Election Day Playlist

Of course I go to cast my ballot for the candidates I prefer and to weigh in on initiatives proposed by citizens – and I honestly and sincerely encourage you to do the same – but I go to the voting booth for lots of reasons. To say loud, proud, and strong, “I am” and “We are.”

I want our elections and my experience with them to be like music – the kind that makes you step in on the block party to dance and groove in the streets with people you don’t know until you’re all sticky and sweaty. Instead, often feels like being at the neighbor’s house for afternoon milk and cookies – where the old-school host only has a new LP that she plays over and over again while insisting that everyone present learn a back-in-the-day line dance. To indulge my dream of a more celebratory election season, here’s the playlist I’m kickin’ with tomorrow (before, during, and after I hit the booth):

• I Say a Little Prayer – Aretha Franklin
• Wake Up Everybody (feat. Common & Melanie Fiona) – John Legend & The Roots
• Mr. Man (Feat. Prince) – Cornel West & BMWMB
• Another Generation – Fishbone
• The Revolution Will Not Be Televised – Gil Scott-Heron
• Tired of You – Foo Fighters
• Move the Crowd – Eric B. & Rakim
• Wake Up Everybody – Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes
• You, Me and the Bourgeoisie – The Submarines
• Freedom Of Speak – De La Soul
• Stay Free – The Clash
• No Meaning No (feat. Fine Arts Militia) – Chuck D
• Searching – Change
• Bring Back The Love (The Brazilian Girls Extended Version) – Bebel Gilberto
• Mary Jane (DJ Green Lantern Remix) – Rick James
• How I Got Over – The Roots
• Stand! – Sly and the Family Stone
• Malcolm X (No Sell Out) – Keith LeBlanc
• Letting You – Nine Inch Nails
• If You’re Out There – John Legend
• The Choice Is Yours – Black Sheep

I also go to re-connect with the ghosts and the old spirits. To remember the folks who yelled, reasoned, and picketed for me. To thank the champions who hollered, lost their jobs, sat in, gave their lives, and wrote the work of their life for my safe passage.

I wait my turn on a long line to cast my ballot, because I can.

I take in the vibe in the parking lot, in the lobby of the school, and in the curtained cubicle on the gym floor because I might be answering an important question: Conversations on feminism and racial equality still needed? Our culture in decline? Does it matter? Society? Harmony? Boycott? Can people change the world or is it their poems, songs, paintings, and posts? Why is there a generation gap? Inevitable? Should I be concerned about the welfare of future generations?

What’s your plan? How will you do, tomorrow? Next year?

Peace.