To say my politics have changed drastically over time would be an understatement. I turned 18 in 2000, casting my first vote in the George Bush vs. Al Gore election. It was a pivotal moment for me—not because I deeply understood politics at the time, but because it marked the beginning of my political journey. To know how I got there, I need to take you back to the beginning.

Growing Up in Philly

I grew up in Philadelphia in the 1980s—a Black child in the projects. My father was a member of the Black Panthers, and our home was filled with literature about Black revolutionaries. This environment shaped my early understanding of justice, power, and identity. But my father left our family when I was about five years old, and life took a turn. My mom remarried, but that husband passed away, and shortly after, she suffered a debilitating stroke.

By the early ’90s, we moved to Minnesota, and my world was flipped upside down. I went from a culturally rich and diverse environment to a predominantly white community where, for the first time, I felt like a minority. Back in Philly, we celebrated and respected each other’s cultures. In Minnesota, there was little cultural representation, and it left me feeling displaced.

Searching for Belonging

My teenage years were rough—I was fighting, skipping school, and navigating an unstable home life. To find a sense of belonging, I joined a church. This marked a new chapter in my life, one where faith and community became central. I ended up attending a Christian college, earning a degree in Biblical Studies and Youth Ministry.

Looking back, it’s clear that during this period, I was searching for stability and acceptance. That search influenced my early political decisions. In 2000, I voted for George W. Bush—not because I was particularly aligned with his policies but because it felt like the thing to do. Everyone around me was voting for him.

My Votes Over the Years

In 2004, I voted for John Kerry. By then, I was beginning to understand politics more deeply, but I also realized my vote didn’t feel as impactful as I hoped. Then came 2008 and 2012, when I proudly voted for Barack Obama. Those elections felt monumental as if we were on the cusp of real change. In 2016, I voted for Hillary Clinton; in 2020, I cast my vote for Joe Biden.

Through all those years, I believed in voting to preserve rights, even if it meant choosing the “lesser of two evils.” I wanted to protect what progress we had and prevent further harm.

A Shift in Perspective

However, what I’ve witnessed over the last few years has profoundly shaken my faith in that system. Under a Democratic president, we’ve still seen rights eroded—especially in southern and red states. Clearly, the presidency alone couldn’t shield us from systemic issues or the loss of freedoms.

By 2024, I no longer felt represented by either major party. Both candidates symbolized a continued decline in rights and progress. For the first time, I didn’t vote red or blue. Instead, I chose to stand outside the binary that had failed so many of us.

Where I Am Now

Looking back, I realize my political journey reflects identity, experience, and growth complexities. From the culturally rich streets of Philly to the predominantly white suburbs of Minnesota, my environment shaped my worldview in profound ways. While my faith in traditional systems has waned, my commitment to justice and equity remains unwavering. I don’t have all the answers, but I know this: politics is personal, and the fight for rights goes beyond the ballot box.