Your Vote Is Your Power.

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There are moments in history when silence is costly—and participation is power. This is one of those moments.

Recent data from the New PA Project reveals a sobering reality: more than 30,000 Black voters in Allegheny County remain unregistered. That is not just a number—that is 30,000 unheard voices, 30,000 missed opportunities to shape policies, leadership, and the future of our communities.

At a time when families are facing rising costs, job uncertainty, and shifting national priorities, the stakes could not be higher. Decisions are being made every day that impact our schools, our neighborhoods, our economic opportunities, and our collective future. And yet, too many of us are still on the sidelines.

At PittsburghUrbanMedia.com, we believe in the power of informed, engaged communities. That’s why we are launching a bold, purpose-driven voter engagement campaign:

This is not just a slogan—it’s a movement.

Leading this initiative is national media icon Bev Smith, a trusted and influential voice who has spent decades empowering the Black community through radio and television. Her message has always been clear and unwavering: civic engagement is not optional—it is essential.

Joining her is Isaiah Beckham, a Data Science student at Allegheny College and a passionate youth advocate committed to mobilizing the next generation—especially young Black men—to understand their power and take action at the polls.

Together, this intergenerational leadership represents both wisdom and momentum—exactly what this moment demands.

We are approaching critical election milestones:

• May 4, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline
• May 19, 2026 — Primary Election
• November 3, 2026 — General Election

These dates are not just deadlines—they are opportunities to reclaim our voice.

Because let’s be clear:
If you are feeling the weight of rising gas prices, job cuts, or uncertainty in your daily life—those outcomes are shaped by decisions made by elected officials.

And if we are not voting, we are not part of those decisions.

This initiative will reach deep into our communities through a powerful, multi-platform approach:

• Radio and television outreach led by trusted, recognizable voices
• Digital and social media campaigns targeting key and underserved audiences
• Grassroots community activation where real conversations happen
• Youth-driven engagement to energize and educate first-time voters

Our mission is clear:
✔ Increase voter registration
✔ Drive turnout in both primary and general elections
✔ Build lasting civic engagement beyond a single election cycle

If you think the challenges we face today are difficult—imagine navigating them without a voice.

Imagine policies being decided without your input.
Imagine leadership being chosen without your participation.
Imagine living in a system where your needs are invisible.

That is what happens when we don’t vote.

This is not just about politics.
This is about power.
This is about survival.
This is about our future.

We are calling on our community—especially our African American community—to rise with purpose and urgency.

Do not sit this one out.
Do not let fear, frustration, or fatigue silence your voice.

Now is the time to act.

Because your vote is not just your right—

It is your power.

Robin Beckham
Founder & Editor
PittsburghUrbanMedia.com

A trailblazer in media and a powerful voice for civic engagement, Bev Smith stands as the driving force behind the Stand Up. Be Counted. Get Involved. campaign—a movement rooted in empowerment, awareness, and action.

Born and raised in the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Bev Smith’s journey from local journalist to national media icon reflects decades of dedication to informing, uplifting, and advocating for communities—especially within the Black community. Her early career broke barriers when she became Pittsburgh’s first African American consumer affairs investigative reporter, setting the stage for a lifetime of impact.

Smith’s voice has resonated across the country through radio and television. As host of The Bev Smith Show, she made history as the only African American woman with a nationally syndicated talk radio program, reaching millions with insightful commentary on politics, culture, and social justice. Her work on platforms including Black Entertainment Television further solidified her role as a trusted national voice.

Throughout her distinguished career, Bev Smith has remained deeply committed to one core issue: the power of the vote. She understands that civic participation—particularly in Black communities—is not just a right, but a necessity for progress and representation.

As the originator of the powerful call to action, “Stand Up. Be Counted. Get Involved.”, Smith is using her platform and influence to energize voters and elevate the importance of participation in the upcoming midterm elections. Her message is clear: every voice matters, and every vote has the power to shape the future.

With nearly 300 awards and recognitions, including honors for her contributions to democracy and broadcasting, Bev Smith’s legacy is one of impact, integrity, and unwavering advocacy.

Today, as the national spokesperson for this critical campaign, she continues to do what she has always done best—inform, inspire, and mobilize communities to take action.

Isaiah Beckham represents the next generation of civic leadership—bringing energy, awareness, and purpose to the Stand Up. Be Counted. Get Involved. campaign.

Currently a student at Allegheny College, where he is studying Data Science, Isaiah is deeply committed to using his voice and influence to inspire civic participation among young people—especially within the Black community.

Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities facing first-time voters, Isaiah is focused on educating college students across Pennsylvania about their voting rights and options. He actively promotes awareness that students in Pennsylvania can register to vote using either their college address or their home address—empowering them to make informed decisions about where their vote can have the greatest impact.

Isaiah is particularly passionate about engaging young Black men, a group historically underrepresented in voter participation. Through outreach, peer engagement, and digital platforms, he works to break down barriers, spark conversations, and reinforce the importance of showing up at the polls.

As a Youth Ambassador for the campaign, Isaiah Beckham embodies a powerful message: the future belongs to those who participate. By encouraging his peers to explore their voter options and take action, he is helping to build a more informed, engaged, and empowered generation.