Editor:

I vote because, on Election Day, Americans have always reminded me of the power of casting a vote.

But, some Americans have historically had a harder time than others when it comes to exercising that power. Yet, last Tuesday, Nov 4th, became a historic day when for the first time, a local African American couple and staff, banded together to make sure poling precincts are reflective of the local underserved community here.

We, Craig and Sharon Butts of Unity in the Community, have been working tirelessly in the fight to make sure that Black voters get to the polls. One of the ways we’ve done this is by becoming local pole managers and emphasizing voter(s) education. We see ourselves as examples of what others can do to be more active in their community by becoming poll workers and managers. With all the work we do to give back in the community, voting is not all we do in the community.

Our focus is also on giving back through community movies and events such as the back pack/school supply give away and more. In December we will have our 2nd annual Christmas movie with gifts.

Sharon Butts has introduced and teaches a multicultural literature class at the high school, which will be starting a poetry club soon where the students will share their poetry at a local restaurant. We are about creating opportunities for youth of diverse backgrounds to access the brilliance and beauty of diverse cultures and its illustrious scholars.

There is an old black folks quote about voting, “They bequeathed to us their inspiration, but I think they also bequeathed to us a kind of responsibility to pay it forward. What we’re doing is not only about us, about this moment. It’s about a long tradition, and it’s also about creating the possibilities for the future, for our children and grandchildren.” Susie Jones, a 1960’s black grandmother who helped register black voters in Greensboro, N.C.

Craig and Sharon Butts, Richmond Hill