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| English: on the keynote panel of the 2010 Pop Conference, EMPSFM, Seattle, Washington. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
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| Folks line up to register to vote in Abyei. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
There was once a time when young African-American women like myself did not get the opportunity to vote. They simply could not.
I think about that every time I go to the polls to exercise that fundamental right -- not just to honor those who fought so I could have it, but because, simply put, I know that this is an essential part of our democracy.
Whether we want to change our communities, or have a say in the public issues we care about the most -- the power we have to make that happen is the power we have at the polls.
That's why I exercise my right to vote.
Are you with me?
It starts with getting registered. And today, people of all ages, of all points of view, all across the country, are doing that together. It's easy. It's fast. And you can do it right here -- no matter which state you live in.
In 2015, the fact is this: We have more voices on more platforms than ever before. It's easier than ever to post an opinion or raise a complaint on any number of social sites, and with any number of people.
But here's what I want to say to you:
You should be thinking long and hard about sharing those opinions, and saying you want action, if you aren't willing to share your most fundamental opinion where it has a direct ability to make a difference: In the voting booth.
See you at the polls -
Thanks, Janelle, for giving us your very important thoughts on this subject.
