Why It's Important To Say Her Name AND Vote

Today, I’ll get straight to the point. This week has been rough for Black people, especially Black women. Two days ago we learned that a grand jury decided not to indict any officer in the death of Breonna Taylor. Instead, an officer was charged with wanton endangerment, for his bullets that went through Breonna’s wall and into her neighbors’ apartment.[1] As I scrolled through my social media feeds, I could feel the disappointment, pain, anger, grief, and exhaustion overwhelming so many of us. For months, we petitioned, protested, and fought to keep #sayhername trending, in hopes of getting justice for Breonna. There isn’t anything that I can say to lessen your feelings, and I won’t try to, because Sis, your feelings are valid. As you take the time you need for rest, healing, and renewal, I encourage you to consider three ways to continue the pursuit of justice:

1. Register to Vote

We all know that the presidential election is coming up next month. But did you also know that voter registration rolls are the primary source for selecting individuals to serve on juries?[2] Why is this important? Because it was a grand jury that decided not to indict any officers in Breonna Taylor’s death. One way to get a seat at the table is to register to vote.

Click here to find out more information about voter registration deadlines in your state. Will you be close to 18 by the next election (Nov. 3)? If so, click here to see if you live in a state that will allow you to vote this year. Voter registration age requirements vary. Some states allow you to vote if you will be 17 years and 10 months on election day and others allow you to vote if you will be 18 within 90 days of the next election. That means you could be eligible to vote even if you won’t turn 18 until February 1, 2021.

2. Be An Active Voter

Active voter rolls are an additional source for finding potential jurors. Another reason to be an active voter is to decrease the chance that your name will be deleted from the voter rolls in your county. States are required to keep accurate voter registration lists. Some states decide that one way to maintain accuracy is to remove non-active voters.[3] You may have registered to vote four years ago, but if you haven’t voted since then, your name might not be on the list. Don’t show up to the polls in November only to find out that you can’t vote. Visit your Secretary of State’s website to learn how to check your voter registration status.

A lot of people have strong feelings about the Kentucky Attorney General, and his action, inaction, or delayed action as it relates to Breonna Taylor. Most Attorney Generals are elected.[4] That means that some of the same people that we call on for justice, are paid from taxpayer dollars. They are paid to represent us. Don’t you want your voice heard when it comes to who your money is being spent on?

3. Run for Office

Interested in not only having a voice, but being a voice that speaks up for members of your community? Consider running for office. Representation is needed at the local, state, and national levels. It may not be easy, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth running. And you don’t have to do it alone. Find out what organizations in your area will help candidates build their campaigns. One national organization that helps women prepare and actually run for office is Emily’s List. You can find more information about their organization here.

Like I said before, it’s been a rough week. I’m sure you’re just as glad as I am that we made it to Friday. As we look forward to the weekend, don’t give up. Don’t allow the heaviness of this moment to consume you. We need you too Sis. Think about how you will start or continue to stand up for Black women. #sayhername

[1] https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/23/us/wanton-endangerment-charge-breonna-tayler/index.html

[2] See, https://www.thoughtco.com/the-trial-stage-970834; See, https://www.ndd.uscourts.gov/jury/jury_handbook_grand_jurors.pdf

[3] https://www.americanbar.org/groups/crsj/publications/human_rights_magazine_home/voting-rights/-use-it-or-lose-it---the-problem-of-purges-from-the-registration0/

[4] https://www.usa.gov/state-attorney-general#:~:text=Attorneys%20general%20are%20the%20top,are%20appointed%20by%20the%20governor