Why I cried like a baby when I voted?

Re-Writing History is Hard but Necessary 

If you don’t live in Georgia, Florida or Texas this post might not impact you the same way it has impacted me. Growing up in the south, I witnessed racism, saw KKK rallies and understood lynching was an evil yet common occurrence. I have seen Confederate flags being flown that symbolized deep hatred towards people and stood to intimidate not inspire. Growing up, you began to become immune to such injustices and attitudes. Yet over the last month or so, I began to see myself standing in history. I began to understand that we have the power to re-write history and to right our futures. 

I often wondered when historic things were happening particularly during the Civil Rights Movement did they know? I remember asking my mentor the late Herman J. Russell, Sr. how did he feel living and being a part of such a time. The thing that stood out the most for me is his comment that everyone was on the same page and knew their role. There was only one Dr. Martin Luther King who carried the mantel of Non Violence Change, who carried a deep belief and urgency and was the person assigned to take it to the people. He was assigned to excite and shepherd them, and eventually assigned to die for his values and beliefs to a cause that was bigger than himself. Then there were the witnesses like, John Lewis and Andrew Young who have continued to raise their voices and have committed their lives to seeing the fight through. 

As woman who was once a young girl from Mississippi now living in Georgia, I have often felt helpless. Yet in watching Stacey Abrams bravery and conviction I began to understand my role. A role that called me to pray for her and to use whatever money and other resources that I have. All the way to hosting a fundraiser for the first time ever. I understand that I have to use my voice, to encourage others in voting. On several occasions I found myself in interesting situations where people were planning not to vote. I couldn’t just let it go. I used my voice and influence to stand to show them how they were being reckless in their decision.

See change happens when we are willing to get uncomfortable with being uncomfortable because it is within this feeling that we are truly giving of ourselves to a bigger cause to re-write our history. 

Onward and upward is all I can say. Gratitude is all that I feel. Powerful beyond measure is what happens when we work together. Make no mistake we are making history and that is hard for an entire society to accept. It will take all of us to get it done. To show that ALL people matter, all of our views and differences is what makes us great. Let’s pray for our nation to prepare the hearts and minds to remove deep rooted hatred and fears. Let’s pray for our leaders and the new leaders who will be taking reign. 

Let’s be on the right side of history in the words of Congressman John Lewis, to say we did our part, we didn’t sit down on our job. We were good stewards and good watchmen. We were in the fight and that we honor our legacy and the people who paved the way. By using our voices, we honor our ancestors and the people who could only dream of voting, dream of seeing women, Blacks, Latinos, and other nationalities serving their country. Let’s write their names and give thanks. Thank you for my family - for the Martin family legacy for encouraging us to not be part of the problem but to find a way to be part of the solution.

So why did I cry like a baby? To be able to vote for some many women who are willing and able to do the work was completely overwhelming. To vote for a Mississippi born, Georgia raised woman who happens to look like me was just an amazing feeling. I am a part of history and we are watching it unfold together!

Yours in the fight for change, Sonia

For more information visit www.SoniaBooker.com.