Black history has shown us time and time again how impactful it can be when young minds with a set agenda come together and put aside their differences. There have been many instances throughout our history where individuals who were around our age spearheaded movements that led to monumental change. Growing up, we were constantly reminded of the accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, etc… Yet, we rarely ever talked about how young they were. Looking back, these young people were brave enough to do what was deemed as “impossible” during their time.
The same passion that was within our ancestors is in us. They rebelled, marched, and fought because they had a burning desire for change. The difference with our youth is that we have become too comfortable with stagnancy. From primary school to now, we were taught to be satisfied with what we have. We have been taught that since we can do as we please and no longer have to abide by discriminatory laws such as “Jim Crow Laws”, we are somehow free. This is false.
With Project 2025, Anti-DEI bills, and many more, this is a time when Black votes and advocacy matter the most. The upcoming Presidential election hangs on the shoulders of young democrats. On social media, there is a debate going on about Black Trump supporters and their reasoning. Many are being swayed by the promise of more stimulus checks, yet lack the motivation to do research. The research will tell you that the Democratic party pushed to give us around $6,000 during quarantine while Republicans shut it down and disagreed with us even receiving the checks at all. The $1,200 was the result of a compromise and the promise of giving President Trump the credit. He was able to stamp his name onto action and made it seem as though he was responsible.
This is why young Black voters are so vital. We are part of a larger mass that has the capability to reshape the political landscape of the United States. Years of disenfranchisement and discrimination have sought to silence us, yet we have flourished in various ways. Our generation is experiencing a growing rate of awareness of social justice issues and the power of flooding the polls. In recent years, it has been reported that young Black voters are beginning to make our presence known in elections. Although we are still underrepresented, we are slowly making our way towards seeing an impactful change in the percentage of young Black voters.
The importance of young Black voters stems from the need for a fresh perspective on political discourse. Other minorities and the majority are focused on financial aspects of the election such as who will be able to solve the issues we are currently having with inflation, the housing market, other equally important issues. Our community is more focused on things such as racially equity, equal job opportunities, and laws that will benefit us as a people. This is backed by a survey from the CIRCLE Tufts political group which data showed that 38% of young Black voters priortized a candidates view on racial issues.
Young Black voters have the ability to hold politicians accountable as well. By actively engaging in the political process and participating in elections, we can demand transparency, accountability, and responsiveness from elected officials. This will ensure that politicians prioritize the needs and interests of the Black community and work towards creating a more equitable and just society. We can achieve this by calling our government officials and making our voices heard.
One of the most significant reasons why black youth are important to society is our role in molding the future. As the next generation of leaders, innovators, and influencers, Black youth have the power to drive positive change and progress in our communities and promote innovation. It is important to make sure that we elect an official that invests in our education and provides us with the opportunity to grow professionally and personally.
Our youth already face enough disparities and discrimination that limit our opportunities for success. From unequal access to quality educations and healthcare to systemic racism and discrimination in the criminal justice system, our youth are disproportionately affected by a range of social and economic injustices. A politician who can address these injustices and work towards removing these obstacles can help to create a more just and equitable society that allows our youth to thrive.
Voting allows individuals to partake in the democratic process and control who represents them and makes decisions on their behalf. It ensures that the government is representative of the people it serves amd the diverse perspectives of those it serves. It allows for individuals to bring about change and support policies and candidates that align with their morals and beliefs. Voting is also a way to hold elected officials accountable for their actions and ensure that they are working for the interests of the public. It is a fundamental right in democracy and helps to protect and strengthen the democratic system.
Our ancestors have fought to eliminate voter suppression and give us a chance to vote. They knew that voting was an important part of making any kind of progress toward equality. Although they were able to abolish slavery and get rid of many discriminatory barriers, the work is still not done. It is up to us to continue the march that they began and it starts with voting. By voting, we can elect officials that have our interests in mind. We can keep “conservatives” out of office and choose people whose agenda matches with ours. We need officials who want to create a safe space for everyone and wants to give us equal opportunities. This is why the importance of young Black voters is high.