(ThyBlackMan.com) Former President Barack Obama gave us a lot to think about concerning the Black vote, the Democratic Party, and the issue of misogyny.
While speaking to Harris-Walz campaign volunteers and officials at a Pittsburg field office, Obama’s comments highlighted the complexities of the Black voting bloc within a male- and a White-dominated society.
“My understanding, based on reports I’m getting from campaigns and communities, is that we have not yet seen the same kinds of energy and turnout in all quarters of our neighborhoods and communities as we saw when I was running,” said Obama.
That lack of enthusiasm for Harris, he said, “seems to be more pronounced with the brothers.” The former president’s rebuke was directed toward those who were considering not voting at all. “And you are thinking about sitting out?”
He said, “Part of it makes me think—and I’m speaking to men directly—part of it makes me think that, well, you just aren’t feeling the idea of having a woman as president. And you’re coming up with other alternatives and other reasons for that.”
There are specific reasons why Black men and women are currently the two largest voting blocs supporting the Democratic Party. Historically, individuals who embraced the progressive movement and ideology were defenders of social justice, equality, and inclusion. Progressives fought for full citizenship for Blacks through the 14th Amendment. Progressives helped to overcome various forms of injustice by fighting for the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which dismantled official segregation; the Voting Rights Act of 1965, prohibiting racist voting laws; and the 1968 Civil Rights Act, ending discrimination in housing sales.
The truth lies in the fact that citizens representing Black communities as voters need the Progressive Party. In turn, the Progressive Party needs the Black voting bloc. This two–way dependency was true during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras when the Republican Party represented the Progressives, and the Democratic Party represented the Conservatives. The Black voting bloc is like no other. It must continue to protect full citizenship for people of color. While Democrats, as the modern-day progressive party, depend on other voting blocs such as labor unions and young voters, they will never have the historical significance of the Black voter. Despite the legislative and social gains made in previous years, the efforts to diminish full citizenship have never ceased.
The Republicans have a history as well. We cannot afford to forget the Southern strategy, an electoral strategy to increase political support among White voters in the South by appealing to racism against Blacks throughout the Bible Belt. The Republicans have a critical voting bloc in the form of White evangelical Christians active in executing the Southern strategy. For centuries, we have seen countless examples of White Christians who individually choose to accept their cultural biases while turning away from their Biblical mandate to “love your brother.” This mandate serves as a social justice message of inclusion, which far too many conservatives have chosen to ignore. Some may not be racist in their hearts, but they remain silent amid racism.
What determines a person’s voice? Everyone has a voice through their spoken and written words. Using our voices, we can express our individual opinions, points of view, and passions regarding critical issues impacting our society. Our voices can be uplifting and encouraging while corrective to those who need it. Rather than using dog-whistle tactics promoting racism and intolerance, our voices should publicly and privately denounce blatant racism and sexism, whether intended or not. It cannot be words without some degree of work behind it. There has to be action behind the right words. As citizens, our vote is also our voice. Therefore, a person’s bias and disrespect of others can come forth through the voice of their vote.
To counter and resist the potential of this election narrative, the Black voting bloc is not blind in its support for progressives. Rather, it appreciates the sacrifices of those from the past. The legacy of the voting bloc has never walked away from those in the modern-day fight for justice, inclusion, and maintaining the full citizenship rights for all people. When today’s politics is filled with anti-woke, anti-DEI, anti-CRT rhetoric, the Black voting bloc has reasons to support progressives. The Southern strategy exists under new management but with the same goals.
The long-standing relationship between the Black voter and the Democratic Party is sometimes perceived as one-sided. Defending the party, particularly on the local level, is not always easy in specific cases. The Black vote is sometimes taken for granted. In a two-party system, too often, a vote comes down to selecting the lesser of two evils.
Former President Obama spoke out, but not everyone was happy with his words. The economic concerns of Black men are justified and have proven to be an opening for Republicans. Every person has free will as a voter, but the sense of appreciation and not being taken for granted should motivate voters of all persuasions to stay involved after the election. Stay involved by knowing the voting record of your elected officials, especially on the local level. Knowing if they support or oppose critical issues concerning your local community. Contact them on specific pieces of legislation as concerned citizens. Make them earn your vote for reelection so the next primary election is not taken for granted, even by the most entrenched lawmakers.
Written by David W. Marshall
Official website; https://davidwmarshallauthor.com/
