Last
week scholars from across Dallas County had the opportunity to learn more about
the history of voting rights in our nation.
During this enlightening event sponsored by the Selma Chapter of the
Links, Inc. and held at Selma High School, the audience heard from the likes of
Martin Luther King, Jr., Jimmy Lee Jackson, Amelia Boynton, Annie Lee Cooper
and J.L. Chestnut.
The
messages encouraged our seniors to understand how our democracy works and most
importantly, that so many men and women fought and died for their right to
vote. Through speech and song, the Teen Reenactment was educational and
moving.
We
closed the event by asking, “Will you commit to being a lifelong voter?’. The overwhelming majority responded
affirmatively and recited a pledge to solidify their commitment.
As
inspiring as the program was, what I appreciated most was the fact that we gave
every scholar an opportunity to register to vote. We passed out the voter registration forms
and walked them through the completion.
We even collected the forms so that we could file them at the courthouse
for these new voters.
Some
were already registered and will be able to vote in our primaries on March
3. The others expressed excitement about
being able to vote in their first presidential election this fall. I hope that excitement lasts and even
increases to the extent they not only vote but encourage friends and family members
to do the same.
Studies
show that college students whose families are in the top income quartile are
five times more likely to vote than their peers from lower socioeconomic
backgrounds. There is much social science research that shows that our decision
to vote or not is largely influenced by the context in which we live.
Do
people in your household vote? Do your
friends and neighbors vote? Are people
in your circle talking about the election or about the candidates?
The
Teen Reenactment was a great way to start this conversation among our
scholars. I hope we can continue and
expand it.
Who
among you will join this movement of a lifetime of voting? For me, I pledge to vote because it will make
a difference and my vote matters in my community. I pledge to vote because it is my right and
privilege and it’s the right thing to do.
I pledge to be a lifelong voter.
What about you?
Join
me and vote on March 3.
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