Men, Don’t Forfeit Your Voice; Choose to Vote!!

Encouraging Men to Exercise Their Political Voice

As a black man who believes deeply in the power of democracy, I feel compelled to shed light on the importance of voting for individuals who share my identity and experiences. The history of voting for black men in the United States is a testament to our unwavering resilience and determination in the face of systemic challenges. From the days of Reconstruction to the civil rights movement and beyond, black men have fought tirelessly for their right to vote, often at significant personal risk. 

Voting is not just a civic duty; it is a powerful platform for us, as black men, to participate actively in the democratic process. It provides a voice for our concerns, a means to advocate for change, and a tool to hold elected officials accountable. By exercising our right to vote, we play a pivotal role in shaping the policies that directly impact our communities and the future generations following in our footsteps.

Pervasive challenges and persistent struggles mark the history of voting for black men in the United States. Following the abolition of slavery, the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1870 granted black men the right to vote. However, this right was systematically undermined through tactics such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and intimidation, preventing many black men from exercising their right to vote.

The Civil Rights Movement was a turning point in the fight for voting rights for Black Americans, and its legacy holds meaning for us today. The movement directly challenged racial discrimination and the suppression of Black voters. Pivotal moments like the Selma to Montgomery marches and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 passage broke down barriers, eliminating unjust practices like literacy tests and poll taxes. Through nonviolent protest, legal battles, and grassroots organizing, the movement directly challenged racial discrimination and the suppression of Black voters. 

Despite these advancements, ongoing efforts to suppress black men’s votes continue to be a significant issue, underscoring the enduring struggle for equality and justice in the electoral process. – Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III, General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., echoes these sentiments: “As Black men, our ancestors fought for the right to vote, and we must honor their legacy by raising our voices at the ballot box. Let us stand united and make our presence known in shaping the future of our communities through our votes.” 

Many Black men feel disillusioned with the political system, leading them to disengage from voting. The harsh realities of mass incarceration, racial profiling, and systemic neglect of their communities contribute to this disenchantment. In The New Jim Crow, Michelle Alexander explains how the criminal justice system operates as “a racial caste system” that targets Black men, trapping them in cycles of incarceration and stripping them of their rights, including the right to vote. She emphasizes that mass incarceration has “decimated” communities, leaving many Black men feeling powerless. Additionally, the lack of meaningful political outreach to these communities further alienates them from the electoral process. Robin DiAngelo, in her book White Fragility, notes that white Americans often remain “willfully ignorant” of how systemic racism marginalizes Black voices, deepening a sense of exclusion. As a result, many Black men may see the political system as indifferent to their struggles, leading to feelings of mistrust and reluctance to participate. 

The consequences of not voting are far-reaching. When we don’t vote, we allow others to decide our future. This can result in policies and legislation that do not adequately address the needs of our communities. By not participating in the electoral process, we risk perpetuating the challenges we seek to overcome. Our participation is crucial to shaping the future we want to see. We must educate ourselves and others about voting laws, especially those that disproportionately impact us.

We need to dispel the myths that our vote doesn’t count or that the system is too broken to fix. By encouraging our family members, friends, and colleagues to vote and assisting people with transportation to the polling stations, we can amplify our impact and effect positive change on a broader scale. This grassroots approach can increase voter turnout and create a more representative democracy.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, voter turnout among black men has historically been lower than that of other demographic groups. In the 2020 presidential election, approximately 57% of eligible black male voters cast their ballots, compared to 71% of white male voters. This gap isn’t just a number; it reflects natural persistable barriers.

Voting is not just a right; it is a responsibility and our right to be heard to help shape the future of this country. By understanding the historical significance of voting, recognizing the challenges that persist, and leveraging our collective influence, we can play a pivotal role in advancing social, economic, and political change. Each vote we cast is a step towards a more inclusive and equitable society, and we, as black men, must embrace our role in this transformative process.

So, men, let’s not forfeit our voice. Let’s make it heard, loud and clear, by showing up at the ballot box.

Appendix:

1. Alexander, M. (2010). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. The New Press.

2. DiAngelo, R. (2018). White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism. Beacon Press.

3. Fowler, et al. A new Georgia voting law reduces ballot drop access in places that used them most. National Public Radio. July 27, 2022. https://www.npr.org/2022/07/27/1112487312/georgia-voting-law-ballot-drop-box-access

4. Hartig et al. Voter turnout, 2018-2022. Pew Research Center. July 12, 2023.

5. Kim, Juliana. Racial disparities in voter turnout have grown since Supreme Court Ruling, study says. National Public Radio. March 5, 2024. https://www.npr.org/2024/03/05/1235521824/voter-turnout-race-disparities-supreme-court

6. U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). Voting and Registration in the Election of November 2020: Table 4b. Reported Voting and Registration, by Sex, Race and Hispanic Origin, for States: November 2020. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/voting-and-registration/p20-585.html

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