The Urgency of Voting in Ohio: Engaging Young Black Male Voters

By T. Nicole Taylor

As we approach the 2024 election season in Ohio, it is crucial to recognize the pressing need to safeguard our democracy and advocate for our rights. While many in our communities are eager to vote, there remains a significant challenge: engaging Black men, both young and old, who often see little value in participating in elections.

"Voting doesn't matter." "My vote's not going to change anything." "I don't care who is president."

While most Black men in our community are eager to vote, there are still too many young Black men that simply don't see its value. Some embrace misinformation and conspiracy theories. Some reject facts altogether, clinging to contrary beliefs simply for the sake of being oppositional. But in reality, the underlying issue is that many elected officials have failed young Black men. And they are tired of it. 

But from NAACP's work in Ohio, we've seen that there are messages that resonate with young Black men, and that continues to give me hope as we enter the final days of this election cycle. 

When I speak to young Black men about voting, it's important to make sure they fully realize the power and impact that their vote can have. I remind them that voting is not just an act of participation; it is a declaration of our collective interests. We vote to advance policies that matter to us like police reform, responsible gun laws, reproductive freedom, economic justice, healthcare access, and student loan relief. 

The candidates we support will determine whether these policies come to fruition or fade into obscurity. We cannot afford to let individuals who openly threaten our communities — by proposing cuts to essential programs — enter positions of power. Black men are protectors of their families and communities, and voting is a powerful means to uphold that duty. 

Some political candidates believe that simply living while Black is an act of defiance. I would say the true act of defiance is using our voice as our vote in the face of interests that seek to take us back to a time when we were second-class citizens. 

I like to remind Black men that I speak with about the deep sacrifices our ancestors made. The pain they endured; the unimaginable hardships they bore so they could have the right to vote. Their resilience inspires me, which I hope to use to inspire others, makes me never want to miss a chance to vote. 

The good news is that after these conversations, I have successfully registered every young Black man I've spoken with to vote. However, I can't shake the fear of how many others might share similar views. As we enter the final days of this election cycle, we have to have these critical conversations we have within our families and social circle. We must ensure our own "tribes" are engaged. 

I'm calling on every reader to reach out to a young Black man in their life and talk to them about voting. 

Engaging our young Black man and our communities over all, empowering our voters, and ensuring every voice is heard is not just our responsibility — it is our duty.

T. Nicole Taylor is a State Director in Ohio, working with the NAACP to mobilize Black voters.