Voter registration drive paired with Black History in Yeadon

By KatrenaPatterson / kpatterson@myspiritnews.com

Honk your horn if you vote!” was the chant heard by anyone driving by the intersection of Church Lane and Baily Road on Saturday from participants at a Black History awareness and voter rally in Yeadon, hosted by the Fresh Start youth program and community members. 

The purpose of the event was voter registration since Monday, Oct. 6th is the deadline to register for people wanting to vote in the Nov. 4th general election.

Volunteers registered new voters and offered a closer look into the history of voting rights for the Black community. There was a plethora of materials about the process of law making; a table containing historical background on changes in the U.S. socio-political climate and the increased Black participation in the American political system throughout the years.  

The event also sought to educate the community about some notable local, regional and national firsts. Former Yeadon Mayor Jacqueline B. Mosley was recognized by Leslie Lewis McGirth, executive director of Fresh Start, for her accomplishment as the first African-American and first female elected mayor of Yeadon borough. 

Mosley, according to her social media profile, started her professional career as a classroom teacher and after a number of years, went back to college for a master’s degree in reading. Mosley then worked in Philadelphia public schools as a reading teacher and later in language arts. After spending 39 years in public education, Mosley was elected mayor and served for 12 years. 

Information about W. Wilson Goode, the first African-American mayor of Philadelphia, was on display along with information about Barack Obama, America’s first Black president.

American history is filled with stories about Black people who took countless risks to advance the Black community and organizers sought to link the importance of those actions to political advancements that have occurred because people voted.

Mosley said, "Years ago we didn't even have the opportunity to vote. Now, we can all vote. It is our responsibility as citizens to come out and be part of the voting process. We complain about the people who are elected, but if we don't come out to vote we have no complaint to make. We should be aware of the people who are running, what they stand for, and know if their values are the same as our values."

Voting, some attendees said, gives an opportunity for the masses to be heard.
State Rep. Margo L. Davidson (D-164) said, “This is one of the most important elections that we have coming up. In order to protect our schools, our environment, and our children, we need a governor who actually cares.  So it’s important to come out and vote, but to vote you must be registered.” 
The last time Election Day fell on Nov. 4th was in 2008 when Barack Obama was elected.

Photos

Displaying the legacy of pioneering African-Americans in politics was (from left) Yeadon Borough Council president Sharon Council, Jasmine Lewis, Leslie Lewis-McGirth and former Mayor Jacqueline B. Mosley.

Don Cave, IV (center) gets a high-five from Caroline J. Patterson after they recited Jesse Jackson’s “I Am Somebody” speech while his dad, Don, III, looks on.