By Marnita Coleman,
Special to the AFRO,
mcoleman@afro.com

The Baltimore-based organization, Black Girls Vote, hosted its first Ladies in Ministry Luncheon on Sept. 17, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at The Forum Caterers in Baltimore. 

Through its outreach arm, the organization put a spotlight on 11 faith-based honorees that have served the community in stellar form. Women of different denominations were celebrated for doing work that reveals their good deeds throughout Baltimore city and county.

It’s fitting that the Black church and political activism are intertwined. Historically, the Black church has been an intricate component of the political landscape, especially with voter drives, and the right-of-way to the Black community. During election seasons, politicians are expected to make routine stops at the Black church to share their campaign plans and promises. 

According to Pew Research, 47 percent of Black churchgoers reported hearing sermons about voting, protesting, or other forms of political engagement. 

Over the past 30 years, Black women have been voting at a consistently higher rate than Black men. In fact, in the 2016 presidential election, 64 percent of eligible Black women voters said they voted, compared to only 54 percent of eligible Black men voters. 

“We’re a national, nonpartisan organization with the objective of engaging, educating, and empowering Black women,” said Nakia Mack, a representative of Black Girls Vote. “We are powerful, dynamic, transformative, and impactful Black Girls using our vote as our voice.”

The nonprofit was established in 2015 by Nykidra Robinson as CEO and founder and is not affiliated with any political party. 

Mack said the work with women in ministry is key to reaching more Black women for the purpose of voting advocacy work. 

“We are asking phenomenal women to take the charge,” she said, imploring that, “Churches to spread the word about how important it is to vote because this year is such a critical election year.” 

“Even though we’re honoring and acknowledging these women, we’re also charging them to do the follow-up work.”

Black Girls Rock boasts that they are invested in ensuring that Black women are empowered to advance education, economic development, quality health care, and improve outcomes within the communities while taking action for policy at the voting polls.

The 18 to 25 age group is a strong base for Black Girls Vote’s voter registration campaign, but they welcome women of all ages to support voting advocacy work and initiatives. They have established collegiate chapters on the campuses of Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T, Howard University, and American University. 

Through voter education, the Black community is engaged to grasp why their vote counts and women of color are inspired to understand public policy decisions affecting their families and communities.

“I’m 40! I’m involved in Black Girls Vote just because of the mission alone,” said Mack, proudly. “I know what it is to be an inner-city kid. But, I also know the importance of voting. Even though Black Girls Vote has a target demographic, we’re intergenerational because we have women who are our supporters that are well in their 60s, 70s, and 80s.” 

Mack clarified that Black Girls Vote is not just for Black girls. They welcome participation and support from men and male-led organizations. 

“We’re for the community,” said Mack. 

For more information on Black Girls Vote and the Ladies in Ministry Luncheon, log onto www.BlackGirlsVote.com

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