Guest Opinion | Ronald Matthews: The Power of Election Integrity, Community Service, and Civil Rights Advocacy in Pasadena

As we approach another critical election season, it is vital for our community to reflect on the principles that ensure fair representation and justice for all. In Pasadena, a city with a rich history of civil rights activism and community involvement, the importance of election integrity, community service, and civil rights advocacy cannot be overstated. These pillars are intertwined, forming the foundation of a healthy democracy and a thriving community.

Election Integrity: The Backbone of Democracy

Election integrity ensures that every vote counts and that elected officials truly represent the will of the people. Historically, marginalized communities, including African Americans, have faced systemic barriers to voting, from poll taxes and literacy tests in the Jim Crow era to modern-day voter suppression tactics. The fight for voting rights, exemplified by civil rights leaders like John Lewis and Fannie Lou Hamer, paved the way for the Voting Rights Act of 1965. However, even

today, voter suppression remains a critical issue. Recent legal battles over gerrymandering, purging of voter rolls, and restrictive voter ID laws show us that election integrity must remain a priority.

In Pasadena, we must ensure that our elections are free from manipulation and that all residents regardless of race, class, or background can exercise their right to vote. This requires transparency, accountability, and robust civic engagement. As community leaders, we have the responsibility to educate our neighbors about their voting rights and ensure that any attempts to disenfranchise voters are met with strong opposition. Protecting election integrity is not just a matter of policy; it is a matter of principle.

Community Service: The Heart of Change

At the core of every thriving community is the spirit of service. Throughout Pasadena’s history, community service has played a transformative role in improving the lives of our residents. From providing resources for our youth and seniors to supporting local businesses, community service initiatives have the power to uplift those who need it most. I have seen this firsthand in my many decades of service as former Executive Director of the Alta Pasa Community Improvement Center, where we’ve helped over 1,200 seniors with essential home repairs, provided alternative activities for youth, and established workforce development programs.

Service, however, goes beyond just providing resources, it’s about creating opportunities for empowerment. When we serve, we not only address immediate needs but also foster a sense of unity and resilience in our neighborhoods. As we look ahead, it is imperative that we invest in initiatives that equip our youth with the skills they need for future success and support our elders who have contributed so much to the community. True service is about building bridges, lifting each other up, and ensuring no one is left behind.

Civil Rights Advocacy: Continuing the Fight for Justice

Pasadena has long been at the forefront of civil rights advocacy, a legacy that stretches back to the founding of the Pasadena NAACP Branch in 1919. Over the years, leaders from our community have fought against discrimination, inequality, and systemic injustice, from challenging segregated schools to standing up against police brutality. Today, civil rights advocacy remains as critical as ever.

The Black Lives Matter movement, the fight for police reform, and the call for economic justice are just some of the modern-day struggles that mirror the challenges faced by past generations. In Pasadena, we must continue this fight by addressing issues such as affordable housing, equitable education, and fair employment practices. Civil rights advocacy isn’t just about making noise, it’s about creating meaningful, lasting change.

Our branch’s long-standing commitment to these principles is exemplified by past leaders like John Wright, Dr. Edna Griffin, and Ruby McKnight, who dedicated their lives to the betterment of this community. As we move forward, we must uphold their legacy by being vigilant in our pursuit of justice for all, especially for those who have historically been marginalized.

A Call to Action

As we reflect on the current state of our community, election integrity, community service, and civil rights advocacy are not just issues of the past they are the challenges of today. We cannot afford to become complacent. Each of us has a role to play in ensuring that our elections are fair, that our community is served, and that the fight for justice continues.

I encourage every reader to get involved. Volunteer at local nonprofits, mentor a young person, advocate for policy changes, or simply show up to vote. By doing so, you contribute to the future of Pasadena, a future where every voice is heard, every citizen is valued, and every community thrives.

In this moment, we have an opportunity to shape the future of Pasadena. Let’s make sure that future is one defined by integrity, service, and justice for all.

Ronald Matthews is a longtime member of the Pasadena NAACP and a community leader with over 30 years of experience in public service. He currently serves as the 1st Vice President of the Pasadena Branch NAACP and is the former Executive Director of the Alta Pasa Community Improvement Center.