Our voices are something that we sometimes take for granted. Could you imagine going about your day where little things such as how you get to work, the food that you eat, or even how you do your hair are decisions that are made for you?

Would you feel angry? Powerless? Disenfranchised?

Our guess — all of the above.

This is why ColorOfChange has launched a powerful national voting campaign #IfTheySpeakForMe focused on the inclusion of Black voices, specifically the voices of Black women. Using hidden cameras, we staged scenarios where people would have to come to terms with how it feels to not have a voice. Click below to see how Black women at a salon respond to a stranger making decisions about their hair.

Isn’t this absurd? How dare some strange man invade your personal space and then determine what is going to happen to you and your body. Our fictional scenario may have been about hair but in the real world, the stakes are much higher. Political leaders are passing legislation about your right to reproductive healthcare, equal pay, the even the freedom to vote. As we prepare for mid-term elections, we cannot allow political leaders who do not have our best interests at heart to make decisions on issues that impact our daily lives. It’s simple — either you speak up or someone will speak for you.

Recently, Black women have emerged as the voting demographic to watch out for, achieving record-breaking turnout in the last few elections. Through the use of social media and powerful video content, #IfTheySpeakForMe gives Black women the opportunity to discuss key election issues and ensure that their voices are heard.

With so much on the line for our communities, voting in this year’s election has become more important than ever. On November 4, let’s get out to vote and speak up for our concerns.

Please, share this video with your family and friends and remember if we don’t speak up, someone else will.

Thanks and Peace,

–Rashad, Arisha, Matt, Aimée, Johnny, Kenneshea, Shani and the entire ColorOfChange.org team.
October 31st, 2014

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