Brothas to the Ballot Box: Black Men Shaping Our Nation's Future

By Tristan B. Smith

Black men have long been the backbone of our communities, leading movements and advocating for justice and change. Yet, when it comes to political engagement, our voices are often overlooked or drowned out by systemic obstacles and sometimes even our own hesitations. It is our job to change the narrative of black male involvement in the political process and it begins with the rallying cry: Brothas to the Ballot! The future of our country depends on our active, and steadfast participation in the political process and the time for action was yesterday. The time to act is now.

Historically, we have faced systemic barriers that have stifled our voices and stunted our progress — mass incarceration, economic inequality, and political disenfranchisement. But like Edwin Moses, who cleared every hurdle with precision and determination, we have continually risen above every challenge. The baton has been passed to us this election cycle, and if we want to lower the hurdles for the upcoming generations of Black Americans, we must take the lead and get to the ballot box and bring another brotha with us.

Black men are not disengaged but often excluded– our engagement is oftentimes seen as a threat and that is exactly why it is so powerful. If our voices being heard were not important then why would they try so hard to lessen our impact? Over the last few months, I have served as NAACP PA Director of Civic Engagement and in my travels across the state, despite these obstacles I have met and have the privilege of collaborating with heavily engaged brothas from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and all areas in between. This goes to show that black men are out here doing the work but it can't just be a select few of us with fancy titles – barbers, coaches, athletes, musicians, we need all of you. You are the mentors who shape the next generation, and your leadership is essential both on and off the ballot. Let's show up, stand united, and lead the way in educating our young brothers on the power of their vote, ensuring they can make informed decisions that will shape our country's future.

Brothas, get on the bus! It may not take us exactly where we want to go, but what's important is that it's moving forward. The NAACP is ready to help you get on board with registering other brothers to vote, making phone calls and sending texts or going door to door to engage our community and make sure that every black voice has a microphone turned up to max volume. We have not come this far and endured what we have to see the labor of our elders be squashed. When I say to you brothers, let's get to the ballot box, I'm not asking you to vote for a specific candidate, but to vote for our futures and uphold the path our ancestors set before us.

It is our duty, see you at the ballot box brother! Your brother,

Tristan B. Smith

Tristan B. Smith is a State Director in Pennsylvania, working with the NAACP to mobilize Black voters.