By: Travis McGee The Black vote is the most important vote, but yet and still it’s the most manipulated and disrespected vote because it can be sold for pennies on the dollar. For decades now the message has been VOTE, JUST VOTE, or VOTE like your life depended on it. A vote as important as the Black vote has to be an educated-well researched Vote versus a “JUST VOTE.” The most oppressed people in U.S. history need to expect more from their vote than simply choosing just any political candidate, regardless of race. Not everyone who looks like us supports our interests, and just because someone is White don’t make them right. Research now versus regret later. The White House can’t be a distraction from the things going on in and around your house. As a matter of fact, it’s over 1400 miles away from Houston, Texas. Just like we often hear, “Everything starts at home.” That includes also being politically aware of what’s happeneing locally versus focusing on just the Presidential election. We have to get away from being seduced by the popularity contests, ‘Imma Do’ speeches, and ‘the name recognition only’ way of voting. Without under-standing a candidates’ voting history or the work that they have previously done for their constituents, you can’t really know if they are for you or against you. We should research the candidates for ourselves to see who they really are and if what they’ve done has been a benefit to us before asking for our VOTE. The race card can’t be the only card considering we have an opportunity to evaluate the whole deck of cards before voting. In the past and present the Black Vote has been easily obtained by romancing us with free music, free food, and lies. They even acknowledge our leaders and tell us who we should listen to, how-ever, they never tell you the TRUTH or who is getting paid behind the scenes while we’re not paying attention.

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