The Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC) Fund Blog features the unique voices and perspectives of people who make up the diverse fabric of Colorado’s Black communities. It’s a platform to share how people in the Black community give back, discuss historical and current challenges, and illustrate Black resilience. This month, we invited Colorado Senator James Coleman to share his thoughts on the civil responsibility and power of voting.
As a Black man and legislator, I understand the importance of active political participation in our community. Without the tireless sacrifices, organizing, and community collaboration of those before us, we would not be where we are today. This sentiment is especially felt regarding voting and voting access.
Historically, the right to vote for Black Americans has been hard-won. After the Civil War, the 15th Amendment was ratified in 1870, granting only Black men the right to vote. Later, Jim Crow laws, literacy tests, and poll taxes were instituted, effectively disenfranchising Black voters and maintaining white supremacy in the political system. These oppressive measures were not just local policies; they were sanctioned by a society that viewed Black people as second-class citizens.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation that sought to dismantle these barriers. Authored by leaders of the civil rights movement, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this act aimed to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by the 14th and 15th Amendments. It outlawed discriminatory voting practices and provided federal oversight of voter registration in areas with a history of racial discrimination. The act was a pivotal moment, symbolizing hope and progress for millions of Black Americans who had been denied their fundamental rights.
Yet, the fight for voting rights did not end with the passage of the Voting Rights Act. Ongoing efforts to suppress Black votes—such as gerrymandering, voter ID laws, and purging of voter rolls—demonstrate that systemic inequities persist. Since 1965, Supreme Court decisions, like Shelby County v. Holder, have struck down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act. They are further exacerbating these challenges and allowing states to implement measures that disproportionately affect marginalized voters.
We must recognize the power of our vote as we approach the 2024 elections, especially those of us who have historically been negatively affected by these systemic inequities. Voting is not merely a civic duty but a profound act of resistance against a history of disenfranchisement. It is a chance to voice our concerns and priorities, advocating for policies that uplift our communities and address the systemic issues we face, such as economic inequality, healthcare access, and criminal justice reform.
Moreover, voting is about representation. The people we elect to office have the power to shape laws and policies that directly affect our lives. When we engage in the electoral process, we hold elected officials accountable and push for leaders championing equity and justice. In 2024, it is crucial to support local and federal candidates committed to preserving voting rights, promoting social justice, and dismantling the barriers that continue to oppress marginalized communities.
Voting is a way to honor the legacy of those who fought tirelessly for our rights. From the marches in Washington to the sit-ins at lunch counters, countless individuals sacrificed their lives and livelihoods for the right to vote. Each ballot cast is a tribute to their courage and resilience. As a community, we must ensure their sacrifices were not in vain.
The importance of voting in 2024 cannot be overstated. It is a powerful tool to combat systemic inequities and shape the future we want to see. As we head into this election season, let us remember the struggles of the past and seize the opportunity to create a more just and equitable society for ourselves and future generations. Our voices matter, and our votes are our power. Let’s use them.