When it comes to the oppression, there are many different variables that contribute to it being effective. In order for oppressive structures to be effective, there must be an agenda that advantages the biases held by one group while, simultaneously, demonizing the group being oppressed. In order for oppression to do the most damage possible, there must be who benefit from the oppression being maintained and have too much to lose to stand against it. Oppression in a land is maintained when the propaganda of a province reinforces stereotypes already held by its citizens. Oppression remains intact when persons positioned in places of power and influence are allowed to operate unchecked. With regard to the prolonged predicament our people face n this country, oppression ought not be regarded as some mythical monster; ever looming and incomprehensible. Rather, it ought be seen for what it is: a result of systems operating in concert to benefit a few at the expense of many.
One of the most important things that is absolutely essential for oppression to remain intact is that persons who hold the power to change their circumstance refuse to do so. When members of a constitutional republic do not exercise their right to vote, their inactivity perpetuates the putridity of our predicament.
Our people find ourselves in the most dire and downtrodden of moments. A moment where the repeated miscarriages of justice, misrepresentations of our character and mediocritizing of our agency have taken a great toll upon us. Combine that with having to adjust to living through an unprecedented global pandemic and it makes sense for the collective feelings in our community to be both hopelessness and powerlessness. Our oppressors would have us give in to those feelings. Those whose advantages are connected to our adversity want nothing more than for Black people in this country to continue to believe that we are incapable and impuissant.
The detractors of the democratic process often deploy this despondence in their rhetoric. Every cry of “my vote doesn’t matter” , “they gonna do whatever they want to anyway” and “what’s the point?” ought be seen as more proclamations of the frustrated than political critique.
But despite how far liberation may appear to be from us, no matter what may be positioned to incumber and impede our progress, now is not the time for us to be still and silent. Now is the time where we must lean into the work of liberation and do what is required to make progress for our people. We must not give in to the effects of what is happening to us, rather, we must resolve to collectively ‘happen’ to our circumstance.
We find ourselves in the most bleak of social backdrop. I am certain that I can safely suggest without any fear of contradiction that this is the most complicated election season in the history of American politics. Issues of race, gender, class and politic are all at incendiary highs. Casting a vote has never been more discouraging or difficult that what it is right now. And, lest we forget, we are in the midst of a global pandemic. The essay thing to do would be to stay home and wait on the world to change itself.
The context, conditions & candidates are certainly not perfect. But, quite frankly, when have they ever been? The freedoms we presently function in were not born out of comfort and convenience. Rather, history teaches us that the highest of African American achievements were attained in seasons of struggle and strife. Our recent rewards were earned by those who came before us; those who were willing to make sacrifices believing that their sacrifices would lead to successes in the future. We eat the fruits of democracy today because there were those who risked life and limb to plant those seeds yesterday. And their attitude then must be the one we must be courageous enough to adopt now. A commitment to accompany our activating in the streets with our participation in the polls.
The Bible teaches of the Jewish leader, Nehemiah, who despite his comfortable position within the Persian empire saw his homeland so ravaged and ruined that he felt compelled to do what he could repair his community. He asks the king for leave from his position in the palace to rebuild the region that has been so damaged by the government. Nehemiah’s interest is not the same as the king he works for or the system he has to live under. Nehemiah has no interest in political procedure. But, Nehemiah has enough sense to use what he has at his disposal in order to achieve what is in the best interest of his people. The walls that Nehemiah works to build up then are the walls that Jesus would teach in, as a child, later. As in the text, the walls of change we erect today will benefit our children in the days to come. The Bible illustrates it to us, our ancestors demonstrated it for us and now this moment requires it of us.
So, why must WE vote? Because our lack of engagement will endanger our brothers and sisters for years to come. Why must WE vote? Because, through our participation (or lack thereof), we have determined the outcome of the past 5 presidential elections. Why must WE vote? Because any changes that will made, will be because of changes we make and, in a democracy, if an elected official doesn’t work for us, then they don’t get to work for us. Why must WE vote? Because we need people in place to advance agendas that address the real needs in our community. Why must WE vote? Because oppressive structures are only crushed when there is pressure from both the outside and the inside. Why must WE vote? Because James Baldwin is right when he says that “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced”. Why must WE vote? Because the lack of accountability for black blood shed in our city streets requires it. In order to continue our movement toward liberation, our vote, our voices, must be heard.
