October
1, 2008 – FM radio stations, 93.9 WKYS and Praise 104.1 held a day-long voter registration drive yesterday at Prince George’s County mall in an attempt to register voters
for the upcoming Presidential election.
The
drive was part of Radio One’s simultaneous effort to register 50,000 voters around the country. (Radio One
has radio stations in approximately 16 of the top African American markets in 42 American cities).
This
year’s presidential election has significant importance for those in the African American community as it presents the chance, for what some say is a major
opportunity to see the ‘first’ (click here – a must read) African American president in US history.
The
election also serves the first opportunity to see an African American man speak so eloquently and precise on issues that face
American people that look like them.
“I
think [the upcoming election] it’s dope.”
“I
can’t wait to vote. I’m ready for change, said twenty-five year-old
friends at the voter registration drive.
“I
like the way Obama talks, and he knows what he’s saying, and I have a good feeling about that.”
Several
teenagers were also present and were quite vocal and adamant about their views on the election and their choice for president.
One
fifteen year-old said she thinks Obama would be a good president.
When
asked why Obama would make a good president, she replied, “If he helps the economy get out of debt; if he stops the
war, and if he lowered gas prices, that would be good.”
An
eleven year-old said, “I think the whole election would make a change in America because the Republicans have really
messed up the United States.”
“McCain
doesn’t really talk about what he can change, he just says Obama this,
and Obama that.”
“That’s
not a very good strategy. Talking [badly] about someone isn’t going to
help win an election; talking about how you’re going to help somebody is how you win an election.”
The
day also saw those who had previously been voter registrants, yet never voted in the past, but now find themselves wanting
to vote.
“In
the past when my husband, now sixty-two, looked out at the big picture, the big picture didn’t identify with him. But he is realizing that he needs to make an effort to help win this election”,
said the wife of one family who came out register.
“The
big picture makes sense to him now.”
Organizers
of the event say they found the event to be hugely successful.
Lisa
Nicker, with WKYS, tells us that at their last count (around 4pm) over 500 people had registered.
“We’ve
been here all day and many people have come by to register to vote, and ask questions about registering to vote.”
“It’s
been very good moment for us because voter registration wasn’t as significant ten years ago [citing people are now more
aware of what is at stake in the voting process], as it is right now, and we’re just happy that people are out to register
to vote. “
WKYS
on-air radio personality, EZ Street had this to say about the voter registration drive:
“Today
is very, very important. I can’t stress it enough. If you look at the economic conditions of this country, I think that says it all, right there.”
“We
cannot go through, not one more year of this. We can’t do it!”
"It’s
ridiculous!"
“They’re
talking about a $700 billion bail out. The guys on Capital Hill are supposed
to be some of the most intelligent people in the world, running the most powerful country in the world, but yet we have this
problem.”
"Something
needs to be done. I don’t think the answer is this $700 billion bail out. I don’t think it’s the answer.
So, I think it’s important to get out here and let our voice be heard on November the 4th to get us
a new president with some new ideas and get this thing going in the right direction.”
On
the success of the voter registration drive, EZ said, “If we got one person, a half of a person, to come out today and
register to vote and then go out and do the right thing on November 4th,, I would call that a huge success.”
While
yesterday’s event was hugely successful at getting DC, MD, and VA residents to register vote, there were some who were
still skeptical about the voting process.
“I’m
not voting because I don’t believe my vote will count”, said one thirty-three year old man. “I know what goes on behind the scenes, so it doesn’t make a difference. The people in charge sit at a table and they decide who they want to become president.”
For
citizens who take this position, Reverend Lennox Yearwood, president of the Hip Hop Caucus, had this to say:
“We’ve
seen that.”
"In Super Tuesday we saw, for instance, in the demographic between the ages of 18-29, who
were non-college students, 93% did not vote [nationally]. That shows only 10% of the people voted. That’s staggering.”
"They don't feel they are a part of the process, or haven't been educated at home or at school about
voting."
Added
EZ Street, on why voting is essential, “I think the world will respect us more,
and we’ll be in a better economic situation, simple and plain.”
The
voter registration drive began at 6am with the Russ Parr Morning Show, and continued throughout the day, ending at 9pm.
Others
who lent their time and effort to the WKYS voter registration drive in our area included E.
Faye Williams (National Congress of Black Women Women); Washington Redskins’ Chris
Samuels; R&B singer, Raheem DaVaughn; and rappers Nelly, and Q-Tip.
To
find out more visit www.wkys939.com,or visit OneVote2008. See photos.
Related
Black Folk Must Vote!
Your
Next President of the United States of America Wouldn't Be the First Black President, You Know. Even the white presidents may have been Black.
Video
Provides More Proof Of The First Black President
(Last updated 10/1/08 - 5:33 pm)
