“Black Vote, Black Power,” a collaboration between Keith Boykin and Word In Black, examines the issues, the candidates, and what’s at stake for Black America in the 2024 presidential election.
Are you tired of people telling you that your vote doesn’t matter? Well, it does, and in the upcoming presidential election, it’s more important than ever for Black Americans to exercise their right to vote.
Every election cycle, we see a few voices trying to discourage Black people from voting, spreading misinformation, and questioning the significance of our votes. It’s time to set the record straight and focus on what truly matters.
This year, instead of engaging with these voices, let’s shift our focus to more constructive actions. Let’s ask ourselves two simple questions: What strategies do these naysayers have in place to achieve their goals? And where were they in the past four years when crucial decisions affecting Black Americans were being made?
It’s time to take matters into our own hands and make a real impact through strategic actions that will shape the future of our community and our nation.
Celebrities and influencers have a role to play in advocating for change, but lasting change requires sustained effort, not just last-minute appearances before elections. Let’s focus on actionable steps we can take to strengthen our political influence and shape a better future for ourselves and our community.
Ten Things We Can Do
- Get informed. Stay updated on current events and critical issues affecting our community. Knowledge is power.
- Verify the information you share. Don’t spread misinformation. Check your sources and ensure you’re sharing accurate information.
- Vote. Exercise your right to vote and encourage others to do the same.
- Attend local government meetings. Engage with local decision-making processes and make your voice heard.
- Volunteer. Get involved in political campaigns and community initiatives to drive meaningful change.
- Donate. Support candidates and causes that align with your values.
- Support existing organizations. Collaborate with groups working towards common goals.
- Lobby your elected officials. Reach out to your representatives and advocate for issues that matter to you.
- Run for office. Consider running for local or state offices to be a voice for your community.
- Start a PAC. Establish a political action committee to champion causes you believe in.
These are just a few actionable steps we can take. Let’s move beyond cynicism and apathy and work towards a better future through active participation and engagement.
Keith Boykin is a New York Times–bestselling author, TV and film producer, and former CNN political commentator. A graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School, Keith served in the White House, cofounded the National Black Justice Coalition, cohosted the BET talk show My Two Cents, and taught at the Institute for Research in African-American Studies at Columbia University in New York. He’s a Lambda Literary Award-winning author and editor of seven books. He lives in Los Angeles.
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