Episode 262: Voting When You're Not Excited
Welcome back to Sunday Civics! With election day fast approaching, L. Joy opens up a challenging conversation—what to do when none of the candidates for an elected office inspires you or align perfectly with your views. Last week’s episode addressed voter apathy and how to respond to disengaged voters. This week, L. Joy shifts focus to a dilemma that many voters face: how to engage in an election when none of the candidates seem to represent your issues or values fully. Dr. Michelle Taylor, also known as Dr. Feminista Jones, comes back to the front of the class for this conversation. Then, it’s time for the Arts and Activism segment powered by AKILA WORKSONGS. April R. Silver brings Chief Ayanda Clarke to the front of the class.
L. Joy and Dr. Taylor Break down what to do when none of the candidates for an elected office inspires you or align with your views-why vote when you're not excited? They delve into the notion of conscientious objection in voting, arguing that abstaining or choosing third-party candidates can be a legitimate expression of dissent. Both women address the unique expectations placed on Black women voters and the perception that they must support candidates simply because of their race. Dr. Taylor underscores, as L. Joy has been stressing pretty much every class, the importance of civic engagement beyond voting, advocating for ongoing dialogue and advocacy with elected officials.
The conversation also highlights the evolving Democratic Party platform and the disillusionment some long-time Democrats feel regarding its current direction.tL.Joy reflects on the limitations of the current two-party system and the importance of adapting democratic structures to better reflect the diversity of the nation. They also touch on the founding principles of the Constitution, advocating for a willingness to amend it in response to the evolving needs of society. L. Joy and Dr. Taylor wraps up with encouraging listeners to remain actively involved in the political process, question candidates' positions, and hold them accountable, regardless of their voting choices.
Arts & Activism Segment
April R. Silver brings Chief Ayenda Clarke, a renowned Grammy Award-winning percussionist, to the front of the class for another inspiring Arts and Activism conversation. They discuss the significance of music, particularly African drumming, as a powerful tool for community engagement and change. Chief Clarke shares his deep connection to the drum, emphasizing its role as a heartbeat of the community and a vehicle for promoting positive vibrations and healing.
They delve into the healing arts, contrasting traditional African practices with their popularized, sometimes diluted, western interpretations. Chief Clarke stresses the importance of maintaining the richness and depth of these traditions to ensure they are effective in fostering real change and wellness.
Their conversation connects activism with self-care, highlighting that activists must prioritize their well-being to be effective in their roles. They conclude with a reminder of the importance of civic engagement and the upcoming vote, encouraging listeners to show up empowered and nourished.
Take Civic Action
Prompt: When faced with imperfect choices, think about harm reduction. Consider which of the candidates will cause the least harm on the issues that matter most to you and who may be the most receptive to future advocacy efforts.
Action Items: Research your candidates via Ballotpedia or your Board of Elections, then grab your Get Vote Journal (or refer to previous episodes) to take the four steps in choosing a candidate.
Dr. Michelle Taylor
Dr. Michelle Taylor (b. Feminista Jones) is an educator, writer, public speaker, community activist, and semi-retired social worker. She is an award-winning writer and the author of the critically acclaimed Reclaiming Our Space: How Black Feminists Are Changing the World From the Tweets to the Streets (Beacon). Her work centers around diversity, inclusion, and equity in media representations, queer identity, race and culture, feminism and intersectionality, mental health, and social work.
Jones obtained her Ph.D. from Temple University where she also teaches courses on the African American LGBTQ Experience, The Black Woman, Race and Mass Media, and others related to the intersections of race, gender, sexual identity, and media. She holds an MSW from Hunter College (CUNY) where she studied organizational leadership and management and she is an alumna of the University of Pennsylvania where she obtained her B.A.
Chief Ayanda Clarke
Chief Ayanda Ifadara Clarke is an African American master percussionist, GRAMMY® Award-winning musician, arts educator, and lecturer. He’s been performing professionally since he was five and has performed or shared the stage with some of the world’s most revered percussionists and most loved artists. Chief Ayanda founded THE FADARA GROUP LLC. By intertwining music, culture, and spirituality, the business organization serves the wholistic needs of its constituents. In 2016, sponsored by his mentor Chief Agbongbon Fakayode Faniyi, Ayanda Clarke was installed as a chief in Osogbo, Nigeria.