In 1965, Black Detroiters walked into polling stations backed by the hard-fought protections of the Voting Rights Act. It wasn’t just a trip to the polls; it was stepping into a right their parents and grandparents had fought for but never experienced. That year, Detroit’s Black voters could finally cast ballots without facing the roadblocks that had kept them out for generations. This vote mattered. For the first time, they had a say in decisions that impacted their kids’ schools, housing, and jobs. It was a powerful shift—one that marked a new era in Detroit, with Black voices claiming space in the city’s future.
Fast forward to 2024, and Black Detroiters still hold onto that legacy. This election carries stakes that hit home: school board seats that impact their children’s classrooms, housing policies that affect affordability in their neighborhoods, and economic plans that shape job opportunities. Nearly sixty years after the Voting Rights Act, Detroit’s Black community is still here, still voting with purpose, and still committed to shaping the city they call home.
Detroiters arrived early on election day, determined to make their voices count. Long lines wrapped around the polling places, a testament to the commitment of Detroit’s community. At the Detroit Department of Elections, people gathered, focused, and ready to exercise their right to vote. This was about standing up for their city, their neighborhoods, and their future.
Some had already voted early, but many felt compelled to vote on election day itself. For first-time voters and longtime participants alike, this was a moment that felt necessary. Black Detroiters, in particular, recognized the importance of this election. The stakes went beyond national offices; this was about who would sit on Detroit’s school board, who would serve as local and Supreme Court judges, and who would lead in local offices. Detroiters showed up knowing that these choices would directly impact their lives.
Angelique Peterson-Mayberry, President of the Detroit Public Schools Community District Board, spoke about the significance of this election. “I’ve run into people voting for the first time,” she said. “They’re not all 18. Some of them are elders, casting a ballot for the first time in their lives. For some young voters, they’re the first in their family to vote. They’re making history for themselves and their families.”
The importance of voting was clear to those in line. Detroiters understand what this election means for their schools and communities. Three seats on the Detroit Public School Community District’s board are up for election. These positions will shape the resources available to students, the support offered to teachers, and the opportunities for Detroit’s youth. Parents, students, and educators know that the people elected to these roles will impact the future of Detroit’s children.
Peterson-Mayberry, who also works with the Detroit NAACP, has been active in ensuring voter access. “The typical voter looks different this election,” she said. “We’re making sure there’s no voter suppression. We have attorneys on site, hotlines for support, and we’re even providing transportation. Seeing young people coming out has been powerful.”
Detroiters faced down doubts and questions about their commitment to voting. For years, outsiders have questioned whether Detroit would show up. The long lines and determined faces provided a clear answer. Detroit’s Black community understands the power of their vote. They know their community better than anyone else. Voting is a way to ensure their voices lead in decisions about education, safety, and opportunity.
For Detroiters, voting is about building a future that reflects their values. Black Detroiters, in particular, carry the legacy of those who first voted under the protections of the Voting Rights Act. They know the struggles their parents and grandparents faced to secure this right. Each time they vote, they honor that history while making choices for tomorrow.
At the polls, Detroiters showed the strength of their commitment. This election day was about more than any one candidate or race. This was a chance for Detroit’s community to stand up for their city, to make their voices heard. The people of Detroit recognize what’s at stake. They know that their choices impact classrooms, community spaces, and economic opportunities.
Peterson-Mayberry emphasized the importance of local elections. “This election is extremely impactful for the city of Detroit. National races matter, but so do the choices close to home. It matters who your judges are. It matters who your Wayne County sheriff is. It matters who your school board members are. We have three seats open this year. One incumbent is running, and 22 people are competing for those spots. We’re excited to see who will join the board in January.”
As Detroiters cast their votes, they do so with a clear purpose. This election is about protecting education, building safe neighborhoods, and creating economic opportunities. For Black Detroiters, these choices touch on every part of daily life. The elected officials chosen today will make decisions that affect classrooms, community services, and job growth. Black Detroiters are here to make sure those decisions are rooted in their needs and priorities.
Detroit’s Black community continues to honor the legacy of those who first voted here under the Voting Rights Act. Nearly sixty years later, Black Detroiters remain central to the city’s future. They are voting to protect their children’s education, to secure opportunities for their families, and to strengthen the community. This election day, each person standing in line carried forward the determination of the past and the hopes of the future.
Detroiters showed up at the polls ready to shape the future of their city. Each ballot cast was a statement that Detroit will continue to grow and thrive on the strength of its people. Black Detroiters, standing at the heart of this election, made sure that the city’s path forward reflects their voices. With every vote, they ensured that Detroit’s future will be shaped by those who care most about it.
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