According to The News and Record, mayor candidate Robbie Perkins is depending on the “Black vote” to elect him for a second term.   Apparently, the “Black vote” was responsible for voting him as mayor in the previous election.

What exactly is the “Black vote?” During the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections, many African Americans were interested and onboard with the issues Obama stood for.

Many would argue, blacks voted for Obama because he would be elected the first black president.

Society makes it seem that all black people think alike, and we are only concerned on issues that primarily affect our race and our race only. Am I the only person who feels that the “black vote” belittles the thought process of African Americans’ political views?

According to the Census Government, in 2012 African Americans voted at a higher rate by 66.2 percent compared to whites.

Making this the first time since the Census Bureau began in 1996.

The study also shows that in 2012 voting rates were higher in the black community than any other presidential election since 1996. African Americans were more interested in the presidential election the year Obama ran for re-election.

Was the community interested in the race itself? Or the race of the man who was running?  

On A&T’s campus, many students did not think twice to tune into the presidential debates. Students who planned to vote were aware of Obama’s platform, and were mesmerized by how he and his wife conducted themselves with such dignity and suave.

In an interview with former A&T alum and City Counselor Jim Kee, he said, “ I think the African Americans look at the people who are running and cast their vote. Got to research who the candidate is and how they benefit the community.”

The issue is not blacks having similar thought processes, but the fact that  we have to make sure our vote and our voice is respected at all times.

 A lot of politicians count on the “Black vote,” but it is almost like they are bribing our community.

They know what the black community cares about, and the only way to attract our attention is by giving us an ultimatum. It is almost as if we are children who will only listen to our teacher if bribed with candy.

Self education and thorough research is the only way to ensure the needs of the black community will be met.

A solid opinion is one that comes from solid research and knowledge of specific topics. Congress should hear our voice all the time, not just when it is pertaining to things that primarily interest and benefits black people. In order for the black community to continue to progress in society, we must hold ourselves accountable and stay knowledgeable of what is going on politically.

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• Meagan Jordan