Earlier this year, LeBron James launched his More Than A Vote initiative to help combat Black voter suppression. Since then, the nonprofit has been successful in raising and donating funds to pay the outstanding debts of former Florida felons and restore their rights to vote. They partnered with the LA Dodgers to turn their stadium into a polling site, and they are currently working with Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote organization to help boost early voting.
With the election in less than three weeks, More Than A Vote coalition is pressing on with its fight and has now teamed up with Stacey Abrams’ Fair Fight Action organization for “Civics for the Culture,” an animated video that discusses the history of voting, voter suppression and various ways to be involved on Nov. 3.
“Fair Fight Action is happy to partner with the athletes and artists from the More Than a Vote coalition on ‘Civics for the Culture,’” Abrams said. “It is our mission to ensure that all eligible voters know about the obstacles placed in their way with the intent of silencing their voices…We are also committed to reminding voters that the best way to defeat voter suppression is by making a plan to vote and overwhelming the system with our votes. When we fight, we win, and during this election season, we must fight to make our voices heard to ensure a better future for our nation.”
The animated short will also feature appearances from Damian Lillard, Odell Beckham, Jr., Skylar Diggins-Smith, Trae Young, A$AP Ferg and James himself.
“We’ve been through a lot this year as athletes and as a people, but if we all get off the sidelines and make a plan to vote, we can flex our political muscle as Black people and fight back against the forces of voter suppression,” Lillard added. “So, I hope everyone checks out “Civics for the Culture,” shares it with their networks on social media and makes a plan to vote early or on Election Day.”
Look below for the animated short about voting.