Why We Vote

The future of our children is one of the most powerful reasons to vote. We thank Eric Velasquez for his permission to use his beautiful illustration from the cover of A Sweet Smell of Roses written by Angela Johnson.

In the final stretch toward Election Day, The African American Children’s Book Project, founded by Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, and The Brown Bookshelf invite the Black publishing community to help mobilize voters. Please read the post below, spread the word and sign on in the comments to add your name. Our hashtag  is #whywevote. We would love for you to share this post on social media with a line or two about why voting matters to you. Together, we can make a difference.

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

James Baldwin

Literacy tests, grandfather clauses, poll taxes, intimidation and violence were once used to try to stop our people from voting. As voter suppression efforts intensify, we are reminded of that history and recognize that we are at another pivotal time. We, the undersigned Black authors, illustrators, booksellers, librarians and publishing professionals, stand with those who came before us, who fought for us, who believed in the power of participation. We must push for a brighter, more just future for the children we serve.  This is why we vote.

This is not the time to sit this one out. This is not the time to catch you on the next one. This is the time to use your power. Make this commitment to justice, honor each and all of our stories, and vote!

What you can do NOW!            

Make A Voting Plan – visit  iwillvote.com for additional information.

Vote Early.            

Encourage others to do the same.

Our lives have infinite value. Your voice matters. Be the change. Vote!

 “Change comes with action. With action comes change.” 

Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati

 

Signed:

Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati

Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

Kelly Starling Lyons

Crystal Allen

Don Tate

Tracey Baptiste

Gwendolyn Hooks

Paula Chase Hyman

Varian Johnson

Tameka Fryer Brown

Eric Velasquez

Wade Hudson

Cheryl Willis Hudson

Katura Hudson

Nikki Grimes

Renée Watson

Lesa Cline-Ransome

James E. Ransome

Carole Boston Weatherford

Andrea Davis Pinkney

Sharon G. Flake

Jacqueline Woodson

Marie Brown

Judy Allen Dodson

Regina Brooks

Joyce Hansen

Dinah Johnson

Nancy Tolson

Torrey Maldonado

Floyd Cooper

Sharon G. Langley

Zetta Elliott

Tami Charles

Synthia Saint James

Andrea Loney

Kwame Mbalia

Debbie Rigaud

Nikki Shannon Smith

Edith Campbell

Leslie C. Youngblood

Valerie Bolling

Natasha Tarpley

Susan Robeson

Nina Crews

Dr. Marietta Collins

Gennelle Taylor

Nicole Tadgell

Jerry Pinkney

Gloria Jean Pinkney

Linda Trice

Michelle Meadows

Mélina Mangal

Dr. Claudette McLinn

Tammy Bailey

Sandra Renrick

Sign on in the comments to add your name.

11 thoughts on “Why We Vote

  1. I vote in every election. I never sit an election out. My ancestors fought and died for this right. I honor them every time I vote. As long as I have breath in my body, I will vote every single time. Vote like your life depends on it.

  2. I vote to make a difference; many before me were denied the opportunity! Voting gives me a voice and hope.

  3. I am white. I have privilege. I vote for all those who have not yet been afforded the opportunities I’ve always had. I vote so we can be that shining example on the hill. Every voice counts. Every person matters.

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