As Tuesday, Nov. 5, approaches, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in American history. Every election is important, but this one carries particular weight for Black men across the nation. We are at a moment where our communities are grappling with unprecedented challenges: systemic racism, police brutality, voter suppression, economic inequality and mass incarceration. Yet, within these struggles lies an opportunity—the opportunity to use our collective voice to demand change. Voting is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal, and on Nov. 5, Black men must turn out in record numbers.
For too long, Black men have been marginalized, not just by the systems of power that seek to silence us but also by narratives that suggest our votes do not matter. We’ve been told our concerns are ignored, that our participation is futile and that the system is rigged against us. While it’s true that the fight for equality and justice is far from over, it is also true that our vote holds immense power. History has shown us this time and time again. From the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to Barack Obama’s election in 2008, Black men have been instrumental in shaping the course of this country. But the work is not done.
This election is about more than just choosing a president, a governor or a mayor. It’s about determining the future of our families, our communities and generations to come. It’s about holding elected officials accountable to the promises they’ve made to address the issues that disproportionately affect us. The criminal-justice system, for example, continues to target Black men at alarming rates, with Black men making up nearly 40% of the incarcerated population despite only being 13% of the general population. Mass incarceration devastates our communities, breaks apart families and limits opportunities for employment and advancement.
Voting gives us the chance to elect leaders who will enact policies to reform this broken system. Local elections, in particular, play a crucial role in shaping the police departments, district attorneys and judges who make decisions on policing and sentencing. We have seen in cities like Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles that progressive district attorneys can implement changes in prosecution strategies, reducing the criminalization of non-violent offenses and prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment.
In addition to criminal-justice reform, economic inequality remains a significant issue for Black men. The racial wealth gap persists, with Black men earning, on average, significantly less than their white counterparts. This economic disparity affects our ability to build wealth, support our families and invest in our communities. Voting for candidates who prioritize economic justice, fair wages and equal opportunity is essential. Supporting policies like raising the minimum wage, expanding access to health care and ensuring affordable housing are all issues that directly affect Black men.
The stakes in this election are even higher because voter-suppression tactics continue to target Black communities. From purging voter rolls to reducing polling places in predominantly Black neighborhoods, efforts to silence our voices are very real. But as history shows, Black men have never been deterred by obstacles placed in our path. Our ancestors fought, bled and died for the right to vote. From the first freed Black men who bravely cast ballots during Reconstruction to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, where activists like John Lewis were beaten on the Edmund Pettus Bridge for demanding our full participation in democracy, our history is a testament to resilience. We owe it to them, and to ourselves, to carry that legacy forward.
But this election is not just about historical duty; it’s about our present and future. The issues we face today—police violence, unemployment, health-care inequities—require our urgent attention. Black men, in particular, have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, both in terms of health outcomes and job losses. This election will shape how our country responds to these ongoing challenges and how quickly we can rebuild from this crisis. We must elect leaders who will prioritize our health, our jobs and our safety.
It’s also crucial to recognize that voting is just one part of the equation. Beyond casting our ballots, we must stay engaged in the political process by holding elected officials accountable, advocating for policies that uplift our communities and supporting grassroots efforts that organize and empower Black voters. We must also encourage the next generation of Black men to see voting not as a burden but as a tool of empowerment and self-determination. When we vote, we are not only speaking for ourselves but for those who come after us.
Some may feel disillusioned by politics, tired of broken promises or skeptical of whether their vote will truly make a difference. But we cannot afford to sit this one out. The decisions made on Nov. 5 will have lasting consequences for us, our children, and our community as a whole. Every vote matters. Every election counts.
In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Voting is our way of refusing to be silent. It is our way of demanding that our voices be heard, that our lives be valued and that our future be protected. On Nov. 5, let’s show up for ourselves, for our ancestors, and for the generations yet to come. Black men, our vote is our power—let’s use it.
This MFP Voices essay does not necessarily represent the views of the Mississippi Free Press, its staff or board members. To submit an opinion for the MFP Voices section, send up to 1,200 words and sources fact-checking the included information to voices@mississippifreepress.org. We welcome a wide variety of viewpoints.
