Confession

There is an old R & B classic whose lyrics go something like this:  “Sweep around your own backdoor before you try and sweep around mine…….”   Well,  let the sweeping begin.  Two weeks ago I served as a chaperon for my son’s 5th grade Civil Rights trip.  We spent a week traveling through Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia visiting all of the famous Civil Rights landmarks.  From the 16th Street Baptist Church to The Rosa Parks Museum.  From Spelman and Morehouse to Tuskegee University.  We walked in the footsteps of the brave men and women who suffered and died so that we could enjoy some semblance of freedom today.  As I was reflecting on our trip a thought suddenly invaded my mind……”When was the last time I voted?”   The sad answer to that question is during the last Presidential election.

Being a firm believer that local politics have a greater impact on individuals and communities than national politics, I can’t  believe that I haven’t participated in a local election for over a year!  This is something that has to change immediately!  It makes me ashamed.  By not voting regularly I have in effect squelched my political voice. By not participating in the political process I  I have forfeited my right to criticize and  analyze all things political.   By not taking advantage of my right to vote I  have nullified the lives of all of the Civil Rights martyrs.

The Civil Rights Memorial at the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, AL   honors the achievements and memories of those who died during the Civil Rights Movement……..those who died so that we could have the right to vote.  One of the most emotional moments came when we had the opportunity to run our hands over the engraved names of  those that lost their lives fighting for Civil Rights.

The next election in Dallas County is this Saturday May 8th.  I plan to cast a vote. Because it’s important.  Because it can make a difference.  Because it is my right that has been paid for with  the blood, sweat and tears of others.