Year after year, there's been a 10 to 20% difference when comparing North Omaha's voter turnout to other parts of the city. The Black Voters Summit aims to get behind the problem and bring the community together to seek their input. Organizer Preston Love Jr. said many are poverty-stricken and focused on surviving, not on voting. He said because of those economic challenges, North Omaha could be a strong political block. "If we're fighting for a better criminal justice system, our lack of voting hurts us because we have no leverage. If it is related to educational gaps, our lack of voting hurts us because we have no leverage," Love Jr. said. Love Jr. is also the founder of Black Voters Matter. He said with each new generation it gets harder to retain voters. "Our seniors are there. Their voting percentage is way higher than maybe even the average throughout the county because they are African American," he said. "And people of color have been through the history when they weren't allowed to vote, and they see and have a commitment to vote."Following the summit, a political committee will be created in an effort to get 15,000 new voters registered by 2024 and bring the turnout rate up at least 10%. The Black Political Summit kicks off Saturday at 9 a.m. It will feature special guest Deidre DeJear, 2022 Iowa candidate for Governor, and keynote speaker, Cliff Albright co-founder of Black Voters Matter. It'll take place in The Venue at the Highlander near North 30th and Lake streets. To register and reserve a spot, click here.