A Note from The ELC on Election Day 2020
After months – and for some, years – of anticipation, November 3, 2020 is finally here. The most consequential election of our lifetime. One of The ELC’s most important and significant investments this year has been supporting organizations and efforts committed to registering and encouraging people to vote. Specifically, OUR people; the Black community. Too often our voices are not heard, but come election season, the power of our collective voices is proven time and again and should not be taken for granted. We must remind ourselves that our vote and our voices are instrumental in shaping the future of our communities. We are the change agents for our future.
I’ve heard several times this week that November 3rd is the last day to CAST a vote, but not the last day to COUNT a vote. We may not know the outcome of the election tonight. We may not know in a few days. Regardless of the outcome, what we DO know is there is still much Good Trouble for us to get into and critical work that needs to be done for Black people and our communities.
Just last week, there were riots in at least two major metropolitan cities surrounding the deaths of Black men. There are campaign harassment incidents, reminiscent of our voting rights struggle as Black people less than 60 short years ago.
And once again, we find ourselves as Black people being insulted and falsely accused of not taking responsibility for our own success.
So, on November 4th, no matter the final or pending outcome, don’t become distracted. We must keep our eyes on the prize and stay focused on opening channels of opportunity for the Black community. We must continue working diligently to place Blacks on boards, in C-Suite positions, and as CEOs where we can effect positive change. We must continue investing in the pipeline of the next generation of global Black leaders, and we must continue supporting and encouraging our people.
Now Is Our Time. We must own and leverage it. We must continue to fight to harness our collective passion, wisdom and power. To use our voices…at the polls…in our communities…wherever we see a need. The good news is we’re in this fight together. So, let’s keep going, in the spirit of Black Excellence. We CAN and WILL make a difference.
Best,
Crystal E. Ashby
Interim President & CEO
The Executive Leadership Council
