WASHINGTON, D.C. — A coalition of national civil rights and advocacy organizations is working to mobilize 100,000 Black men to participate in early voting ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
The NAACP, 100 Black Men of America, National Urban League, Black Men Vote, Woke Vote and State of the People have joined forces for National Black Man Voter Day, a nationwide civic engagement effort centered on Saturday, Oct. 24.
The campaign combines the organizations’ national, state and local networks to provide voter education, accurate election information and assistance getting voters to the polls.
“Voting is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape our futures. But that power only matters when people actually use it,” said Derrick Johnson, president/CEO of the NAACP.
Johnson said economic concerns facing Black men and their families underscore the importance of participating in elections.
“Groceries and gas prices are up, and providing for a family is harder than ever,” Johnson said. “That’s why voting matters. We get a say in which policies affect our daily lives. Because every vote by us is a vote for us.”
The campaign will rely heavily on organizations and people with established relationships in Black communities, including churches, fraternities, civic organizations, barbershops, colleges and universities, coaches, educators and wellness groups.
Marc H. Morial, president/CEO of the National Urban League, said the effort is designed to reach Black men through institutions they already know and trust.
“National Black Man Voter Day is about meeting Black men where they are, through the trusted institutions and relationships that shape everyday life, and ensuring they have the information, resources, and support they need to make their voices heard,” Morial said.
The Oct. 24 national day of action will focus particularly on communities where early in-person voting is available that Saturday. In states where it is not, participating organizations plan voter education and other civic engagement activities permitted under state law.
In Tennessee, early voting for the Nov. 3 election begins Oct. 14 and continues through Oct. 29, making Oct. 24 part of the state’s early voting period.
Organizers say the initiative is intended to extend beyond a single day or election.
“This has to be bigger than a moment or a social media campaign,” said Mike Bland of Black Men Vote. “The work is on the ground (in our neighborhoods, union halls, boardrooms, barbershops, churches, campuses and communities) making sure Black men have accurate information, a plan to vote and the support they need to participate.”
Bland said the campaign’s longer-term goal is to build relationships and an organizing infrastructure that keeps Black men involved in civic affairs after the election.
Dr. Wes Bellamy of 100 Black Men of America said bringing the organizations together allows them to combine resources and community networks.
“Our organizations have each been engaged in civic work in communities across this country,” Bellamy said. “National Black Man Voter Day gives us an opportunity to bring those networks together, share resources and build an infrastructure for sustained civic engagement.”
The coalition is also using the social media campaign #ThisBlackManVotes to highlight individual stories about voting and civic participation.
Organizers have additional national coalition calls scheduled for Oct. 20 as they prepare for the Oct. 24 day of action.
The campaign comes as civil rights organizations across Tennessee and the nation increase voter outreach ahead of the Nov. 3 election, with an emphasis on early voting, voter education and helping eligible voters develop a plan for casting their ballots.
