Deflated, hopeless, discouraged.. Those are the feelings I felt on November 9, 2016. I, like many other Americans, woke up to the news that Donald Trump would be the 45th President of the United States. I thought I was dreaming (or having a horrible nightmare)! As the days went by, I realized that it was all too real and at that moment, it was clear that long gone were the days of civilization and normalcy in this country. My husband and I campaigned hard for Hillary Clinton. From attending rallies here in South Florida, to canvassing neighborhoods in Wilton Manors, FL to proclaim, “I’m With Her!” But, what I underestimated was the lack of interest to vote in the 2016 election (along with, Russian interference and a string of voter suppression tactics throughout the country, but I digress). Conventional wisdom led me to believe Hillary Clinton would ride the Obama-Biden wave from 2008 & 2012 right into victory. Unfortunately for me and more than half of America, our votes were not enough. In 2016, black voter turnout rates
declined for the first time in 20 years in a presidential election, falling to 59.6% after reaching a record-high 66.6% in 2012.
This year, however, the stakes are much greater. It feels more personal. For many (myself included), the past four years have been a source of tremendous heartache and despair. From the onslaught of disproportionate violence against Black and brown people at the hands of the police, to the first global pandemic in my lifetime, our community has experienced its fair share of trauma. I have long felt that we deserve better. America deserves better, Black people deserve better, most importantly, our children deserve better! Therefore, whoever the Democratic nominee, I committed to doing everything I could to ensure they are elected. The question: What can we do and how can we do it? The answer: Do as much as you can, while you can!
With the effects of Covid-19 looming, it is important that we become more innovative with our campaigning efforts. Every Saturday in October, we are “Riding with Biden!” For the past 4 Saturdays, we have convened at various locations in the Central Broward area to form the caravan and proceed to ride through neighborhoods to show support for Biden-Harris 2020. Caravan participants bring their families out (young and old) to underscore the importance of this moment. The energy we have witnessed over this time has been nothing short of incredible. Not only are residents excited to see a parade of cars strolling through their neighborhood, but they are also equally eager to display a Biden-Harris 2020 sign in their yards! Thus far, we have distributed nearly 300-yard signs. This grassroots effort was designed to increase the visibility of Biden-Harris enthusiasm and excitement here in South Florida. We have mobilized in a way that highlights the unity, dedication, and commitment that dwells within our community. What is clear is that elections have consequences. We cannot afford to be distracted by the smoke and mirrors. While there are consistent efforts to suppress our voices, we continue to prove the power we embody. The road to the White House travels directly through Broward County, FL. So, we VOTE! In addition to it being our civil duty, our ancestors are watching. We are on a mission to restore the soul of our nation, one vote at a time. One day, my children’s children will ask: How did you effectuate change? Did you challenge America to live it to the ideals and promises? My aim is to reply with a resounding: I DID MY VERY BEST!
As we approach our last and final Saturday of the caravan, we would love for you to participate. Together, we can make this caravan the largest it has been! And TOGETHER, on November 3, 2020, we will elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for President and Vice-President of the United States! Biden-Harris Caravan: October 31, 2020. Starting Location will be Family Dollar parking lot located at 951 W. Sunrise Blvd.
