Black votes and Black voices are powerful, but too often we give that power away.

In the 2016 presidential election, Black voter turnout fell 7%, and targeted voter disenfranchisement and suppression silenced Black voices even more. In 2020, Black voters will make up 12% of the electorate and have the power to dramatically shift the direction of the country.

This power won’t matter if we aren’t counted. Projections are that the 2020 Census could have the worst undercount of Black Americans in 40 years, threatening the distribution of resources, access to programming and congressional representation our communities need and deserve.

If the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice, then it’s time for us to bend it.

The 2020 census and election are pivotal moments for our communities — and both will have lasting effects for generations to come. It’s on us to save ourselves and use our most powerful platforms to raise awareness and inspire engagement.

BET has partnered with the National Urban League to launch #ReclaimYourVote, a social change campaign committed to harnessing Black collective power and increasing Black participation in the 2020 census and the 2020 election.

This year-long, nonpartisan campaign — #ReclaimYourVote — will galvanize our community by educating, engaging and empowering action. BET will execute a high-energy campaign that lays out the biggest issues, breaks down otherwise confusing processes and highlights specific ways we can reclaim our collective power.

Leveraging social and digital media platforms, the #ReclaimYourVote campaign will include community activations, television spots and compelling print that will ultimately raise awareness and increase Black civic participation in 2020. The campaign will feature a special focus on unlocking the strength of millennial and Gen Z voices, the power of Black men and critical issues of voting rights and suppression.

We are stronger together. As we build this campaign, we want to work with you to amplify your existing efforts and learn from your best practices, research and organizations for the most impactful campaign possible. Everyone can #ReclaimYourVote when we work together.