As this election cycle draws to a close, I'm experiencing a whirlwind of emotions — hope and worry, resolve and trepidation, clarity and uncertainty. But above all, my abiding faith in the power of our collective voice and the sacredness of our vote fuels me.
I'm a member of Generation X, a son of the African diaspora, a husband, a father and a minister. My journey has been shaped by the struggles and triumphs of those who paved the way and the promise of a better tomorrow for those who will follow. From this vantage point, I pen this appeal to you, Generations Next — the millennials and Generation Z.
Current events serve as a powerful reminder of the weight and potential of the ballot. It's not just a piece of paper or a screen tap; it's a sacred tool for justice, equity and the promise of a more perfect union. For Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC+), the vote was a hard-fought accomplishment, a victory achieved through the sacrifice of blood, sweat and tears. The vote symbolizes the inherent worth of all in a nation that's often fallen short of its highest aspirations. It's a thread that connects us to the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us, shaping the narrative of our collective history.
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For example, the vote honors the suffragettes' tireless struggle for basic rights in the face of ridicule, arrests and brutality. It was the way to realize women's reproductive rights and equal pay. The vote remains the most powerful tool to secure their bodily autonomy, yet it is still under threat. The vote is a bulwark against turning back the clock even further.
My young siblings, this election isn't just political — it's a moment that will reverberate through the annals of history. It's a moral mandate, a testament to our democracy's resilience and a defining choice for our nation's soul. It's a choice between a country where everyone is valued, every story is respected and every individual can thrive. A path down the dark alleys of division, inequality and despair threatens to extinguish our shared humanity's essence. A choice resulting from some among us who are prepared to silence the voices of many, drown out the chorus of our collective conscience, revise history, distort the mirror that reflects our past and guides our future, bastardize our republic's ideals and norms, profaning the sacred principles upon which our great nation was founded; as well as reduce our diversity's majesty to a monochrome, draining the vibrant colors that make our tapestry so rich and robust. However, we, the people, hold the keys to our destiny.
That is why I implore you to exercise this sacred right: Vote. In a democratic republic, your voice is articulated through the ballot. Every election, from the local school board to the presidency, is an opportunity to steer the direction of our communities and nation. Your vote matters. It is an instrument of personal and collective change to hold elected officials accountable and bring about reform. Your vote is representative of your values, the embodiment of your convictions put into action.
It is the fulfillment of a moral obligation, a duty to participate in the democratic process that generations have fought to preserve. When you cast your ballot, you are shaping your family, community and country's future. Do not take this right lightly. Please educate yourself on the issues, the candidates and their platforms. Then, go vote!
If you didn't know, change rests with a single action: casting a ballot. You've registered, educated yourself and maybe even mobilized others. There are some obstacles to navigate to ensure every voice is heard. No democracy is simple, easy or clean. However, you are not just a voter; you're an architect. You are the chief designer of a better nation. You are an author writing the next chapter of the American story. It is a story of hope and resilience, multiethnic and interfaith. We are not waiting for change. Instead, each of us is offered an invitation to create it.
I admonish you, young friends, to activate your superpower. If you need guidance or information visit websites like Vote.org and BallotReady that offer tools to check your registration, find your polling place, and research candidates and issues. Also, if you face harassment or intimidation at the polls, report it to the Election Protection Hotline (1-866-OUR-VOTE) or the Department of Justice Voting Rights Hotline (1-800-CALL-FBI).
Vote like all our lives depend on it because they do. This plea is not just a simple ask from an "older" sibling; it's a call to action to take up your role as a responsible citizen and to shape the future you want to see.
Johnson is a United Methodist pastor, the author of "Holding Up Your Corner: Talking About Race in Your Community" and program director for the Bridge Alliance, which houses The Fulcrum.
