What does voting do for Black people?

This election is a big one for many different reasons. 

This is my first time voting in a presidential election, and I’m scared. 

Back in 2016, I couldn’t have imagined what the next four years would look like. Now that those four years have passed, I’m still shocked at what has occurred in this country under the Trump administration.

One thing that continues to happen in this country but doesn’t surprise me is the police brutality that Black Americans face. Although I’m aware that police brutality and racism are global issues, it’s interesting to hear about the discussions of police violence within this country. 

Over the summer, many protests took place after the tragic killing of George Floyd. While this is not the first time white police officers have taken the life of a Black man, the response to Floyd’s death was something I’d never seen before. 

Similarly to George Floyd, the names of many other Black lives that were taken because of police violence began to circulate. There was one name in particular that stood out to me: 

Breonna Taylor. 

Breonna Taylor was a 26-year-old Black woman who was killed by Louisville police officers on March 13, 2020. The reaction to her death by the public was disappointing to say the least. 

There were countless memes, merchandise and Instagram captions that included her name and used photos of her, but people didn’t do anything after their Instagram pictures were posted.

It’s frustrating to think about because even in death, Black women are being overlooked. People continue to disrespect Breonna’s name while claiming their actions are bringing her “justice.”

Justice for Breonna would mean that she was still alive. 

Breonna won’t get “justice” if we vote in this upcoming election. Black people will not get justice through electoral politics. 

Although I recognize the importance of voting, I know that going to the polls or filling out an absentee ballot won’t magically erase police violence. 

It’s extremely dismissive to be grieving about the loss of Black people and then be told that voting will bring them justice or change the system that was made to put them at a disadvantage. 

I have my concerns about this election for obvious reasons, but I’m even more concerned about what is going to be done about the police violence that is targeted towards Black people. 

Police brutality didn’t start while Trump was in office; and it still occurred when a Black man was president. 

With a system that has failed Black people numerous times, I continue to ask myself, “What does voting do for Black people?”