In 1964 young men and women outside the south joined their Black peers in a historic project called Freedom Summer. This was a most heroic effort to get the black voters registered and voting.
Three young men were killed that summer. James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner should forever be remembered along with all those who survived the beatings, cross burnings and economic sanctions by the Klan and their supporters. The murders of these three young men was shown in the Film Mississippi Burning and then later in the documentary NESHOBA directed by Micki Dickoff where she told the in depth back story of this tragedy. And was able to interview the Klan leader who was the architect of these murders. {a film worth seeing}
Today we don’t face all of the obstacles that existed then. But at the same time we recognize all the efforts made to suppress the people of color vote. All manner of tricks and intimidation will once again be use this November.
Not to mention the outside sinister internet people working their computers from countries far away.
SO WHAT IS AT STAKE…???
Well just about everything… no one and no organization or issue is safe unless we shore up our government so that it functions as it should.
We must not be silent. We must encourage every organization and individual to get people to register and to vote. And then I would suggest that good people take 72 hours out of their lives and work on GOTV those last three days of this election cycle.
A lot of organizations are doing this work and we must join with them in making this election be representative of the dreams and aspirations of all Americans.
Nonprofits cannot endorse a party or a particular candidate, but they can encourage one and all to register and to vote. The importance of voting should be on every web page, twitter, face book and personal signature.
THIS ELECTION IS A HISTORICAL OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF OUR DEMOCRACY
In the meantime, raise your voice and join this TSUNAMI OF HOPE.