On October 15, 2024, Coco Coalition hosted a profoundly inspiring and informative event, Rock the Black Vote, to increase voter engagement and political awareness among Black women. Held as a virtual Zoom webinar, this dynamic session brought together a diverse group of panelists who shared their insights on the importance of political engagement, voting in the 2024 election, and how Black women can continue to influence social and political change.
An Engaging and Empowering Panel
The event featured three powerhouse panelists: Naomi Amaha, Tamara Michael, and Shianne Smith—each bringing a unique perspective on civic engagement, advocacy, and the role of Black women in politics.
Naomi Amaha, an award-winning public affairs leader, opened the discussion by emphasizing the need for Black women to continue advancing systems change through collective action. She urged attendees to stay politically engaged during elections and year-round, citing the importance of being informed about issues affecting our communities at the local, state, and federal levels. Naomi’s approach to advocacy through her work at The Denver Foundation inspired many, as she encouraged women to get involved with local organizations and take up leadership roles in their communities.
Tamara Michael, a seasoned attorney and strategic consultant, highlighted how political engagement isn’t just about voting—it’s also about building networks and strategic partnerships that expand our reach and influence. She shared personal stories of advising businesses and individuals on navigating complex systems of power and provided practical tips on cultivating impactful relationships within our communities.
Shianne Smith brought a grassroots perspective grounded in her work as the founder of The New Black Era and Pretty Political LLC. She discussed Black women's critical role in shaping policy and holding political leaders accountable. Her experience as a communications strategist and community advocate resonated with attendees, mainly when she spoke about her involvement in organizing responses to issues like racism and gerrymandering in Los Angeles. Shianne's ability to connect social movements with policy change encouraged us all to take action beyond just casting a ballot.
Key Takeaways from the Discussion
The panelists addressed various important topics, ranging from voter suppression to the significance of down-ballot voting. Naomi Amaha highlighted the importance of policy education, while Shianne Smith spoke about how interrelated politics are in our everyday lives. She also emphasizes the historical and present-day significance of our contributions.
All three panelists discussed the broader implications of civic engagement beyond presidential elections. Tamara pointed out that political participation needs to be ongoing and should include attending city council meetings, staying informed about legislation, and advocating for policies that align with our values. She emphasized that it's essential that we think about "how we are getting our own voices to be a part of 'the powers that be, '" driving a message of leadership and taking up space in decision-making roles.
The panel also discussed great resources like Vote411.org to help folks familiarize ballot and candidate information for their local and state entities and federal.
Rock the Black Vote was a powerful reminder of how essential Black women are to the fabric of political and social movements in this country. The panelists not only provided actionable strategies for staying civically engaged but also inspired a sense of purpose and responsibility in each of us to be the change we want to see.
Shianne drove this home by stating, "Everything is politics...Politics is money, and money is power." It's the determination of who gets what, how, and why. If you want a say in who gets what, how, and why, you need to engage with politics. Politics is decision-making; the money, the power that goes around, is how people experience politics.".
With the 2024 election approaching, this event served as a critical touchpoint for Black women to reflect on our political power and the many ways we can continue to advocate for justice, equity, and collective liberation.
Coco Coalition continues to create spaces where Black women can connect, learn, and thrive—Rock the Black Vote was yet another testament to the impact of this community. For those who missed the live event, a replay is available on Coco’s YouTube channel.
Let’s carry the momentum forward. Whether it’s voting, organizing, or educating others, we have the power to shape the future.
Comentários