New Video Campaign Urges Black Millennials to #Vote4BlackFutures

#Vote4BlackFutures: Black youth and organizations have played a critical role in lifting up issues of structural racism in the criminal justice system and in US society as a whole. Let's extend black activism to the ballot box on Nov 8! This dynamic, inspirational spot uses spoken word, music, the power of protest, and beautiful black imagery that underscores the importance of voting. The Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society collaborated with Black and Brown People Vote to create this 90-second PSA aimed at increasing black voter engagement. We hope you'll share widely and most importantly: VOTE ON NOV. 8!

----

Here is sample content for sharing #Vote4BlackFutures online - please share widely!

Direct Video Link: https://youtu.be/Xyg5JAbAtlI

Hashtags: #Vote4BlackFutures #BlackVotesMatter

Sample tweets:
No more chains on our freedom. No more locks on our minds. #Vote4BlackFutures on Nov 8. bit.ly/2fAIrqv@blackbrownvote @haasinstitute

To be considered a part of America, not apart from America. #Vote4BlackFutures Nov 8 @haasinstitute @blackbrownvotebit.ly/2fAIrqv

“Back then, for Black skin, it was a sin to vote—but times done changed.” #Vote4BlackFutures Nov 8 http://bit.ly/2fAIrqv

Either this generation rises or the one behind us dies. No chains on our freedoms, no locks on our minds. #Vote4BlackFutures bit.ly/2fAIrqv

“We are the new Millennials. It’s never too early, it’s only too late if you wait.” #Vote4BlackFutures Nov 8 bit.ly/2fAIrqv

“I was born with the right to write my freedom on the pages of my life.” #Vote4BlackFutures on Nov 8 bit.ly/2fAIrqv

Lives were lost just for us to have a choice. Must watch new #Vote4BlackFutures video bit.ly/2fAIrqv @haasinstitute @blackbrownvote

“Violence on the TV screens. Sirens scream, but we don’t.” Be heard on Nov 8. #Vote4BlackFutures video http://bit.ly/2fAIrqv

Check out this amazing new#Vote4BlackFutures video - get out the vote! bit.ly/2fAIrqv @haasinstitute @blackbrownvote

Sample Facebook posts:
“No more chains on our freedom no more locks on our mind.” Check out this new #Vote4BlackFutures video. On November 8 , show that #BlackVotesMatter. Find your local polling place and make your voice heard. http://bit.ly/2fAIrqv

#Vote4BlackFutures is a beautiful new piece using spoken word, music, protest footage, and beautiful black imagery that captures the importance of voting. On Nov. 8, it’s time to #Vote4BlackFutures and show just how much #BlackVotesMatter. http://bit.ly/2fAIrqv

Twitter handles: @BlackBrownVote @haasinstitute

Shareable Graphics:

Full text of Poem, by Kyland Turner and Walter Finnie:

I was born with the right to write
My freedom on the pages of my life
To be considered a part of America,
not apart from America
They used to trade lives for ballots
Cause back then for Black skin
It was a sin to vote
Walked through bombs and bullets
Lives was lost for us
just to have a choice
But times done changed
Violence on the TV screen
The sirens scream, but we don’t
Either this generation rises
or the one behind us dies
America trying to put the fear in us
Are we gon face adversity or run from it
Are we gon freedom fight, or play hide and seek
Then deal with consequences
I look at the children and
see heaven in their eyes
You either fight the system or abide by it
We must stand and we must rise
Letting our light shine
On November 8th
We are the new millennials
the ambassadors of the millennium
So get up, Get registered, Find a poll
Choose your candidate
It’s never too early
It’s only too late if you wait
We control our own fates
Our voice matters
Our voices are louder
And demand to be heard
No more chains on our freedom
No more locks on our mind
So get out and go vote.

For more information, contact #Vote4BlackFutures campaign team:
john a. powell, Olivia Araiza, Ifeoma Ike, Gerald Lenoir, Rachelle Galloway-Popotas

A collaborative project between Black and Brown People Vote and the Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society.