Community Chronicles: Vote Like You Love Yourself, and Your Life Matters…because it does
A community conversation by Charlene
3 minute read
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the annual Westside Community Fair. Families gathered, laughter echoed, and the smell of fried chicken and funnel cakes filled the air. This year, the highlight was the Lifetime Achievement Awards, honoring local leaders who had tirelessly advocated for the community. But the real gem of the evening was Elder James, a revered historian whose words had the power to illuminate the past and inspire the future.
As the crowd settled, Elder James took the stage, his presence commanding yet warm. He adjusted his glasses, surveyed the faces before him, and began, “Good evening, Fairview! Today, we celebrate not just our achievements but the very foundation of our democracy: the right to vote.”
His voice resonated, drawing everyone closer. “You see, the story of voting in America is a tapestry woven with both triumph and tragedy. From our nation's founding, when only white landowners were considered citizens, to the bloodshed of the Civil War that finally forced this country to reckon with its own hypocrisy, voting rights have been fought for, often at the cost of great sacrifice.”
Elder James paused, his gaze piercing through the crowd. “Imagine a time when the very act of casting a ballot could lead to violence. For many of us, particularly our ancestors, that was the reality. After the Civil War, Reconstruction brought hope with the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments—giving newly freed African Americans the right to vote. But hope was short-lived. Jim Crow laws emerged, aiming to strip that right away through literacy tests, poll taxes, and violence.”
The crowd murmured, recognizing the weight of his words. Elder James continued, “These tactics were designed to keep our voices silenced, to keep us in a state of survival—too busy worrying about the next meal to demand our rights. And yet, despite the oppressive systems in place, we persevered. Our elders organized, marched, and spoke out. Think of the Civil Rights Movement—figures like Dr. King, Rosa Parks, and John Lewis who fought relentlessly so we could stand here today with our heads held high.”
He took a deep breath, letting the moment sink in. “But here’s the uncomfortable truth: we are still in a fight. Voter suppression tactics have re-emerged in modern forms. Voter ID laws, purges of voter rolls, and misinformation campaigns threaten our hard-won rights. The struggle may look different, but it’s no less crucial.”
Elder James leaned closer to the audience, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Listen, my brothers and sisters, it’s easy to feel apathetic. You might think, ‘Why should I bother voting? The system is broken.’ But let me ask you this: if you don’t vote, who speaks for you? Do you really want to leave your future in the hands of those who don’t understand your struggles? Because believe me, there are people planning your future right now—twenty, thirty, fifty years ahead—while you remain distracted.”
He paused, letting the weight of his message resonate. “You wake up each day and make choices—what to wear, what to eat, where to work. Why would you hand over the most important decision of your life—your voice in democracy—to someone else? That’s not survival; that’s surrender.”
The audience was silent, reflecting on his words. Elder James continued, “Voting isn’t just a right; it’s a responsibility. It’s about ensuring that your values, your needs, and your dreams are represented. Your decision to vote today shapes the world your children will inherit. Are you willing to risk their future because you chose not to engage?”
He surveyed the crowd, seeing the faces of young and old, all connected by a shared history and a common fate. “Let this fair be more than just an event; let it be a call to action. Wake up! Lead your own life. Don’t allow anyone to box you into a future you didn’t choose. Take ownership of your power. Voting is your weapon against oppression, your shield for your family’s future.”
With a fiery passion, he concluded, “If you want change, if you want a future that reflects your hopes and dreams, then get out and vote! Don’t let anyone finesse you out of your future. Stand up, speak out, and ensure that your voice is heard. Together, we can shape a better tomorrow for ourselves and for generations to come.”
The crowd erupted in applause, a wave of energy surging through the fairgrounds. Elder James stepped down from the stage, a satisfied smile on his face. The message was clear: the fight for voting rights was ongoing, and each individual had a role to play in the future of their community.
As families resumed their festivities, the weight of Elder James’s words lingered in the air. The fair was not just a celebration; it was a reminder that participation in democracy is not optional—it is essential. And in that moment, everyone understood: to be truly free, they must vote.
COMMUNITY CHRONICLES is how we start important conversations our culture needs to have. We make hard truths accessible so we can reach one and teach MANY. Share this short story with your family and friends.
