmirched by us, the chief beneficiaries of theirs labors. Nor should our children's lives and grandchildren's lives be so afflicted by our unwillingness to fight injustice, discrimination, and racism. No vote, no hope. Let's vote and vote with our minds in record numbers as blacks so that the stars that animated our foot soldiers of the past to fight back against bigotry and racism, may animate us lieutenants, captains, and generals, who are benefitting so enormously from their successful struggles. By the simple act of voting and voting with our brains, we blacks today bring honor to the memory of our humble leaders of bygone years and make it possible for future generations to do even more in their memory. But remember: no vote, no hope. <back> |