"Ain't Gon' Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round"-#ItDoesn'tStopHere Campaign

Today, I voted in my first Presidential Election. In 2016, this will probably be the most significant and memorable presidential election cycle for my generation. The next four years will undoubtedly shape the future of our country in more ways than one, as expected at the election of every new President. When the election results arrive on November 8th, 2016, and we wake November 9th to a new President-Elect, it is important that whatever the outcome our civic duty does not end here.

My inspiration for Justice She Wrote is largely influenced by  the Voting Rights Act and the March to Selma. Going to cast my ballot today was not only a monumental achievement in my civic career, but in the appreciation for the events that secured my right to vote.  Casting my ballot in this election meant more than electing a President. It was tearing down the barriers of poll taxes, literacy tests, the grandfather clauses, being a female, and external threats that kept my ancestors from exercising their right to vote. It was continuing to sing "Ain't Gon' Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round" when told their lives did not matter.  While I am a fortunate to live in a country that allows me to vote and offers great opportunities, I know that democracy and equality did not come without a price. A price paid with blood, sweat, and tears of men and women who hoped that America would live up to what it promised in the Declaration of Independence. Men and women who hoped that America could be great.

It does no good for me to tell the stories of the past and ride on the backs of the success of  history changers, if I don't live up to what I say.  So much of my daily life is influenced by social media, and I have so much access to information. I want to continue to be an advocate and pass the mic to others whose voices have been silenced.  #ItDoesntStopHere