By Maya Quinn, editor
It is no secret that Alabama has one of the lowest voter turnouts in the nation. The Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) and the Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative (SRBWI) are working to change that. The organizations see a need for local voter education events to ensure that the overall Black voter turnout increases as well.
On Saturday, October 3rd, the BBCF Greene County Associates, in conjunction with SRBWI, held a civic engagement brunch titled “The Urgency is Now.” Women from both organizations, along with student organizers, passed out voter registration information and spoke on the importance of understanding the ballot for the upcoming election.
It was reiterated numerous times how urgent it is to encourage other Black voters to vote en masse so their voice is heard. Community Associate Darlene Robinson reminded attendees that, “We’re all in this together.”
Community Associate Mollie Rowe welcomed attendees, saying both organizations gather with one goal in mind: “to make our community better.” She gave thanks to God for making it possible for members of the community to gather in their right minds to advocate for voting rights and change. “The urgency is now,” she stated fervently, “because tomorrow is not promised to us.”
Following Rowe’s welcome, Pastor Michael Barton blessed the attendees and the leaders who gathered to increase collaboration and cohesion in Greene County. Darlene Robinson then introduced the President and CEO of the Black Belt Community Foundation, Chris Spencer.
Spencer described the women who organized the event as “some of the hardest-working people across The Black Belt.” He spoke highly of their efforts to raise funds for community events such as this, reminding everyone that “each one of the dollars that you give goes back to your community.”
He also stressed the importance of keeping those around us informed and aware of voting dates, describing the event as a family affair. “Voting is the one day that we are all equal in America,” and “This is one of the most important elections that we will ever participate in. Your voice defines tomorrow.”
Community Associate and main event organizer Darlene Robinson thanked Spencer for his encouraging words. “We want to make sure you can vote on November 3rd”, she stated before introducing Diane Childs and Billie Williams from the Greene County Registrar’s Office. Mrs. Childs informed attendees that they can drop by the office or call (205) 372-6971 to ask any questions regarding voting status or eligibility. She strongly encouraged voters to do so before October 19th, the last day to register for the upcoming election. She cautioned voters to stop by even if they have already filled out a form to check that it was not marked as incomplete.
Attendees were then allowed to view and practice filling out the Alabama sample ballot for Greene County. Robinson told attendees to write her in for one of the positions on a ballot to practice spelling a write-in candidate’s name correctly. After votes were collected, she then asked the crowd if they thought she was qualified for the position. She told attendees to ask the same question of every candidate, emphasizing how imperative it was for voters to do their own research before election day.
Featured Image: BBCF and SRBWI associates with BBCF CEO Chris Spencer.
L to R: Fatima Robinson, Mollie Gaines, Javonica Davis, Nancy Cole, Leah Fletcher, Mah’Kenzie Walker, Chris Spencer, Jakeria Bridgemon, Lucette Fletcher, Mollie Rowe, and Darlene Robinson
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