On March 31, 1870, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Mr. Thomas Mundy Petersen, the son of freed slaves, made history by casting the first vote by an African American in a United States election. It was just over a month after the 15th Amendment was ratified, prohibiting the federal government and the states from denying anyone the right to vote “on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”
One would think that the historic and brave action of voting in that era by Mr. Petersen and the century-long struggle by African Americans suffering humiliation and violence for simply exercising their right to vote would inspire us all to participate in this critically important part of our democracy. Unfortunately, voting has become more of a chore or something you do if you have the time and can “fit it into your schedule.” Sadly, many have grown so tired and cynical about elections, the candidates, and outcomes that allow opportunities for positive change to pass year after year. Consider this: San Bernardino County had approximately 1.1 million residents registered to vote for the November 2022 fall midterms. Only 458,946 of the 1.1 million registered voters participated and cast a vote. That’s less than 50% of the registered voters making decisions about important topics such as who will represent communities on city councils, school boards, and county, state, and federal offices. What’s most intriguing is that large margins do not win elections in many cities throughout the county, which means every vote counts. Real change in every community is possible by exercising the simple act of voting.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Voting is the foundation stone of political action.” It’s important to remember that voting is an action and a meaningful way to speak to elected officials at all levels of government and, more importantly, to one’s community. Have you ever wondered how sidewalks are added to a neighborhood? Have you ever wondered how a grocery store or a retail center is brought to a community? How are roads fixed, potholes filled, and the quality of education improved? The answer is simple: it’s your local government, and your vote is the voice that shapes those outcomes.
While national political races often dominate the media, it’s crucial to remember that local government elections (i.e., mayor, city council, and school board) have a significant impact on our daily lives. The condition of local streets and roads, housing, businesses, and the quality of education available to residents are all influenced by officials from local government agencies.
That is why the Mu Xi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. has partnered with Black Voice News, the Eta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and the San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. to develop a voter awareness campaign for the 2024 elections. This initiative is designed to empower residents in communities throughout the Inland Empire with educational information (in-person & virtual) about the inner workings of their cities, counties, and school districts and how to use that knowledge to inform their voting decisions each year. To provide residents with more information about the roles and importance of local government in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, stay connected to Black Voice News for more details. And let’s honor the memory of Mr. Thomas Petersen and all those who sacrificed for our right to vote by casting our vote on November 5th.
Otis Greer is Director of Legislative and Public Affairs for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, managing legislative programs and relationships with state and federal policymakers.
Alpha Phi Alpha™, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American Men, was founded on December 4, 1906™ at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in this country.
