Voting is something that I consider to be a serious responsibility of all American citizens.
It is a feature of the American government that isn’t available in every country around the world. It wasn’t that long ago that all American citizens weren’t allowed to participate in this portion of the government.
When I was a child, I had a serious dislike for my given name, Corinne. It was difficult for others to spell and difficult for others to pronounce. I did not like the way it tasted in my own mouth.
At home, it was rarely used; I was Cori about 90% of the time. I wanted to utilize Cori in school as well but it took me until college to realize I could request people address me using that name. Still, when I began using Cori among my classmates and professors, I still utilized Corinne in my byline.
Despite the difficulties I had with my name, I knew the story behind it. I was named after my great-grandmother Corean Cook. She was a beautiful mulatto woman; with hair so long she could sit on it and an infectious laugh. She died when my mother was 6-years-old, but the impact she had on her life made her want to name her daughter after her.
Every once in a while, I reflect back on the great-grandmother I never knew; the grandmother my mother didn’t have the pleasure of spending more than 6 years with. It amazes me knowing that my grandmother was born in 1927 and was the second youngest. Without looking at Corean’s obituary, I can tell she was born in a time when women had very few rights and privileges as American citizens. I can tell she was born in a time with Black people had very few rights as American citizens, especially in South Carolina where she was from. Even though she could theoretically “pass” for a white woman, that didn’t negate the fact she was Black.
When I turned 18, the first thing I did was register to vote. I’m proud to say, I haven’t missed an election since the first time I ever voted.
Reflecting back, I realize that I don’t want to be or have to be representative of black women like Corean. But it is my responsibility not to let their suffering and their struggle be in vain.
If I miss an election, I am doing them a disservice; I’m not honoring the legacy and spirit of Corean.
So I encourage all American citizens, regardless of race, nationality, gender, sex or religion to get out and vote November 4.
If you aren’t registered to vote already, it’s too late to vote in this election in most places. But it’s not to late to vote in upcoming elections. If you are registered to vote, get out and vote.
In our society, I know that one of the major arguments is that our votes don’t count. But if we don’t take the time to register and vote then our voice doesn’t count either. To me, voting is just another way of standing for ideologies you believe in. If you are against a certain proposal, vote. If you want a certain Senator, vote. Vote whenever you can, however you can for as long as you can.
[Current Song: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised by Gil Scott Heron]
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