We Need Michigan Black Male Voters... ALL IN!

As I reflect on my time serving as the NAACP State Civic Engagement Director in Michigan-a pivotal battleground state during the 2024 Presidential election-one thing is clear: Black voter participation is not only necessary but imperative.

For over 30 years, I've worked in nonprofit, community engagement, and political campaign strategy, and now, with two exceptional young Democracy Fellows, I am proud to represent the National Office alongside the Michigan State Conference Leadership. Yet despite the growing momentum, I see a troubling trend among our young Black men: a reluctance to vote, or worse, a decision to cast their ballot in ways that oppose their own interests.

Our community's concerns are valid. From years of political neglect to the pervasive belief that their vote doesn't count, these men are finding reasons to disengage. But to those who are thinking about staying home or voting third party, I ask this: can you afford to gamble with your future?

In my work, I've often drawn on Pascal's Wager-a philosophical argument about belief in God-as a metaphor. Even if you think your vote may not change the outcome, voting itself costs you little. However, if you're wrong, and your vote could have been the deciding factor, sitting out means losing the wager. And that's not a risk worth taking.

The NAACP may be non-partisan, but make no mistake, we are indeed political-because we must be.

Our community stands to benefit from numerous progressive policies that support the Black community. The current administration's investments in infrastructure, student loan forgiveness programs, and racial equity initiatives have all paved the way for more opportunities, particularly for Black Americans. Policies like these might not be perfect, but they move us forward.

Voting for candidates who push these policies is a form of self-preservation-it's about securing the future for ourselves and our children.

Recently, I had the privilege of working with NexGen during the Detroit stop of the "Freedom Is At Stake" Bus Tour. Our goal was simple: reach young, Black voters in the heart of Detroit and remind them of the power they hold.

This collaborative effort between the NAACP and NexGen was inspiring, showing the immense potential of a united front in pushing our civic engagement efforts. We connected with a mix of young and slightly older people, some of whom were disillusioned by the political process but left with renewed hope (ALL IN).

My message: There is no time for "I wish I had..." moments. We need Michigan's Black voters, especially our young men, all in. The challenges are real, but so are the stakes. Sitting out this election or voting in protest isn't a solution-it's a concession. We can't afford that.

We have more to lose by doing nothing than by taking the time to vote.

Young men, you are a major part of our "right now" and our precious future. Please stand up and be heard! Your vote is your voice. Please choose to use it!!!

DeAmo Murphy is a Campaigns Consultant with the NAACP (National Office) serving as

the State Civic Engagement Director for Michigan.

Concurrently, he is holding roles as the Community Partnerships Advisor to National

Faith Homebuyers (NFH), Senior Director – Strategic Partnership for Banks & Company

(Detroit), and Interim Executive Director services to the Intercultural Community Center

– Dearborn (ICCD).