Dionna is the state coordinator for the Black Votes Matter organization here in Texas. She is passionate about this movement and is currently here at Texas A&M University Texarkana to spread awareness and knowledge to the black community. She feels that this is very important and wants to bring this information to East Texas as a whole. Dionna sat down for a one-on-one interview where she shared how she found herself on this journey, how she got her role as a State Coordinator, and the goal\/purpose of the Black Votes Matter movement. Dionna appears to be on the right track!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She starts off by sharing how she found herself on this journey saying, \u201cThere were several things that pulled me along the way.\u201d She gives credit to a program called Upward Bound saying, \u201cIt\u2019s a phenomenal program I had the privilege to join in the 10th grade. In this program, I was selected to join a service-learning trip in Jamaica where I was selected to build an elementary school. This is where I found my sense of purpose and developed a spirit of service. I also realized how grateful I should be for the things I have.\u201d Another issue that impacted her was the killing of Travon Martin. Due to this tragic event, she was triggered to attend her first protest. She stated, \u201cI went from rage to revolution.\u201d Her plan started to form once she realized how to engage with the system, what was wrong with the system, and what instruments she had to offer to the movement. She put her plan into action so well that she became known as the Voter Registration Queen. This is what propelled her to start her service work in the black community. She started as a volunteer with nonprofit organizations, campaigns, and then she transitioned to field manager for Voter Registration Civic Education. These positions led her to where she is now, the State Coordinator of Texas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dionna has an important role as the State Coordinator of Texas. In addition to advocating for voting rights, she also helps with voter registration and getting out the vote. Black Votes Matter also builds power in the community by investing in community gardens, afterschool programs, grassroots organizations, and small business organizations. She helps these organizations by helping them develop strategies while funneling resources directly to them to help them do their work. Dionna explains her role as the State Coordinator saying, \u201cThe first thing I do is connect with the target areas in the community. We want to make sure that the folks that are most often forgotten know that they are heard and that we see them.\u201d Connecting with community partners and engaging with people in the community that already do the work helps out those who are in need. This organization is focusing on giving people real power in the community. She strives on having conversations that are important to them. Dionna is the only one working for BVM in Texas so she is actively looking for young people who are passionate to join the organization so she can show her appreciation by giving them a position and paying them. She stated, \u201cFolks are passionate but they need opportunities that can supply their basic needs and help them pay their bills.\u201d As the State Coordinator of Texas, she said, \u201cIt’s important to really listen and to educate people on the current elections. We also need to make sure they understand the importance of engaging during every single election making sure they see themselves as leaders in the community, have resources, education, and networks to build what they envisioned for themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When asked what the purpose is of Black Votes Matter, she simply said, \u201cBuilding within the community and building a narrative that reflects the community by engaging to understand what they are dealing with so we can understand their basic needs.\u201d In addition to bringing awareness to voters, the organization is dedicated to making sure your votes count so they have partnered with the NAACP who gives out free Lyft and Uber codes to make sure you get to the voting polls. They have other partners that will help you register to get an identification card, birth certificate, and a social security card. Not only will they pay for it, but they will also pick you up for the appointment, make sure you get there on time, and walk you through the process. In addition, they also help you understand what\u2019s on the ballots and voting guides so that you can start the process of becoming your own leader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dionna talks about her strategy to bring voters out. Saying, \u201cWhen I first come to an area, I survey them. I ask them simple questions like, \u201cHow they have been? What are some of the things that are affecting them good and bad?\u201d By having the conversation about their basic needs, they can be connected to direct relief.\u201d The organizations\u2019 goal is to help the community understand how to vote and the power of their vote. She said, \u201cThe goal isn\u2019t to tell them who to vote for but to promote reasonable representation. You can\u2019t elect a Democrat everywhere and you can\u2019t elect a Republican everywhere but you can find people who are for the people that they are representing.\u201d She mentions often times elected officials don\u2019t live in the community so they may not be able to recognize the gaps. It\u2019s important to find solutions and weigh that against those who have the authority to make the change. We have to empower them to become the leaders that we are giving our power up to!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Dionna is the state coordinator for the Black Votes Matter organization here in Texas. She is passionate about this movement and is currently here at Texas A&M University Texarkana to spread awareness and knowledge to the black community. She feels … Continue reading