"You vote once in four years, and that’s your political responsibility? That’s the height of bourgeois propaganda, making the people politically irresponsible. Thinking their responsibility is limited to a one day vote. Politics is every day." – Kwame Ture.
As the 2024 election season concludes, it’s critical to reflect on how we arrived at this outcome and strategize on what comes next. Blaming voters for low turnout or voting against their perceived interests absolves political parties from the responsibility of running meaningful campaigns that connect with people. The truth is no vote is guaranteed, and no candidate is entitled to automatic support. Blame should not be placed on voters; instead, we must address why many feel disconnected from particular messages or apathetic towards the political process and commit to re-engaging with them. However, our politics must expand beyond the federal electoral process and into our state and local communities. No matter how the election turned out, community organizing was always going to be necessary.
Focusing on tactical voting or short-term policy wins alone misses the significant structural challenges facing Black communities and overlooks the opportunity to meaningfully engage our communities outside of election season. In Illinois, state and local efforts must focus on things like strengthening our housing infrastructure, reducing income inequality, fully funding K-12 education, making college affordable, and pushing for deeper investment in Black communities. It is equally important to continue to have conversations about reparations for chattel slavery and mass incarceration. Without a deliberate focus and the intentional engagement of Black communities, we risk a deepening crisis and increased apathy toward the political process.
While much of the current political conversation is focused on the presidency, we cannot let it distract us from other levers of power and structures that have a direct impact on the daily lives of Black Illinoisans. State-and-local initiatives provide a great opportunity to craft policies shaped to meet the immediate needs of our communities. To be successful locally, there must be an immediate investment in and commitment to community organizers and community-based organizations. Community organizers develop community members (outside of election season) to become active participants in addressing their needs, building alliances and political power, breaking down silos, and winning advocacy campaigns for their community. We are in a time when people crave connection and seek
places to feel joy and hope. Community organizers create those spaces critical to developing politically informed people. In order to organize nationally, we must be organized locally.
Building Alliances and solidarity across issues are essential as we fight against increasing inequality throughout Illinois. Now is the time to deepen our commitment to community organizers and community leaders, identify and pour into rising community leaders, and establish our priorities. The true power lies in organizing together and growing movements that challenge the status quo, demand justice, and create lasting change.
Illinois can be a model for the nation in advancing social justice through organizing and advocacy, from fighting for safety to securing affordable housing and access to education in state and local movements. The real danger after this election is complacency. The work doesn't end on Election Day—it’s only just beginning. Let’s not fall into the trap of thinking one election can fix everything – or destroy everything. Build power, stay engaged, and remember: the struggle doesn’t end on Election Day. Organize.
“Hope is a discipline.” - Mariame Kaba
Comments