I came across the picture below several weeks ago while reading for my MA comps. I've thought about it often, especially in the context of this election, and I'd planned on giving it more context than I'll have time to tonight.
Tonight, the night before this nation elects its first Black president, and the most intelligent man I've ever had the privilege to cast my vote for, all I can think about is how very giddy I am to go to the booth tomorrow and select his name. (I think I may even take the time to select every Democrat on my ballot, saving his name for last... :-)
In light of my giddy-ness, I still want to share with you this picture:
I couldn't help but think of the lines we've seen since early voting started, and how, in 1896 in Caddo Parish, people got in line to cast their first vote, period. The photo is from Edward Ayers "The Promise of the New South." It is a "big picture" overview of cultural, social, political, and economic changes in the wake of the end of Reconstruction. It's a book whose "big ideas" fit in nicely with the changes we're affecting right now, and I could think of no more wonderful community than this one to share it with.
Please, even if you haven't an ounce of historical fervor in your blood, talk to your friends and neighbors. Remind them, again, like the pests we all can be this time of year, that not only do we owe it to ourselves and our children, but we owe it to all those who went before.
Vote tomorrow.
Take your friends to vote.
Vote for change and hope.
This, my friends, is our moment.