The Empowerment Network held a rally Saturday to get voters out to the polls in a few weeks. The event included a buffet breakfast, exhibits, and speeches by political candidates.
The rally helped raise awareness about community issues such as voting, housing, education, and economic growth.
Candidates for both local and national office were invited to speak about their plans for building up Omaha and Nebraska.
Congressman Brad Ashford and challenger Don Bacon presented their plans if they win this November. While they have some key differences, Bacon says they agree on many things.
“Helping our youth, and our African American youth in this district get jobs, we agree. I like to work with Mr. Barney, with the Youth Employment Program. It’s so critical to get more of our youth and our teenagers jobs, because that’s how you learn life skills,” said Bacon.
Ashford said the important thing is for voters to get to the polls.
“That is the key, I mean, our right to vote is the most sacred right we have I think. And, it sets us apart, and we need to vote. Every vote matters. Every vote matters,” said Ashford.
Warren Buffett’s Drive2Vote campaign and Preston Love’s Black Votes Matter were on hand to help with the message.
After the rally, internationally known actress Mzuri Moyo Aimbaye performed in a one-woman show about a famous voting rights activist – The Fannie Lou Hamer story.
“That is your power; that is your voice. Don’t sit back and wait until people have been elected and then complain. Mrs. Hamer said [that] we can’t hate. What we have to do is vote people in and out of office,” said Aimbaye.
