#ncbcp

By Darrell Coles - Black Youth Vote Staff

It's important for the black youth to vote because past generations have fought and died insuring African Americans have the right to vote. The Civil Rights Movement paved the way for African Americans so we have to continue to exercise this right, for the countless lives lost won't go in vein. To this day Blacks are still fighting discriminatory voting practices that hinder their civil and human rights.     According to the United States Census data, over sixty-six percent of registered voters who were black went to the polls and voted in the 2012 presidential election. That's two percent higher than registered white voters, and almost six percent higher than U.S voters overall.  It's important for African Americans to vote because this is the only way our voices will be heard and issues will get addressed, together we can change policy and hold elected officials accountable.  If Black voters don't express our needs to elected officials by voting our interests, then more than likely they won't be addressed. Every vote counts, all elections matter, #blacklivesmatter. #BlackYouthVote - Our Politics! Is NOW!

By Sherman Justice - Black Male Initiative Fellow

A few weeks ago I had an incredible opportunity to be at the Black Lives Matter conference in Ohio representing Black Youth Vote! Being a native of Ohio, it meant a lot to see thousands of Black people gathered in Cleveland, Ohio where Black activists and freedom fighters gathered to create a space were we could heal, empower, and strategize. With over twenty sessions happening simultaneously throughout the convening, it was apparent that our Black people of America are still dealing with a variety of issues. I myself attended several workshops, in order to network with people and gain as much knowledge as possible. Although all the workshops had so much to offer I found one that was captivating and unforgettable.    

 To clarify it was the CoIntel Pro workshop. CoIntel Pro is short for Counter Intelligence Program. CoIntel Pro a program that was initially developed in 1956 to disrupt activist within the Communist Party, but by the 1960's the program was used to target Black activist groups like the Black Panther Party. The workshop consisted of a five person panel- Marshall Conway, Ramona Africa, Pamela Hannah, Asanti Alston and Hank Jones- Whom were prisoners of war themselves, or victims of the CoIntel Pro's violent acts against the Movement. The Panel told horrific stories about how the CoIntel Pro caused families to be dismantled, people were sent to prison and how they were robbed of their liberties in the fight for equality. Of all the speakers, one story resonated with me a little more than others.     

Marshall Eddie Conway the brother I would never forget was sentenced to 44 years in prison, after being accused of killing a police officer.  Although Mr. Conway was locked up for what some people would consider a lifetime he still never gave up, and actually earned three college degrees and started a literacy program while incarcerated. In 2014, Mr. Conway was finally released on parole because during his trial, improper instructions were given to the jury.     

Upon his release, Mr. Conway wanted to escape his life and head to a beach, chill and enjoy his freedom. But something stopped him in his tracks, which made him feel compelled to keep fighting. He said it was because the conditions in which he left his hometown of Baltimore had not only experienced no progress for Black people, it was actually worse than when the movement started. As much as he wants to rest, he still continues to fight for the betterment of our people.     Mr. Conway's personal story encouraged me to keep fighting for justice. Even though I have not endured the pain the he endured, I empathize with his story. When I still see young people out here not exercising their right to vote, and elders like Mr. Conway and many before him endured so much and given so much of themselves, it pushes me to do more. I feel it is my duty, being a part of Black Youth Vote! to get millennials (18-35) involved in the political process so we can move from protest to policy. Just like Mr. Conway I will not rest and I will continue to fight until the end!