Senator Troy Singleton (D-7) last night spoke at a Black Lives Matter event in Burlington Twp.

“I ask you as a black father and a black son, to do more than just hear these words I need you to internalize these words,” the senator told the crowd, referring to those other speakers who shared the stage where he stood.

He remembered his grandmother, and his wondering at times about what he would have done had he been alive during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

“My brothers and sisters, now is your time. You don’t have to wonder. Now is your time,” Singleton said.

In 21 short weeks, the country faces an election.

“It all comes down to one day in 21 weeks,” he said. “The ballot box is undefeated in making change but it only works if you make it work.”

People, he said, hold elected officials acccountable.

“There are a lot of people who stand up and say, ‘I’m with you,’ until it’s time to put their name on the line,” Singleton said. “It doesn’t work unless you hold  those in public office accountable. Your moment doesn’t end here today.

“Your responsibility only gets bigger,” he added. “Your moment has now grown. Our democracy depends on you, and that’s a heavy charge. Last time there was an election in this great state of ours, 9 million residents, less than 30% decided to exercise their right to vote. That means you surrendered your voice. In 21 short weeks, you have an opportunity make your voice heard and change the direction of our country.

“The moment must continue, because if not, we’re going to be here again. We’re going to be here again. We’re going to be here again.”

Peope will condemn a young man as wayward, and not help him.

Singleton confessed:

“I used to be really good at breaking laws before I made laws. Someone stepped in my way and corrected me. It’s an obligation for all of us to correct each other and move us forward.”