Your Vote Counts

Let us begin with a truth we must all be willing to confront: African-Americans are not a monolithic voting bloc. Despite long-held perceptions, we do not think alike, nor do we vote alike—and that reality carries both power and responsibility.

As more individuals step forward to seek public office, it becomes increasingly imperative that we, as voters, do our homework. These are not popularity contests. This is not high school. We are not choosing a prom king or prom queen. These are elections that will shape policy, influence opportunity, and determine the direction of our community for years to come.

The stakes are simply too high for us to vote out of emotion, frustration or blind loyalty. An uninformed vote is not harmless—it is dangerous. In many ways, it can be more damaging than not voting at all. The “hunt and peck” method of casting a ballot—guessing, assuming, or reacting—is not only reckless, it is a disservice to the very freedoms so many fought to secure.

We must discipline ourselves to move beyond self-interest and instead vote for leadership that is prepared, principled and committed to serving the greater good. Leadership that is not driven by ego, but by purpose.

For me, and for this publication, that responsibility has always been clear.

I have long believed that the true calling of a newspaper is not simply to report the news, but to inform, to challenge, and yes—to take a stand when necessary for the betterment of the community it serves. Newspapers that avoid endorsements in the name of neutrality often miss an opportunity to elevate the conversation and provide meaningful guidance rooted in experience and analysis.

Let me be equally clear: we will never tell you who to vote for. That decision belongs to you and you alone. But our endorsements will always be grounded in facts—not gossip. In truth—not rumor. In careful consideration—not convenience.

Like a parent who wants the very best for his children, even when they refuse to listen, I cannot and will not give up on this community. What we do during each election cycle is not just work—it is a calling. A responsibility we carry whether it is embraced or ignored.

Our goal is simple: to equip you with the information necessary to make the most informed decision possible when you step into that voting booth.

To that end, in the following pages, we present our endorsements for the May 19 election. But before you get there, we have also compiled a set of facts—real information, real context—that we hope will guide your thinking and sharpen your decision-making.

Because in the end, an informed community is a powerful community. And a powerful community votes with purpose.