G eorgia’s Republican secretary of state, who’s competing against Stacey Abrams for governor, allegedly oversaw the removal of thousands of likely Abrams supporters from the state’s voting rolls. See Also: GOP Ramps Up Voter Suppression Efforts Ahead Of Upcoming Elections A group of voting rights organizations announced a lawsuit on Tuesday against Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp for using a racially-biased method that has purged about 700,000 voters ahead of the Nov. 6 midterm elections, WXIA-TV reported. The organizations reportedly include Jesse Jackson ’s Rainbow-PUSH Coalition, the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Kemp has failed to notify the affected voters who will likely be turned away at the polls on Election Day, the suit alleged. “What has taken place here in Georgia is an insult to all of the efforts and accomplishments that we have done throughout this country,” Charles Steele , president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, said at a press conference Tuesday about the Black struggle to win voting rights. This comes as Abrams attempts to make history as the nation’s first elected Black female governor. Civil rights lawsuit filed against Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp | WJBF https://t.co/j7jGoqjV3D — The Voting News (@VotingNews) October 3, 2018 This case is part of a larger Republican voter suppression effort, according to activists. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 split decision, approved Ohio’s practice of removing registered voters from its rolls if they haven’t participated in recent elections. About a dozen other states controlled by Republicans wanted to adopt Ohio’s system following the court’s ruling. “Georgia has been more aggressive than Ohio in removing names,” Nse Ufot , executive director of New Georgia Project, told NewsOne , adding that the practice disproportionately affects people of color. Her organization “stands in solidarity” with the groups that filed the suit. Kemp is accused of using the Interstate Voter Registration Crosscheck Program to maintain Georgia’s list of eligible voters. The inaccurate system is seriously flawed , Ufot said. Meanwhile, Kemp has vehemently denied the voter suppression allegation, claiming in a statement that the lawsuit “has no merit” because Georgia hasn’t used the Crosscheck Program. SEE ALSO: Jason Van Dyke Cries Fake Tears As His Testimony Contradicts LaQuan McDonald Video Evidence White Women Can’t Seem To Make Up Their Minds On Brett Kavanaugh [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3828490″ overlay=”true”]
T allahassee Democratic Mayor Andrew Gillum , the first Black major party nominee for Florida governor, has strong support for his candidacy outside the state’s African-American communities, according to a new poll. See Also: Here’s What Polls Are Showing About Black Candidates In Key Races A Quinnipiac University survey released on Wednesday showed Gillum with a strong lead among women, Independent and Hispanic voters over his Trump-backed rival Ron DeSantis , WTVJ-TV , an NBC News affiliate, reported. Gillum had a 59 percent to 39 percent lead among women voters. With Independents, the mayor led DeSantis 56 percent to 40 percent, and he garnered 59 percent of the Hispanic vote. Meanwhile, 98 percent of Black voters said they planned to cast their ballot for Gillum. Latest Quinnipiac Poll Has Andrew Gillum With Nearly Double Digit Lead in Race for Florida Governor: https://t.co/xzhwytVZ3R — NBC 6 South Florida (@nbc6) September 26, 2018 Overall, Gillum had a nearly double-digit lead over his GOP opponent: 54 percent to 45 percent. This appears to be the biggest lead in the polls since Gillum won an amazing come-from-behind primary victory in August. Previously, a Reuters–Ipsos–UVA Center for Politics poll published Sept. 19 gave the Black candidate a 6-point lead over DeSantis. Indeed, his poll numbers have increased each week. A Real Clear Politics average of several polls (covering Aug. 29 through Sept. 20) showed Gillum with an average lead of roughly 4 percentage points. Gillum selected a white running mate for lieutenant governor who brings a surprising asset to the ticket: the support of Black leaders in a key region of the state. Orlando-area businessman Chris King developed relationships with Black ministers and activists in Central Florida during his run for governor in the 2018 primaries against Gillum. DeSantis, who resigned from Congress on Sept. 10 to focus on the election, came under fire for a racist remark about Gillum less than 24 hours after winning the GOP nomination. He urged voters not to “ monkey this up ” by voting for the Black candidate. He’s also been in the spotlight over his deep connections to white supremacists . SEE ALSO: Bill Cosby Doesn’t Deserve Your Sadness Bill Cosby Sentenced To 3 To 10 Years In Prison For Sexual Assault Conviction [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3828589″ overlay=”true”]
D eputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein ’s job was in jeopardy Monday, as he awaits a meeting with President Donald Trump that could end with the White House in deeper turmoil. See Also: Here’s Everyone Charged In The Trump Russia Investigation Rosenstein will remain in his post for now and meet with Trump on Thursday, the Washington Post reported. The number-two person at the U.S. Justice Department, who’s overseeing the investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, was expected earlier on Monday to be removed from his post, according to USA Today . Trump, who has long sought to fire Rosenstein over special counsel Robert Mueller ’s Russia probe, could set off a series of events that ends in his impeachment if he decides to fire the deputy attorney general, USA Today note. Rod J. Rosenstein to stay in job, will meet with Trump on Thursday, White House says https://t.co/ZmfCXTPy8B — Washington Post (@washingtonpost) September 24, 2018 This all stems from an explosive New York Times report on Friday, which said Rosenstein, in 2017, had suggested wearing a wire while meeting with the president to possibly invoking the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which spells out the procedures for removing a president who’s unfit for office. Rosenstein denied the claims from anonymous sources in Times’ report. His suggestion to wear a wire reportedly came in the aftermath of the chaos from Trump’s controversial decision to fire FBI Director James Comey , who was leading the Russian collusion investigation. After Trump dismissed Comey in May 2017, Rosenstein appointed Mueller as special counsel in charge of the Russia investigation. The removal of Comey was seen as possible obstruction of justice evidence against Trump. The deputy attorney general began overseeing Mueller’s probe because Trump’s former political ally, Attorney General Jeff Sessions , recused himself in 2017 from the case. Rosenstein has defender Mueller every time the president has hinted at firing the special counsel. Removing Rosenstein has been viewed by many as a first step to replacing him with someone who will follow the president’s wishes to end the Mueller investigation. But there could be political fallout from replacing Rosenstein. Even some Republicans have urged the president not to make that move, especially ahead of the midterm elections. It would be seen by many voters as the president’s attempt to end the Russia probe and lead to calls from the left and right for his impeachment. If Trump does fire Rosenstein, Solicitor General Noel Francisco would assume oversight of the Russia investigation, according to the Times. Francisco was a partner at Jones Day in 2016. The law firm represented the president’s 2016 campaign. Consequently, there could be a conflict of interest if Francisco oversees the Russia probe. SEE ALSO: Amber Guyger Is Fired For Killing Botham Jean Is His Own Dallas Apartment Michelle Obama Warns That ‘Other Folks’ Still Show Up At The Polls If We Don’t [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3825613″ overlay=”true”]
Source: adamkaz / Getty It’s election season in Georgia and before you know it, the Election day will be here. So to help prepare you for the upcoming months, we’ve put together a guide that will keep you in the loop of all election happenings in the state of Georgia. ALSO CHECK OUT: Here Are Your Early Voting Dates In Atlanta Quick Snapshot of Dates Last Day to Register to Vote – October 9, 2018 Early Voting – October 15, 2018 – November 2, 2018 General Election Date – November 6, 2018 Important Dates for the Upcoming Election! September 18, 2018 – County Election Boards started sending out Absentee Ballots October 9, 2018 – Last day to register to be eligible to vote on November 6, 2018 October 15, 2018 – Advanced/Early Voting begins and continues until November 2, 2018 October 27, 2018 – Mandatory Saturday Voting November 2, 2018 – Last day of Advanced/ Early Voting November 2, 2018 – Last day to apply for an Absentee ballot and last day for elections officials to mail you an absentee ballot. November 6, 2018 – General Election. Check with your County Election Board for times. November 6, 2018 – All Absentee Ballots must be in County Elections Offices by end of business day. December 10, 2018 – Last day to register to be eligible to vote in the General Election runoff for federal races ALSO CHECK OUT: Here Are Your Early Voting Dates In Atlanta Voter Registration Registering to vote in Georgia is simple. Fulfill a few requirements and you qualify. You must be a US citizen, a legal resident of Georgia and a resident of the county where you want to vote. You must be 18 years old, and you must not be serving a sentence for having been convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude. If those requirements are met, and you have a Georgia driver’s license or Georgia ID, you’re eligible register online on the Secretary of State’s website. Don’t sweat it if you don’t have one of those identifications, because you can also register by printing out the voter registration application and mailing it in to your County Elections Office. On-line registration and downloading the application can done at this link. https://registertovote.sos.ga.gov/GAOLVR/welcometoga.do#no-back-button If you move, you should submit a new voter registration application or write a letter to your County Elections board notifying them about your address change. If you move within the same county and don’t officially change your address, you may vote in your old polling place. If you move outside the county within 30 days of an election, you may still vote in your old precinct. If you move outside the county and you haven’t re-registered after 30 days, you’ve lost your eligibility to vote. You must register in your new county of residence. You can always check your voter registration status on the Secretary of State’s website at https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do . In-person Voting and Absentee Voting! Once you’re registered, you can cast your vote in-person or by mail with an Absentee Ballot. Voting in person. You may vote in-person on Election Day or during the Early Voting Period (Oct. 15-Nov. 2.) When you vote in-person, you must vote at your designated voting locations and bring the necessary photo ID. Find your voting locations on the Secretary of State’s My Voter Page at https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do Voter ID If you vote in-person, the state of Georgia requires you to bring an acceptable form of ID. A Georgia driver’s license is the most common identification, but there are several more. Find out the other forms of ID that are acceptable by visiting this link. http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/elections/georgia_voter_identification_requirements2 Voting by mail with an Absentee Ballot Any registered voter can apply to vote by mail on an Absentee Ballot. Applications for Absentee Ballots are being accepted now until November 2, 2018. To apply, first download the application form, fill it out, mail it, walk-in or fax it to your County Elections office. Get your Absentee Ballot application here: http://sos.ga.gov/admin/files/Absentee_Ballot_Application_2018.pdf You do not need a Voter ID to cast an Absentee Ballot. Once you get your Absentee Ballot in the mail, you must mail it back to your County Elections office in the Oath Envelope provided . Your envelope must be postmarked on or before Election Day. CAUTION : You may have to buy two stamps to return your Absentee Ballot. Some ballots are longer and heavier, so they may require more postage. If you don’t have enough postage on the envelope, the US Postal Service will return it to you. To be sure, weigh the envelope at the US Postal service to see whether two stamps are needed. Remember, Georgia does not have a permanent absentee voter status, so if you apply now, it will only be for the upcoming election. A new application must be submitted each year. MISTAKES that could result in your Absentee Ballot being rejected. No Signature – You have to sign the Oath Envelope for identity purposes. Wrong Envelope – You must use the Oath Envelope provided. If you lose it, contact your county elections office for a replacement. Unauthorized Return – If you decide to hand deliver your ballot, YOU must do it unless you are not disabled. Contact your elections officials for details. You wrote the Current Date on the Oath – Write the date of your birth and your name on the Oath Envelope. Different Personal Address – Use the address on file if you don’t want your ballot rejected. Provisional Ballots If you forget to bring your photo ID to the polls, you can still vote. Ask your poll workers for a Provisional Ballot. Your vote will be counted as long as you show County Election officials that you have an acceptable form of ID within three days after Election Day. Also, you can ask for a Provisional Ballot if your name does not appear on the list of registered voters for that precinct or if you show up at the wrong precinct. Don’t forget you have three days to clear things up with elections officials if you want your vote to count. Got a Felony Conviction? You can vote! Anyone with a felony conviction that has completed their dues to society is eligible to vote. In Georgia, voting rights are restored upon completion, but ex-felons must re-register to vote. Keep in mind, a person convicted of a felony cannot vote if he or she is incarcerated, on probation or on parole. Be Prepared, get a Sample Ballot! Who’s running for an election? What federal, state and local offices are on the ballot? Are there any ballot measures? Be better prepared to answer these questions by checking out a sample ballot for your county. See sample ballots for the upcoming election here. https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do Contact your County Elections Offices Contact information for all County Elections offices can be found at the link below. You’ll find phone numbers, fax numbers, e-mail information and office addresses. http://elections.sos.ga.gov/Elections/countyregistrars.do Election Day Problems? The Election Protection Coalition works 365 days a year to make sure that all voters have a fair opportunity to participate in the political process. If you run into any problems at the polls, call for help. The voter hotlines are administered by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Call one of the Election Protection hotlines below. 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español) 1-888-API-VOTE (Asian multilingual assistance) 1-844-418-1682 (Arabic)
Comedian Marvin Hunter came by “ The Rickey Smiley Morning Show ” to talk about what a blessing it’s been to tour lately. He has been working with Kevin Hart and Rickey Smiley for quite some time and is so happy about the opportunity. Hunter mentioned that when Rickey introduces him it’s pretty interesting. Follow @TheRSMS They dap each other up and then Rickey whispers to him,”You know you gonna bomb.” It’s funny because the crowd is cheering for him and Rickey tries to play him. Hunter mentioned that he didn’t get into this business until he was 39 and wants everyone to know it doesn’t matter how old you are, go after your dreams. RELATED: How Black Tony Is About To Put “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show” On The Map [EXCLUSIVE] RELATED: Rickey Smiley Talks About What Muhammad Ali Did To What Colin Kaepernick Is Currently Doing [EXCLUSIVE] Make sure you listen to “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show” 6am ET. RELATED: Rickey Smiley At The Helium Comedy Club In St. Louis, MO The Latest : 5 Conspiracy Theories Surrounding Kenneka Jenkins’ Mysterious Death Register To Win Tickets To See The Predator Sept 14th [CONTEST] From Kamala Harris To Stacey Abrams: How Black Woman Are Saving Democracy Mac Miller Dies At 26 From Alleged Overdose For The Culture: Dapper Dan Wins Lifetime Maverick Award How Rickey Smiley Plays Marvin Hunter Before He Goes On Stage [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] Barry’s Back: Barack Obama Slams President Trump, GOP In Epic Speech WYD?: Elon Musk Puffs A Blunt On Podcast, Tesla Stock Drops Read Barack Obama’s Illinois Speech That Called Out Trump Why Bobby Brown’s Sister Is Blasting The Movie & His Wife On Social Media [EXCLUSIVE] [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”1937536″ overlay=”true”]
F rom Stacey Abrams to Kamala Harris , a handful of Black women politicians and candidates have been helping the Democratic party to gain traction despite the group’s history of inadequate support of their efforts. RELATED: From Kavanaugh To Kirstjen Nielsen: Kamala Harris Makes Moves To Fight Trump Administration One of the main ways in which Black women are making a strong impact on behalf of the Party is by running for public office. The list of women who have won primaries in recent months indicates that voters want women of color represented in political positions across the nation. Black women candidates are challenging underrepresentation with strategic voter mobilization efforts and agendas important to voters. With that, they have secured notable victories, from Abrams in the Georgia gubernatorial primary to Ayanna Pressley in Massachusetts’ 7th congressional district race . The midterm elections are changing how black women interact with the Democratic Party. Women like @AyannaPressley are fighting for political power and winning https://t.co/lZ7D0vawi0 #WomenInPolitics via @voxdotcom pic.twitter.com/LIuF6gBEuY — iKNOW Politics (@iKNOW_Politics) September 6, 2018 The number of Black women candidates who are running for various offices has also brought attention to the party, with 43 on the ballot. Jahana Hayes , a teacher, is running for Connecticut’s 5th congressional district, and Lauren Underwood , a political advisor and registered nurse, set her sights on representing Illinois 14th Congressional district. Letitia James , public advocate for the city of New York, has entered the state’s Attorney General race. Of course, Black women Democrats already in office have pushed for more transparency, accountability and social change in their roles. San Francisco Mayor London Breed had advocated for the city to stop charging post-jail fees to residents already in poverty — a wish which came true when a court pardoned a $32 million fee for 21,000 people last month. Senator Harris, the lone Black woman in the Senate, posed questions to Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh about his views on Charlottesville “Unite The Right” rally and more during his confirmation hearing this week. Black women who are running to the polls, not for office, have also held it down for the party, which is seeking to gain a majority in the House and Senate come November. The voting bloc has its strength in numbers, having gotten Abrams to a primary win in May. Black women had also shown up at the ballot box in large numbers for elections in Virginia and Alabama last year. Both candidates and voters have asked the Democratic party to better address issues facing people of color such as healthcare and the economy. Democrats haven’t even thrown enough support behind Black women candidates, with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) only endorsing Underwood. Democrats are being called on to do more to support candidates so they can do more to support voters and address their issues. SEE ALSO: Miserable Melania Allegedly ‘Completely Embarrassed’ That Her Husband Was Dragged At Aretha Franklin’s Funeral White Supremacy Is Front And Center At Brett Kavanuagh’s Supreme Court Confirmation Hearing [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3825444″ overlay=”true”]
T he world is watching as the people of Alabama prepare to place their ballots today. Their vote will determine who will be one of America’s newest Senators, namely Republican Roy Moore or Democrat Doug Jones, in a race that will shape critical U.S. policies. And while some pundits may believe Black people s hould summon their magic to keep an accused misogynist and proven racist out of office, it is not the sole responsibility of Black Alabamians to ensure the winning vote . Democracy is a project for all, especially those who need to do all they must to loosen their longheld and tight grip on the type power that has harmed Black people in the U.S. The differences between the candidates mirror the divisiveness present in national politics. The candidates’ positions are opposite ideologically and practically. Moore is a white supremacist, and alleged sexual harassment perpetrator (and child predator) who supports a blatantly sexist, anti-Muslim, and homopbobic agenda. In 2004, when a bipartisan coalition sought to symbolically erase Alabama’s constitution of its segregationist language Roy Moore was the effort’s Staunchest Detractor . In stark contrast, Doug Jones is a civil rights activist who has advanced progressive transformation in the criminal justice system throughout his career. His most notable action as a prosecutor involved convicting the three white domestic terrorists who bombed the 16th Street Church in Birmingham during the 1964 crime that has been linked to the Klu Klux Klan. Four black girls were killed and the nation was morally injured. Keeping Moore Out of Office May Appear To Be The Easiest Way To Advance Black Communities In Alabama, But Black People Are Not The Majority Bloc Upholding Or Supporting Moore As If He Is Christ’s Chosen Leader. Share Given the stark differences that color the candidates’ careers, media outlets have been discussing voter behavior in terms of the Black and white vote. For example, this week’s stories in the New York Times , NBC , and The Los Angeles Times promote the idea that if Roy Moore wins it will be because Black Alabamians did not show up to the polls—as if Black voters, and not the white voting bloc that bolsters Moore’s career, are to blame. Moore Is Not Black People’s Responsibility The idea that Black people must carry the burden of this country’s failure to exercise democracy is a notion that reminds me of a quote from Richard Wright. In Black Boy, he writes “My life as a Negro in America had led me to feel . . . that the problem of human unity was more important than bread, more important than physical living itself; for I felt that without a common bond uniting men . . . there could be no living worthy of being called human .” Here, Wright notes that political discourse in the United States always places Black people in the position of responsibility. Black people, the thinking goes, must always place the principle of national freedom before our collective needs as a people. But, nah. The National Urban League’s (NUL) 2017 State of Black America report lists various gains made by Black people under the Obama Administration, along with the prevalence of enduring economic, educational and health disparities between Black and white America. In the report, NUL President Marc Morial discusses what is needed to secure and advance these improvements. The report outlines the effects of a long history of systematic oppression that continues to prevail and remains in tact through the actions of political leaders like Moore. And that is why Black people’s focus should be on prioritizing the security of their households and communities and not an unpromised concept of freedom. Source: Drew Angerer / Getty Media Must Point Out The Real Problem, And Black People Aren’t It Keeping Moore out of office may appear to be the easiest way to advance Black communities in Alabama, but Black people are not the majority bloc upholding or supporting Moore as if he is Christ’s chosen leader . Black people, to be very clear, are not lending their vote to a man accused of sexually harassing several women when they were girls, a white man who also believes the days of chattel slavery in the U.S. had glorious moments. During the GOP runoff, Black people took note when the the Los Angeles Times documented Moore’s most historically inaccurate and offensive quote this year. The LA Times reported, “In response to a question from one of the only African Americans in the audience — who asked when Moore thought America was last ‘great’ — Moore acknowledged the nation’s history of racial divisions, but said: ‘I think it was great at the time when families were united — even though we had slavery — they cared for one another…. Our families were strong, our country had a direction.’” If Moore Wins It Will Be Because White People Elected Him. Share Moore seems to forget that Black families were destroyed during enslavement, but one must first be aware of history to no longer remember it. Either way, it seems safe to say that the descendants of enslaved African people will not support a candidate whose willful ignorance echoes that of a treasonist Confederate. Voting, however, can be an act of self care and harm reduction. Black people have shown overwhelming support for Jones. Polls for today’s race in Alabama show that he has 93 percent of the Black vote and just 33 percent of the white vote. This makes sense given Moore’s record on civil rights and the actual needs of Black people in Alabama. What remains most shocking, if only because it is to be expected, is the support that Moore receives from white constituents. The decision to operationalize the ideals of an American democracy, one that supports the participation and livelihood of all people, depends on the support of the majority of citizens. Here in the U.S. that majority is comprised of white people. As is the case in most special elections, there is an expectation for low voter turnout today. For this and many other reasons credible pollsters are unable to predict today’s winner. This is a tragedy that white people must own, but therein lies the problem media refuses to center on: if Moore wins it will be because white people elected him. Moore is white folks’ candidate and his support is their acknowledgment that white interests will always trump democracy and national safety. SEE ALSO: ‘Deep Horror Of Racism:’ Jordan Peele Explains Why ‘Get Out’ Matters ‘Get Out’ Inspires New College Course
T he world is watching as the people of Alabama prepare to place their ballots today. Their vote will determine who will be one of America’s newest Senators, namely Republican Roy Moore or Democrat Doug Jones, in a race that will shape critical U.S. policies. And while some pundits may believe Black people s hould summon their magic to keep an accused misogynist and proven racist out of office, it is not the sole responsibility of Black Alabamians to ensure the winning vote . Democracy is a project for all, especially those who need to do all they must to loosen their longheld and tight grip on the type power that has harmed Black people in the U.S. The differences between the candidates mirror the divisiveness present in national politics. The candidates’ positions are opposite ideologically and practically. Moore is a white supremacist, and alleged sexual harassment perpetrator (and child predator) who supports a blatantly sexist, anti-Muslim, and homopbobic agenda. In 2004, when a bipartisan coalition sought to symbolically erase Alabama’s constitution of its segregationist language Roy Moore was the effort’s Staunchest Detractor . In stark contrast, Doug Jones is a civil rights activist who has advanced progressive transformation in the criminal justice system throughout his career. His most notable action as a prosecutor involved convicting the three white domestic terrorists who bombed the 16th Street Church in Birmingham during the 1964 crime that has been linked to the Klu Klux Klan. Four black girls were killed and the nation was morally injured. Keeping Moore Out of Office May Appear To Be The Easiest Way To Advance Black Communities In Alabama, But Black People Are Not The Majority Bloc Upholding Or Supporting Moore As If He Is Christ’s Chosen Leader. Share Given the stark differences that color the candidates’ careers, media outlets have been discussing voter behavior in terms of the Black and white vote. For example, this week’s stories in the New York Times , NBC , and The Los Angeles Times promote the idea that if Roy Moore wins it will be because Black Alabamians did not show up to the polls—as if Black voters, and not the white voting bloc that bolsters Moore’s career, are to blame. Moore Is Not Black People’s Responsibility The idea that Black people must carry the burden of this country’s failure to exercise democracy is a notion that reminds me of a quote from Richard Wright. In Black Boy, he writes “My life as a Negro in America had led me to feel . . . that the problem of human unity was more important than bread, more important than physical living itself; for I felt that without a common bond uniting men . . . there could be no living worthy of being called human .” Here, Wright notes that political discourse in the United States always places Black people in the position of responsibility. Black people, the thinking goes, must always place the principle of national freedom before our collective needs as a people. But, nah. The National Urban League’s (NUL) 2017 State of Black America report lists various gains made by Black people under the Obama Administration, along with the prevalence of enduring economic, educational and health disparities between Black and white America. In the report, NUL President Marc Morial discusses what is needed to secure and advance these improvements. The report outlines the effects of a long history of systematic oppression that continues to prevail and remains in tact through the actions of political leaders like Moore. And that is why Black people’s focus should be on prioritizing the security of their households and communities and not an unpromised concept of freedom. Source: Drew Angerer / Getty Media Must Point Out The Real Problem, And Black People Aren’t It Keeping Moore out of office may appear to be the easiest way to advance Black communities in Alabama, but Black people are not the majority bloc upholding or supporting Moore as if he is Christ’s chosen leader . Black people, to be very clear, are not lending their vote to a man accused of sexually harassing several women when they were girls, a white man who also believes the days of chattel slavery in the U.S. had glorious moments. During the GOP runoff, Black people took note when the the Los Angeles Times documented Moore’s most historically inaccurate and offensive quote this year. The LA Times reported, “In response to a question from one of the only African Americans in the audience — who asked when Moore thought America was last ‘great’ — Moore acknowledged the nation’s history of racial divisions, but said: ‘I think it was great at the time when families were united — even though we had slavery — they cared for one another…. Our families were strong, our country had a direction.’” If Moore Wins It Will Be Because White People Elected Him. Share Moore seems to forget that Black families were destroyed during enslavement, but one must first be aware of history to no longer remember it. Either way, it seems safe to say that the descendants of enslaved African people will not support a candidate whose willful ignorance echoes that of a treasonist Confederate. Voting, however, can be an act of self care and harm reduction. Black people have shown overwhelming support for Jones. Polls for today’s race in Alabama show that he has 93 percent of the Black vote and just 33 percent of the white vote. This makes sense given Moore’s record on civil rights and the actual needs of Black people in Alabama. What remains most shocking, if only because it is to be expected, is the support that Moore receives from white constituents. The decision to operationalize the ideals of an American democracy, one that supports the participation and livelihood of all people, depends on the support of the majority of citizens. Here in the U.S. that majority is comprised of white people. As is the case in most special elections, there is an expectation for low voter turnout today. For this and many other reasons credible pollsters are unable to predict today’s winner. This is a tragedy that white people must own, but therein lies the problem media refuses to center on: if Moore wins it will be because white people elected him. Moore is white folks’ candidate and his support is their acknowledgment that white interests will always trump democracy and national safety. SEE ALSO: ‘Deep Horror Of Racism:’ Jordan Peele Explains Why ‘Get Out’ Matters ‘Get Out’ Inspires New College Course
Shirley Franklin Endorses Mary Norwood Over Keisha Lance Bottoms Things are getting a little crazy in the Atlanta Mayoral race! 43 years of Democratic leadership in Atlanta will come to an end if Mary Norwood is elected over Keisha Lance Bottoms. The two candidates faceoff in a runoff Tuesday Dec. 5 that could potentially put a white person as Mayor for the first time in over forty years. This week former Mayor Shirley Franklin shocked some folks by endorsing Mary Norwood, the endorsement is being run as part of an ad for Norwood, primarily on black radio. Here’s a transcript via the AJC: “I’ve endorsed Mary Norwood for mayor. Some people say that endorsement may hurt my legacy, because I’ve endorsed a white woman over a black woman. This election is about character, transparency, and integrity. Not race. “I’ve worked for mayors Maynard Jackson and Andrew Young, supported Gov. Roy Barnes, and have always fought for civil rights. I am proud to stand with Ceasar Mitchell, Cathy Woolard, John Eaves, Peter Aman, the policemen, the firefighters, and city workers – all who endorsed Mary Norwood for mayor. “We can’t stand by and do nothing about the corruption and pay-to-play politics at City Hall. We must stand together….” It’s interesting that Franklin mentions corruption because a lot of Atlanta residents feel she was corrupt during her term because the entire time she was Mayor her family operated a business at the airport. She was also accused of improperly, without council authorization, transferring over 100M improperly. Franklin’s term as Mayor is also remembered negatively because it was on her watch that an innocent 92-year-old woman, Katherine Johnson was killed in her home. After the Eagle Raid occurred, the city had to pay millions of dollars to settle lawsuits. There are also many who point out Franklin’s association with Billy Linville’s firm, reportedly being paid by the Norwood campaign. Soooooo seems kinda crazy that Franklin is the one out here talking about corruption. On Friday, former Atlanta School Board candidate Charlie Stadtlander provided a 150-page dossier on Norwood. Statlander said after advising Norwood’s campaign earlier this year he refused to continue working with her because she wouldn’t correct financial impropriety. Here are two short but damning clips from that press conference: According to AJC reports: A spokesperson for Norwood said that Stadtlander was fired from the campaign. Stadtlander said that was news to him and later showed reporters a $1,000 check that Norwood had written to his election campaign in July. With the runoff just days away and polls showing Keisha Lance Bottoms trailing, much of black Atlanta has rallied around Bottoms. Killer Mike spoke out publicly this weekend supporting Bottoms: Atlanta if you haven’t already gone to the polls, make sure you do!
O ne year removed from the most divisive election in modern history, voters were heading back to the ballots in a series of pivotal political contests across the country. Several intriguing battles have taken center stage and include African-American candidates. Here are six of them to watch: Atlanta Mayor Eyes are on the Atlanta mayoral race because Mary Norwood , a 65-year-old city councilwoman, has a chance to become the city’s first White mayor in more than four decades. At one point, Norwood held a double-digit lead in the polls. However, one of the latest surveys showed that one of her competitors, Keisha Lance Bottoms , has pulled ahead of her. Keisha Lance Bottoms ad takes on Mary Norwood “racial profiling” reply https://t.co/ym5tSH23xZ pic.twitter.com/Q7zq6zYc3Z — AJC (@ajc) September 21, 2017 Boston Mayor Boston City Councilor Tito Jackson has an uphill climb to beat incumbent Mayor Martin J. Walsh and become the city’s first African-American mayor. The Boston branch of the NAACP released a scathing 175-page report criticizing Walsh for not keeping his promises to communities of color. One things to look for is whether Black voters will punish the mayor at the polls. I am the sum total of all who have shown me love. I want to pay it forward. #WeAreBoston #BosMayor17 https://t.co/senkkfHOJC — Tito Jackson (@titojackson) November 6, 2017 Detroit Mayor Coleman Young was Detroit’s first African-American mayor. Now his son, Coleman Young II, is trying to walk in his father’s footsteps. But he’s competing against a popular White mayor, Mike Duggan . Even though the city’s population is more than 80 percent Black, many analysts said voters wanted to give Duggan a chance to continue his economic recovery efforts. Sen. Coleman Young II campaigns to win the votes of Detroiters in important mayoral election this week. He aims for intense restoration plan pic.twitter.com/d9OOo88R3i — Ark Republic (@ArkRepublic) November 5, 2017 New Orleans Mayor The winner of the New Orleans contest will become the city’s first woman mayor, and both candidates are African-American. City Councilwoman LaToya Cantrell and former judge Desiree Charbonnet topped a field of 18 candidates in October to compete in a two-candidate runoff, scheduled for Nov. 18. Analyzing the road ahead, The Advocate reported that Cantrell, who emerged as a champion of the working-class after Hurricane Katrina, had the support of prominent individuals in the White business community. Her opponent had the backing of the city’s Democratic U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond , who is chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, as well as key players in New Orleans’ political establishment. Where did LaToya Cantrell and Desiree Charbonnet travel on the public's dime? https://t.co/uBMNjvCm8I — NOLA.com (@NOLAnews) November 3, 2017 St. Paul Mayor The St. Paul Police Federation not only targeted African-American candidate Melvin Carter for a racist attack that included the creation and distribution of a political flier that suggested he was somehow responsible for a surge in gun violence, pinning that claim on the theft of two guns from Carter’s home. However, the scheme backfired, with scores of voters and elected officials condemning the police union. Carter won the support of several top Democrats, including U.S. Sen. Al Franken. Mel Reeves sounds off about the St. Paul Police Federation's attack on mayoral candidate Melvin Carter. https://t.co/xOMo8KvOaT pic.twitter.com/KhjoXcvbpV — MSR News Online (@MNSpokesman) November 2, 2017 Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax , the Democratic candidate for Virginia lieutenant governor, was running for office amid racial tension within his party and from his GOP opponent. Ralph Northam , who was running for governor, created uproar in the party when he omitted Fairfax from a group of campaign fliers that lists Democrats running for statewide office. Meanwhile, Fairfax also received subtle racist attacks from the right. His Republican opponent, Jill Holtzman Vogel , raised a question during their final debate about whether Fairfax can “talk intelligently” about issues. If Fairfax wins, he will become the first African-American elected statewide in Virginia since Douglas Wilder became governor in 1989. Thank you Washington Post! pic.twitter.com/R0X01jsjDQ — Justin Fairfax (@FairfaxJustin) October 29, 2017 SEE ALSO: Black Women Candidates Running For Public Office Surge Ahead Of Election Day How Democrats Are Poised To Win Back The House [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3358541″ overlay=”true”]
