Though I need a shirt that reads “Since 1965,” I proudly support StyleBlueprint’s Women’s Votes Matter campaign. With the passage of the 19th amendment in 1920, women finally secured the right to vote. But for decades women (and men) of color would continue to be disenfranchised by literacy tests and other measures specifically designed to prevent racial minorities from voting, especially in the Deep South. With the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965 these tactics were finally outlawed. As a black woman from the South, I cannot and will not take the right to vote lightly. And so I will wear this shirt today as I go to the polls to vote.
I will vote because before 1920 women weren’t allowed to do so.
I will vote because men and women with skin like mine risked their lives so I could.
As actor and activist Jesse Williams stated in a recent video for Save the Day, I will vote because this isn’t just about the White House it’s about my house. It’s about the local measures and elected officials that will have a direct impact on my everyday life regardless of who is president.
I will vote because #repealthe19th was trending on Twitter.
I will vote because, as Williams stated, there are people who still don’t want me to.
Great post!