By Lynda L. Jones, Editor
Milwaukee County will be holding primary elections on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011. Voting during this period is essential for the African American community especially. In the month where African Americans celebrate their rich history of contributions to this nation, it is more than fitting that voting should be a priority.
With the new administration focusing on the issue of ‘Voter ID’, a practice that when all the smoke clears is a device used to suppress the right to vote, the Black vote must be utilized. Our voting power can only be valued when it is used. Voting is power, it has a voice, and it demands respect. When a person has the ability to vote, and refuses to exercise it, this is more than a slap in the face to those who came before us and lost their lives to attain this right.
Staying home and not voting means that you are giving your power away. And it also means that you weaken your community’s voice. It is even bigger than the quote that some have used; “If you don’t vote, you cannot complain.” The issue is even bigger than that. The same zeal that many African American voters exercised when President Obama was candidate Obama needs to be re-born. Yes, it is a primary, and it may not appear to be as big of a deal as a general election, but it is.
Show the respect and honor that our ancestors deserve. Get out, and go vote on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011. Remember what celebrating Black History is about.