by John Reid

As the presidential election draws closer to November 5th, the push to get more people registered to vote has risen. On Wednesday, the Black Votes Matter Tour made it way to Virginia’s oldest town. At Ginn Memorial Park, they hosted the BMV Block Party, which brought out several community leaders and supporters. Along with the organization ‘Enough!,’ they engaged with local citizens, providing information on voter registration.

Afterwards, Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood provided the following statement to the PW Perspective on the event:

“I stand before you today not just as the Mayor of our great town, but as a proud member of this community. A community that knows its strength lies in its unity, its resilience, and most importantly, in its voice. Today, we rally to remind ourselves and the world that Black voters matter. We are here because we know that the power of change, the power of hope, and the power of justice rests in the hands of every single one of us.

This is not just another gathering; this is a call to action, a moment in time where we must come together, stand together, and move together. Why does this rally matter? It matters because right now, in 2024, our democracy is at a crossroads. The decisions we make today will shape the future for generations to come.

Virginia is seeing a surge in voter registrations, especially after the pivotal debates and changes at the national level . We are witnessing an awakening. But let me tell you, this is not enough. There are still too many voices unheard, too many of our brothers and sisters not yet registered to vote. That cannot stand.

We are the descendants of a proud lineage of fighters—people who faced unimaginable obstacles but persevered because they believed in a better future. They believed in the power of the vote, and so must we. This rally matters because every voter registration we secure, every vote we cast, is a continuation of the fight for equality, for justice, and for the future we deserve.

Let’s not forget, Black voices have been the backbone of justice movements in this country. Our ancestors marched, protested, and bled so that we could stand here today, in the sunlight of progress, but with the shadows of history behind us. We owe it to them to keep pushing, to keep striving, and to make sure that no one silences our voices.

The challenges may look different today, but the fight is the same. Voter suppression, misinformation, and indifference are the new obstacles in our path. But like those before us, we will rise, we will organize, and we will register every single eligible voter because our power is in our vote.

Now, I’m asking you to take action. Each of us has a responsibility—not just to ourselves but to our families, our community, and those who came before us. We cannot afford to sit this one out. We have to do whatever it takes to get every eligible voter registered. If that means knocking on doors, we will knock on doors. If that means standing in long lines, we will stand in long lines. If that means calling family members, friends, neighbors, and even strangers, then that is what we must do.

Remember, it is not just about your vote—it’s about our collective power. It’s about ensuring that every voice in our community is heard. Just as our ancestors did whatever it took—marching through storms, braving jail cells, standing tall in the face of violence and intimidation—we must also rise to this occasion.

As we leave here today, I want you to carry one thought with you: We are the torchbearers of a legacy. A legacy of strength, perseverance, and power. We owe it to our ancestors, and to our children, to ensure that every Black voter in Virginia is registered, and every voice is heard.

The future is in our hands. Let’s make sure we are ready. Let’s make sure we are registered. Let’s make sure we vote.

Because Black voters matter. You matter. We all matter.

So let’s get to work. Our ancestors did it, and now, it’s our turn.”

To find out more about Black Votes Matter, please visit their website.