00:00Hi everybody and happy 50th anniversary to everyone at Essence. I'm so glad that we all
00:08can be together even as we deal with a pandemic and confront the violence and injustice that our
00:14community has faced for too long. I've been so inspired to see the way Black women like all of
00:21you have been leading in this moment. You're out there marching and protesting, making sure that
00:27folks are out there reflecting the best of us. But this isn't a surprise because we all know the
00:35truth is been out there pushing for progress, speaking truth to power. We don't always get the
00:41credit we deserve, but despite what other people think, we keep on leading for our families, our
00:48communities, and our whole country. So it's been no surprise to me that Essence has been an amazing
00:55partner for us at When We All Vote, my nonpartisan organization that's geared toward increasing
01:01voter participation and turnout. As Black women, we know that our most powerful tool in creating
01:08long-term, sustainable, and systematic change is our vote. And we know that because we felt the
01:16consequences of what happens when folks don't show up to the polls. We get people in office who don't
01:23understand our communities. We get a criminal justice system that doesn't reflect our values.
01:29So we've got to vote. And I'm not just talking about voting for presidents and senators. I'm talking
01:35about mayors, prosecutors, sheriffs, all those folks whose decisions affect our community every time
01:43one of our sons steps outside to go for a jog. But here's the thing. When Black women use our voices,
01:51people listen. When we lead, people follow. And when we do it together, there's just no telling what
01:59we can accomplish. So I hope you'll join me and all the folks at Essence by visiting
02:05whenweallvote.org backslash essence and make sure that everybody we know, our sisters, our children,
02:14our congregations, our neighbors, everybody are registered to vote. Ladies, I know your power,
02:22and I know what you're capable of. And I can't wait for you to make your voices heard.
02:28Now enjoy yourselves and God bless. I love you all.
02:40I love you all.
02:46I love you all.
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