With everything going on in America today, this year’s elections are crucial. Much is hanging in the balance, especially in our own state of Virginia. We have an opportunity to continue the progress made under Governor Ralph Northam, or we can stumble into the abyss of a hundred years ago and return to discriminatory practices we have fought so hard to overcome.
One way to avoid the pitfalls of the past is to ensure that voters are fully informed and that they cast their ballots based on facts, realistic promises and an analysis of the reputation of the candidates. None of us can afford to botch up this election, be it in our individual cities or in the state capital. Because Hampton Roads is such an important corner of the state, every elected office is vital. Washington, Texas and other major jurisdictions have taught us that a lot of damage can ensue in four short years. We are all disenfranchised in one way or another, so we have to vote as if our very lives depend upon it–because they do.
The recent endorsement by the Hampton Roads Black Caucus of Glenn Youngkin is deceptive at best and confusing to say the least. While every organization has the right to endorse anyone it chooses, a fully informed public must understand that the Hampton Roads Black Caucus should in no way be confused with the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus. The VLBC, as it is called, is made up of twenty-three elected Black Democratic members of the General Assembly from all over the state. Another political organization, the Greater Hampton Roads Black Democrats is made up of concerned citizens, most of whom are not elected officials. These are three different organizations, and their membership, objectives and accomplishments should not be confused.
These distinctions are significant, and failure to recognize the motives of each can be fatal. Voters must not be misled by slick wording and look-alike advertising. If the Hampton Roads Black Caucus is endorsing Glenn Youngkin, one would wonder if it is a Black Republican organization. If this group is supporting anyone other than Terry McAuliffe for Governor, then it is endorsing the policies of Donald Trump and other radical Republicans who are working to rewrite history. The malignancy of the Trump Administration has eaten away at so much we hold dear. Will we sign our own death certificate as a locality and as a state simply because we are listening to a confusing message? Knowing that there are no Black Republicans in the Virginia General Assembly, every resident of Hampton Road should be asking the Hampton Roads Black Caucus, “What’s in it for you? What on earth do you expect to gain from supporting Youngkin? Do you think he is honestly concerned about your welfare and that of your community? Are you knowledgeable of his alliances, and his cohorts?” Every resident ought to ask the Hampton Roads Black Caucus a resounding, “Why Youngkin?”
Voters must do the research, participate in the process, volunteer, listen carefully to the platforms of all candidates, and by all means, think. Conditions are so critical that we must watch every debate, analyze every political speech, and by all means, ask the uncomfortable questions. Legislation that will affect every aspect of our lives will be enacted by the people we send to city councils, place in administrative positions and allow to move into the Governor’s mansion. Yes, we must vote, but we must vote responsibly and intelligently. If not, we may eventually lose the right to do so.

Maurice Connor Taylor