(ThySistas.com) Black women have proven they can show up to the polls. They are a group that can not be ignored by candidates, and they can galvanize their community exercise their right to be heard via a ballot. Some can argue black women can gauge a candidate and see past the smoke screens…many don’t compromise their stance. We are seeing more women come together to help the community fight for the right of our children to learn, they are advocating for equality in the justice department, and for proper treatment where healthcare is concerned. They know how to own the movement at the grassroots level, and we are beginning to see them reach for elected positions more frequently.
To affect change, we must have a strong presence on all levels. Yes, it will be difficult as we are not the majority in this country, however our families are worth the fight. We can not depend on those that don’t know our struggle to advocate for us properly. We must position ourselves to be at the table of discussions that effect how we live. If there is not a place…we must create one.
Running for a political office might seem like a very large undertaking, and it can definitely be a challenge. However, you don’t have to start by running for a position like the mayor, or a city council seat. You might look at wanting to be on the school board in your area and work your way to different positions you are passionate about. Do your research on what the position entails, and what you bring to the table. Think about what you want in an elected official and be the official you feel you deserve. There comes a point where we can no longer sit on the sidelines and wait for other members of our community to take a stand, and we most certainly can’t continue trying to explain to white public officials where there needs to be a concern for the needs of the black community. They come to us when it’s election season promising to make changes that will have a positive impact on our lives, and for the most part we are left disappointed and undervalued.
If you feel that running for a position is something you really don’t want to do, help those that are willing to run. There are so many ways to get involved in the political process outside of running for office. The officials you see can get nothing done without support…without adequate staff. Put your passion and energy behind a candidate you can believe in. It is important that we get involved in the process more so than just voting.
Voting is very important, but we need to put the same push behind getting involved on various levels as we do going to the polls. We know what our people, and community need. Black women have shown that they are a force for change, and we must get that done in elected positions if we want to see more change happen at a faster more efficient pace.
Staff Writer; Christian Starr
May connect with this sister over at Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/christian.pierre.9809 and also Twitter; http://twitter.com/MrzZeta.