About the Initiative
#BlackOutTheVote is a nonpartisan campaign to increase voter turnout among historically disadvantaged communities, including but not limited to black, latinx, and indigenous people, by removing a barrier to voting — the need to choose between earning a paycheck and voting. We are working alongside businesses to encourage their employees to vote early or on Election Day by making it easier for people to cast their ballots.
Who is leading the initiative?
#BlackOutTheVote is the newest initiative launched by Penumbra, which has been lifting up black voices through the arts for more than four decades. Recently, Penumbra announced it was evolving to become the Penumbra Center for Racial Healing, a vision in development since 2015 under Artistic Director Sarah Bellamy.
Once complete, visitors to the center will be welcomed to experience an expanded theatre season and new work by artists in residence; year-round racial equity work led by artists to include lectures, workshops, seminars and opportunities to learn about and address the enduring disparities facing the black community; and a wellness program informed by a curriculum especially designed to detoxify bodies from the stresses of living in a racially stratified society.
Why does this matter?
Surveys show that in America, work keeps twice as many black and brown adults from voting as white adults.
Our last election stood out because the racial and ethnic diversity of voters did not grow for the first time since the 90s, despite the fact that the overall eligible voting population was the most diverse ever.
In 2016, black voter turnout declined for the first time in 20 years. The two main reasons cited for not voting in 2016 were not liking the candidates/campaign issues and feeling like “my vote doesn’t matter.”
Every vote matters. There’s no time like the present to make your voice heard.
