“There are several reasons why I vote. The uppermost argument is the privilege of voting. It is one of the few opportunities in this great nation for a Black man to experience equity or equality. Every man and every woman has the civic duty to cast a vote; one ballot one vote for each citizen.
Secondly, as an African American male, I am obligated to the legacy of my ancestors that fought in the courts, marched and shed blood in the streets from coast to coast, and many died so that I can exercise my constitutional rights (the 15th amendment, 1870) to vote in elections for public officials and policies that impact me and my people.
Just as importantly, when we as a people vote in unity, towards one common goal, we erode the power and authority of the dominant culture that would continue to marginalize and politically exclude African Americans.”
Statement by: Sharon Hughes
