The election is over. The work of the canvassers and phone bankers is done. The events engaging in voter registration and early voting are complete. Our collaborations with the Sherman Phoenix, Souls to the Polls, VoteRiders, Empowering Families and other community based organizations has been exciting. We’ve reached out to residents in Sherman Park in churches, parks and restaurants. It has been an historic election season.
We are especially thankful to our funders, Wisconsin Voices and the AFL-CIO who provided resources for us to do outreach in Sherman Park. We had a very inspiring session at Washington High School. Clayborn Benson of the Wisconsin Black Historical Society shared a movie clip and powerpoint present on the history of disenfranchisement, focusing on Wisconsin. Spoken word artists, Muhibb Dyer and Kwabena Nixon, enthralled students with their fluent messages about the value of voting and how important it is to participate in the process. It was an awesome experience for all in attendance.
We even had an LED billboard sound truck to go out in the neighborhood reminding people to go vote. Although we had some technical difficulties, the truck was parked on Sherman Boulevard in full display with creative messaging reminding everyone to go vote and reinforcing that Sherman Park Votes! It was a great visual.
We thank everyone who helped in any way to engage the citizens in our community to exercise their right to vote. We did see the fruits of our labor during early voting and at the polls. The lines were long and people came out to register and let their voices be heard.
It has been a whirlwind. Now that the election is behind us and as we take a moment to pause, we invite you to share your thoughts, ideas and/or suggestions on how we can make our next election cycle even more impactful. Just email celiamcjackson3@gmail.com with your feedback. As we have stressed throughout this season, YOUR VOICE MATTERS!