Episode 264: Election 2024 Closing Thoughts
We are hours away from the culmination of the 2024 election season and L. Joy invites the Sunday Civics community to the front of the class to share closing thoughts before Election Day. She begins with a heartfelt open letter of appreciation to poll workers and election administrators. These unsung heroes are vital to the democratic process, working tirelessly to ensure our elections run smoothly.
In a departure from the usual format, this segment invites a range of voices from across the nation to share their feelings as election day approaches. From optimism and excitement to anxiety and hope, these personal accounts offer a comprehensive view of the electorate’s mood. As the segment unfolds, listeners will hear from individuals like Allen Orr, an immigration attorney from Tennessee, who remains hopeful about the election outcomes, particularly the impact of the Harris-Walz ticket. Similarly, Denora Getachew from Harlem shares both her anxiety and hope, highlighting the transformative potential of young people and Black women. Nick from Woodland Park, New Jersey, offers a poignant perspective as an Arab American grappling with dual identities and the complex emotions they evoke this election season.
Marlon Rice from Central Brooklyn exudes excitement, noting a newfound educational empowerment within his community. His optimism reflects a broader narrative of communities mobilizing through dialogue and understanding, fostering a more informed electorate ready to make impactful choices.
Following the news of numerous faith leaders and gospel musicians uniting for an endorsement of VP Harris, L. Joy invites her own pastor, bishop-designee Craig Williams urges faith communities to merge their spiritual commitments with civic responsibilities. His call to "get the souls to the polls" encapsulates the need for collective action and the role of faith in inspiring social change.
The segment closes with inspiring messages of optimism from various civic-minded individuals who believe in the resilience and potential of America's youth. Maxim Thorne CEO of Civic Influencers, captures the excitement around young voters' unprecedented influence, highlighting their pivotal role in shaping the future on critical issues such as reproductive rights and economic justice. These diverse viewpoints illustrate the multifaceted nature of civic engagement, emphasizing that while apprehensions exist, the drive to participate persists.
As the episode comes to a close, L. Joy shares that the #SundayCivics community classroom has been renewed for another year and will continue to serve as a beacon for those seeking to deepen their civic participation. Finally, our civics teacher and neighborhood political strategist reminds us that while presidents come and go, the real power lies in our active involvement in the democratic process.
