“Don’t Boo, Vote!!”

With just 73 days left until the November 8 Presidential election, we need to focus on the following:
1) making sure you, your family members, friends, and everyone who you care about is registered to vote or change their address online (if they have moved) at http://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov

2) sharing HOW to get a Sample Ballot so they can see, study, and discuss the 20 items appearing on Georgia ballots in all 159 counties. Print copies from “My Voter Page” for those who are internet challenged.

3) Sharing this info on all your social media platforms and start an ongoing discussion around voting on a daily or weekly basis.

4) Checking your voter status and polling location online.  This makes sure your information is correct and if your polling location or early voting location has changed, you will know in advance.

If we hold regular discussions over the next 73 days, more people will feel more confident about when, why, and HOW to vote. Take a copy of your Sample Ballot to the polls with you in November.

Regardless of what the media says about the candidates, you need to focus on voting.  In the words of President Barack Obama, “Don’t boo, vote!”.  Make sure you have a plan to vote early and get your friends and family to do the same. Too many things can happen on election day to keep you from getting to the polls. Besides, voting early is less stressful…no drama, no lines, and no waiting!

One thing I know for sure: Voting for President and not voting all the way down the ballot is like taking the quarterback to the game and leaving the other 10 players. No matter how great the quarterback, he cannot win without the 10 other players on the field!! So, vote all the way down the ballot!!

The deadline to register or change your address in Georgia is October 11.  For any voter questions, call the Secretary of State at 404-656-2871. Or, call The Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda.

Simone M., Simone B. and Michael P. Win Gold for USA

Simone Manuel of Mississppi makes history as the first African American female to win an Olympic medal and ultimately wins two!!  Manuel tied with Penny Oleksiak of Canada because they hit the wall at the same time in the 100 meter freestyle. Not bad for a first time Olympian who swims for Stanford.  You go girl!!!

In the meantime, Simone Biles has made the USA proud in continuing the gold medal winning tradition for the fourth straight Olympics in the women’s all-around individual gymnastics event.  Biles has won three gold medals in Rio so far. Way to go!!

Leading the way for all Olympians, legendary swimmer, Michael Phelps has won a career total of 23 gold medals. Five of his gold medals were won in Rio. Phelps total of 23 gold medals is more gold medals than several small countries have won. At age 31, this may be Phelps’ last Olympics. If so, his amazing medal record may last for decades to come. And, his baby boy, Boomer will have lots of Olympic videos to view when he is old enough to understand his dad’s amazing accomplishments. Phelps is simply unbelievable!!

Gatlin Edged out by Bolt

Justin Gatlin runs a good race at 9.89 and wins the silver medal, just behind fol medal winner Usain Bolt at 9.81 in the 100 meter race today in the Rio Olympics. While making history and winning his third straight gold medal, Bolt is riding high and being compared to another famous Jamaican, Bob Marley, in how popular he has become.

 

Social Justice Ministry Training at Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church

Last night at the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, a diverse group of about 70 people gathered to get trained on “HOW” they can “do something” instead of just sitting on the sidelines watching all of the injustices going on in Atlanta and the nation.

It was a fun learning environment filled with Biblical examples as the King’s decree to kill the Hebrew boy babies that was compared to senseless unarmed shootings of Black men. This informative night also included voter education, a game of “Know your local elected officials”, what they do and HOW the laws they make effect our current and future quality of life.

In addition, the group learned how public policy decisions effect residents’ ability to get access to resources to improve their economic well-being… our ability to get better jobs, job training or capital to start or expand a small business.

Each of the modules offered included one or more action items!

The Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church is training advocates to stand up for social justice.  We are among several local groups who have stepped up to train and lead those who want to stand up for justice.

At the same time, a couple miles away, Attorney Miley Davis, held a training class at the GA State Law School to train protest observers, attorneys to work with protesters, and other legal topics.

Be a part of the 21st Century Social Justice Movement in Metro Atlanta. Get trained and get involved. Freedom is not free. It has to be maintained and protected. In the words of Ghandi, “Be the change you want to see.”

Take the time, learn the system, make the short term sacrifice for long term gain. Stop talking about how bad things are.  Get trained move into action.  Too many of us are riding on the coat tails of our ancestors work.

To become a part of Ebenezer’s Social Justice Group, email your request to: ebcsocialjustice@gmail.com

 

 

Time for Voter Education

Successful Voter Registration requires Voter Education for high voter turnout. Since we need high turnout on Nov. 8, please send study this “GA Prepared to Vote 2016” card. It talks about voting, not any candidate or party.

I encourage everyone to post it on their social media sites and start a conversation around theses FAQs that include: Oct. 11 is last day for people to register to vote, change their address, change their name & handle any problems before the Nov. 8 Presidential election that will include about 25 local ballot items.

This website: http://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov and phone numbers:
-GA Sec of State 404-656-2871
-GA Coalition for the People’s Agenda 404-524-8683
-GA NAACP 404-577-8977
are where to go for all voter questions, concerns and to check your voter status.

Download a “sample ballot” to see and discuss the 25+ ballot items with your family and friends and to get early voting information that includes at least one Saturday in all GA counties (Fulton & DeKalb have two Saturdays and two Sundays). This website also has details on actual early voting dates and times for the November 8 election.

For voter information in other states, simply search online for “November 8, 2016 election information for (your state name)”. Early voting days & deadlines, absentee, and mail ballot rules differ from state to state. Learn the rules and share them with your family and friends.

When voters start discussing the candidates on the ballot as we discuss: the Super Bowl teams, sports facts, reality TV, new mobile devices, etc., more people will not only vote…they will vote the entire with confidence!  By the way.  Did you know that some studies report about 60-70% of voters will only vote for president and turn in their ballot. By educating yourselves and those in our circle, we will get different results, i.e. more people who truly “represent the people”.