The power of one

The Dallas Examiner

A humanitarian once said, “I cannot do everything, but I can do something. I must not fail to do something that I can do.”

Everyone 18 or older can vote and each vote matters.

Had it not been for Thurgood Marshall, the doors to some of the finest institutions in America would still be barred to our children. Had it not been for Martin Luther King Jr., Blacks would not be able to vote today.

These individuals joined forces with countless others so that we could enjoy the liberties we share today. But what if these individuals refused to take their place in the annals of American history? What if they said, “I am only one person. What can I do?”

One person can make a powerful difference. One vote can mean the difference between a runoff and a sure win.

Throughout the years, The Dallas Examiner has dedicated itself to the empowerment of African Americans. This is especially so in terms of one of the most basic rights and responsibilities facing every American: voting.

This year has been no exception.

The Dallas Examiner has hosted Monday Night Politics: Meet the Candidates forums for the past nine years. These forums provide an opportunity for the community to meet candidates for election to national, state and local offices in primary and general elections.

Sponsors for these forums are nonprofit organizations that do not endorse candidates. Sponsors include: NAACP Dallas Chapter, Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Metropolitan Dallas Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Dallas Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc., Dallas Association of Realtists, Dallas Pan-Hellenic Council, Theta Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., Omicron Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, Greater Dallas League of Young Professionals, The North Texas Cluster of The Links Inc., KHVN, The Commish Radio Show, St. Luke PSAM and the African American Museum.

The Dallas Examiner does not endorse candidates. We strive to educate our community about the candidates so they can be educated voters. In addition to the political forums, our reporters have interviewed and written numerous articles about candidates for office to familiarize our readers with their platforms.

Additionally, The Dallas Examiner maintains The Voter Roll Call found on the top right hand corner of https://www.dallasexaminer.com. The program allows the public to find out the registered voters in Dallas County – who went to the polls during elections and who “went fishing.”

The purpose of the program is to empower everyone to find out who’s missing in action and encourage them to vote.

History has taught us that things will not get better for African Americans as a people unless each of us does something to make it better.

The Dallas Examiner has partnered with the Dallas County Democratic Party to publish the 2018 Democratic Voter Guide as a means of continuing our efforts to educate our community so that we have informed voters.

Mollie Finch Belt,
Publisher
mbelt@dallasexaminer.com