Celebrating in Story the Right to Vote

Most books on voting focus on the history of gaining access to voting rights, whether it be related to the women’s suffrage movement and the ratification of the 19th Amendment, or the civil rights movement leading to the enactment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These books are amazing and sparked my interest in law. However, there are very few books that discuss the importance of civic engagement through an intergenerational approach. I wrote Kwame Votes to fill this void — a storybook that takes a journey with a family engaged year-round in uplifting community.

The book was inspired by my experience in the Rondo neighborhood of Saint Paul. I was taught by my family and elders how to serve and execute community leadership. They modeled this pathway by running for office, organizing policy campaigns, volunteering, and serving as election judges. They taught that our vote matters and should never be taken lightly.

Voting is a precious gift that our ancestors like Fannie Lou Hamer, Congressman John Lewis, and Mary McLeod Bethune fought to preserve. Early in life, I heard the message that Kwame’s grandma shares in the book: “Voting in an election is your opportunity to be heard, hold elected officials accountable, and have a say in important issues involving our community.”

Kwame Votes is my opportunity to share these important lessons with children and families. I hope the book will spark conversations about the importance of civic engagement and that it will inspire others to join me in building vibrant, inclusive communities.