As an activist and engaged pastor, I am appalled at the lack of voter excitement in the Black community.

After expressing my concern with some close and trusted friends, one shared this story:

“I remember vividly going with my parents to assist them in voting the first time. They voted in November 1960 for John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy won and my parents celebrated as if they had something to do with his election — and they did. This gubernatorial election will be decided by people like my parents who decided to vote.”

I hope that we — Black and Brown voters — will be able to celebrate the morning after the Nov. 2 election because we hand in it and help elect Terry McAuliffe the next governor of Virginia.

There are many possible reasons for us not being fired up and ready to vote — among them the “Big Lie,” voter suppression, crazy-acting politicians and lukewarm Black clergy. We also have to the list misinformation, disinformation and protracted impact of COVID-19.

But let’s resist the temptation and decide right now to commit to vote. Do it as if your life and next breath depended on voting and the choice you make with your vote.

Vote now! Take another voter with you.

As the late Congressman John Lewis, the godfather of voting and civil rights, has said: “The vote is precious. It is powerful. It is a nonviolent tool we have in a democratic society and we must use it.” Remember, not voting is a vote for the opposing candidate. And Lord knows, Virginia can’t afford to have a Trump acolyte in the Governor’s Mansion. It is a nightmare to think this is a possibility.

The hopes and aspirations of the people are at stake. Our privilege and right to vote, as well as our democracy, are under attack and are at stake. Life itself is at stake.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. put it best: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.”

Use your voice: Vote! Be out front in the line.

REV. TYLER C. MILLNER SR.

Axton