Michelle Obama Urges NAACP Members to Vote In New Video

Members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), along with its supporters received message yesterday from former First Lady Michelle Obama. With just three days until the midterm elections the content of her message was short and sweet: “VOTE.”

The popular wife of former President Barack Obama teamed up with the NAACP to produce a video that was released on Saturday.

The NAACP is the largest civil rights organization in the United States with several hundred thousand members. They have been active in this election year in their efforts to substantially increase the African-American voter turnout over the relatively low turnout that occurred in the 2016 election.

In the video Mrs. Obama said:

“The election’s almost here. That means it’s time to use your power. It means it’s time to vote, because if you don’t, other people will.”

“If you sit this one out, you’re letting someone else make important decisions about the life you’re gonna live, the community you call home and the future that affects us all. You’re handing it all over to someone else.”

“So grab five friends and make a plan to vote on Nov. 6, because when we all vote, we all do better.”

NAACP President Derrick Johnson issued a news release saying that Mrs. Obama’s participation in his organization’s get-out-the-vote efforts sent a message of its own. He wrote:

“Michelle’s participation solidifies how important this critical midterm election is to our country. She is not only a prominent, powerful and invaluable figure in our community but to all that she reaches and we hope that this collaboration will encourage voters to get to the polls and vote like their lives depend on it.

Jamal Watkins, the NAACP’s vice president of civic engagement, said in the release:

“We are honored to collaborate with Mrs. Obama on this initiative. She is a beacon of hope and excellence for the Black community, and we have no doubt that with her influence, our message will resonate with everyone.”

Since leaving the White House, the former first lady has spent a great deal of her time on voter registration efforts as well as on women’s issues. She will also soon begin her 10-city book tour promoting her new memoir, “Becoming.”

Mrs. Obama will be appearing in large venues normally used for concerts by major rock stars, which is an indication of her continuing popularity with the public.

Leo Vidal

I am a lifelong Democrat with a passion for social justice and progressive issues. I have degrees in writing, economics and law from the University of Iowa.