"WHY I VOTE IN-SPITE OF MYSELF"

As Black man I must vote in-spite of my view of the candidates for President of the U.S..I vote in honor of those who stood their ground against racism & oppression.Black men & women committed for the right to vote.Many jailed,beaten even some killed,still in-spite of the odds they faced.Nothing was going to stop their determination for the right to vote.I watched as a youngster back the 60's as Black folk held the line and refused to be turned around.Facing America's most brutal racist oppressors.Black leadership was strong then,courageous & committed,Black folk had "Enough" of being denied the same rights of White folks,especially in southern states.My eyes widen by the viciousness displayed by bigoted,hate filled racist.What I witnessed will forever be etched in my mind,the victory and the blood that was shed to achieve it.Yes today I vote out of respect to the Black men & women who if not for their diligence,I would not be able to vote today.To me voting is about honor & Black pride,leading by example for my children &grandchildren.Yes the candidates all promise better times for Black folks once elected.Which is only said to gain Black votes.I'm not naive about elections,I know that it takes Black folks with mindsets like those of the 60's to bring about real change for Blacks in America.Still though in-spite myself,I will vote.Not voting to me,is like having blood on my hands,the blood of those who made it possible for me to vote.I vote today so that I will know their efforts were not in vain....No Violence-Know Peace!