Empowering Our Future: The Call to Action Before the 2026 Midterm Election – Imagining What Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Would Advocate Today
- James Jerome Hankin
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
19 January 2026
Political Commentary & Black History Review:
Retired Veteran, Teacher, & Author Mr. James Jerome Hankins
EXCERPTS FROM MY BOOK “WHAT WE BLACKS NEED TO DO PART 2”
For parents and students preparing to vote in the 3 November 2026 midterm election.
Lesson #33: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. often emphasized the importance of treating the nine months of positive change and promises leading up to a crucial election as we would the pregnancy of our first child. Given that Dr. King is no longer with us, we cannot hear his voice delivering a lecture, speech, or sermon; however, we can still listen to his teachings, observe his methods, read his works, and follow his approach to preparation.
Middletown, NJ - Dr. King dedicated approximately 15 hours to preparing a single sermon, following a structured process:
- MONDAY: Prayer and reading of the text.
- TUESDAY: Writing a basic outline.
-WEDNESDAY: Gathering research material, illustrations, and theological context.
- THURSDAY: Rereading the passage.
- FRIDAY/SATURDAY: Composing the full manuscript.
Our preparation for the upcoming midterm election will differ somewhat.
STUDENTS: It is projected that over 2 million 17-year-olds will turn 18 before the November 3rd midterm election. It is imperative to exercise your right to vote and encourage all fellow students to do what is just and necessary. Click the Link: How Newly Eligible Voters Could Sway 2026 Elections
PARENTS: Make researching candidates, understanding issues, registering, and voting a priority on your "to-do" list. Click the Link: How do I thoroughly research my candidates? | Citizens Count
EVERYDAY PEOPLE: Recall the lessons your parents imparted; they taught you not to associate with the wrong crowd. If you have made repeated attempts to persuade your friends to participate in voting and they persist in their refusal, it is time to reassess those associations. Govern yourself accordingly. Click the Link: The Power Of The Black Vote: Shaping America’s Future
SMILE, ACTIVE AND RETIRED TEACHERS: Educate your students in the same manner that you would teach your own children. Any deviation from this approach can be equated to a form of neglect.
MINISTERS: Remember the Holy Vow you took upon ordination. As stated in Luke 4:18, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.”
Both the Old and New Testaments forewarned of the emergence of a pathological liar, such as Trump, in positions of power. Consequently, ministers are called to relay the truths about the actions, intentions, and impacts of such leaders, just as Jesus and Dr. King did. While you are not obliged to name their political affiliation, you are indeed obligated to inform your congregation about the detrimental acts and misinformation disseminated by those in authority.
Statistics indicate that approximately 56% of churchgoing Catholics and Protestants participate in elections. When we vote, it is the good people who prevail. If your minister neglects to address your rights and treatment, it is both your right and duty to speak out.
With God, one individual, like Paul—who was 100% a sinner and underwent transformation on the Damascus road—was able to speak out and convert 3,000 individuals on Pentecost Day. Let all of us “good people” dedicate ourselves to writing, teaching, lecturing, preaching, and leading over these critical nine months that may determine our liberation or our downfall.
ABOUT
James Jerome Hankins is an author, journalist (NABJ), real estate owner and broker, Army veteran, coach, AFT Union member, NAACP life member, and a 34-year “shop” teacher. He is a proud 1971 graduate of North Carolina A&T State University.
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