Sep 17, 2024 | Bakersfield, Local, Op-Ed, Political Campaigns, Voting

Voting is your Voice- Voting is your Superpower: Your Vote Matters!!!

“If you see something, Say Something!” Better yet, “ If you see something Do something!” These are words from the honorable, beloved, and late Congressmen John Lewis.

Denise L. Norris

Op Ed

“If you see something, Say Something!” Better yet, “ If you see something Do something!” These are words from the honorable, beloved, and late Congressmen John Lewis.

“Do something! Is exactly what our “Forever FLOTUS,” Michelle Obama stated, and during the historic DNC Convention this summer.

In fact, “We have all heard this before, “Stop complaining about it, be about it!” , states Prof Denise L. Norris , a past elected County Delegate, and a member of the Kern County Democratic Central Committee (KCDCC) – this is the official governing body of the Democratic Party in Kern County, California Christian Romo, President. She continues, “In the past 12 years I have lived in Bakersfield, most I have heard are complaints about the local political process. However, to make a change, you must be at the table, where decisions are made and to have influence. (more)

Norris and her husband Rev. Urie Norris, are married for close to 40 years, raised 4 University educated children, have three grandchildren and her husband is now a retired, after 40 years in corporate America,

“My husband and I both know the importance, and power, of representation. Even if you are the only one who looks like you, be the difference, and then make the difference- we have!

Norris continues, “ I love seeing young Black people in this community like James Lucky, NaTesha Johnson, Dr. Jessica Grimes, Pastor Traco Matthews, and Michael Bowers, to name a few, who work across mental and racial boundaries. These young African leaders show up, support the community, make an impact, and are invited to represent, because of their hard work, efforts, gained respect and results – this is “Doing something!”

These efforts are community nonpartisan, for obvious reasons, but are especially important, impactful, needed, and effective!

Norris continues, “However, our next historic election, is very partisan”- we need young Black rising leaders to show up and show out in these political spaces too- I see you Michelle Shaw, but we need more !” Norris continues. “ Last Sunday, the KCDCC, in collaboration with The Democratic Women of Kern, Flor Olvera-President, and the Young Democrats of Kern County- Noe Garcia President, planned and implemented a very successful “Cruisin’ for Kamala and Couch Walz” Vehicle Caravan Although there were dozens of decorated Trucks and cars, with banners, flags, ballons and horns, that joyfully rode through the streets of Bakersfield, where were the Black folks??”

Norris continued, “KCDCC is dedicated to advancing the Democratic values and principles to promote inclusivity, equality, and progress, my Mexican and Caucasian brothers and sisters represent!”- this also includes African Americans too! The mission statement of the KCDCC states, “Our mission is to champion democracy, equality, and progress in Kern (More 3 of 6)

County, California. We support inclusive policies, empower the community, and elect Democratic leaders.”

KCDCC

Website: kerndemocrates.com

Contact: [email protected]

Democratic Women of Kern

Democraticwomenofkern.org

Contact: [email protected]

Kern County Young Democrats

Website: Kernyoungdems.com

Contact: [email protected]

Norris concludes, “ We need you, all of you, and everyone, regardless of your political persuasion, including republicans, and independents!

You and your vote make the difference!

So, let us make history together, with a high turnout at the voting polls, and register to vote!”

Your vote matters, and all must be registered to vote by October 21, 2024, and in or to vote Nov 5^th – no local or national election should be lost by only 200 votes- please register to vote”!

In the words of the late John Lewis and our “Forever FLOTUS” Michelle Obama, my call to action and challenge too is “Do something,” please!

GET – OUT – THE – VOTE EVENT: Register to vote, get information, free food, games and crafts and gift prizes When: Sat. Oct 12^th, Where: IBEW Local 428 Bakersfield Time: 11am- 2 PM A SECOND GOTV event is to learn more about local candidates on October 26^th– same location and time.