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Detroit, Michigan — Siena Literacy Center offers the following reflection on the coming national elections.
Each voice matters in this election of 2016. Not all voices will be heard … if they do not feel they count or matter. Silence leaves an empty gap a hole so big that the divide becomes a canyon … and no one will win … not in the end…. because we have not heard from LaShon and John, Ibou, and Mariama.
For these reasons, Siena Literacy Center launched a voter registration campaign among its tutors and students.
Salif, a new citizen, registered to vote for the first time. His voice matters.
Valerie, now eligible in this election, will vote for the first time. Her voice matters.
Madoley, our most recent citizen, will vote for the first time. Her voice matters.
Angela, our student, brought her daughter. She registered to vote. Her voice matters.
Penere, a new citizen, registered and will vote for the first time. Her voice matters.
These individuals and others like them begin a new venture. They have become a part of the fabric of our lives. They will weave their voice with ours.
We are very proud of each of them!
Sharon Mills and Sister Lenore Boivin, OP
Feature photo at top: Madoley, now a United States citizen, with her tutor, Melissa.
What a beautiful poem and beautiful witness to the new freedoms they possess, and to the determinationthat their study and sacrifice accomplished. Congratulations!
Welcome to one of the noblest uses of your acquired hard earned literacy. Voting is a right but also a duty in a democracy. We are proud of your achievements and know that you will continue to be a life long learner.