In Knoxville, particularly within politics and amongst Black people, there's this thought process that its cool to continue to elect people (most of whom are older) who is cool to hang with and perceived to be a 'good' guy yet they don't do a damn thing to empower Black people. I know several so-called leaders whom I am cordial with yet I couldn't get more than $100 to assist me to empower the youth I serve. And I know that they sit on thousands of dollars (discretionary funds) that could fund not only UUNIK, but other Black non-profit organizations.
What we have to understand is that the power structure continues to help get these old guardians of power reelected. What's also troubling is that the lack of Blacks who vote locally. The same older group vote each election cycle and they usually vote for the same old guards whom they either live by or went to school with or are related to. Thus, we continue to get what we got.
2016 can mark a time of change where we get each other out and vote and FINANCE younger, vocal leaders who have the courage to stand with the people or it can display the same ole same. So I am encouraging more of you who are 45 and younger to vote locally and put $50 or more into a local political candidate. And STOP voting for the same person EVERY election cycle. STOP making politics a lifelong career for some folks. Get some NEW blood in office.
Also, take a friend to the polls. And if you don't live in a district that predominately Black, research the candidates in your area, figure out which you can make alliances with and vote them in.
Cause if we don't make a concerted effort this election cycle locally, our grandchildren will pay the price. And you will start seeing an alarming rate of Black Knoxvillians leave and never come back. If we aren't careful, East Knoxville will be no different demographically speaking than West, South or North
What we have to understand is that the power structure continues to help get these old guardians of power reelected. What's also troubling is that the lack of Blacks who vote locally. The same older group vote each election cycle and they usually vote for the same old guards whom they either live by or went to school with or are related to. Thus, we continue to get what we got.
2016 can mark a time of change where we get each other out and vote and FINANCE younger, vocal leaders who have the courage to stand with the people or it can display the same ole same. So I am encouraging more of you who are 45 and younger to vote locally and put $50 or more into a local political candidate. And STOP voting for the same person EVERY election cycle. STOP making politics a lifelong career for some folks. Get some NEW blood in office.
Also, take a friend to the polls. And if you don't live in a district that predominately Black, research the candidates in your area, figure out which you can make alliances with and vote them in.
Cause if we don't make a concerted effort this election cycle locally, our grandchildren will pay the price. And you will start seeing an alarming rate of Black Knoxvillians leave and never come back. If we aren't careful, East Knoxville will be no different demographically speaking than West, South or North
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