- BLACKVOTER.ORG
- Posts
- BlackVoter.Org
BlackVoter.Org
BlackVoter.org
September 23, 2025
The annual ASALH convention is making its way to Atlanta, shining a spotlight on the pivotal role of labor in the Black experience from slavery to modern struggles. Founded over a century ago by historian Carter G.
Woodson, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History will host the event amid significant concerns regarding rising Black unemployment, which hit 7.5% in August—the highest since 2021.
This year's theme aims to address pressing employment issues in the Black community, including tech entrepreneurship and the ongoing debates surrounding race and slavery in education. As attendees gather to reflect on the past and chart the future, the convention promises to connect historical narratives with today's challenges, ensuring that the fight for equitable labor opportunities remains central to the discourse.
In "We Have Never Been Woke," Musa Al-Gharbi unpacks the glaring contradictions within progressive politics, revealing a stark divide between ideals and actions. Drawing from personal experiences at Columbia University, he paints a picture of privileged progressives lamenting social injustices while often benefiting from the very systems they critique.
For instance, during the Trump election aftermath, affluent students fretted over their futures, while the essential workers—the real backbone of society—quietly continued their jobs without complaint. Al-Gharbi also highlights the hypocrisy of Upper West Side liberals who spoke of supporting the homeless yet resisted sheltering them in their neighborhoods.
With keen insights into class disparities, he argues that many progressives, while sincere in their beliefs, do not make the sacrifices necessary for meaningful change. His accessible critique prompts readers to confront whether their beliefs align with their actions, ultimately questioning the validity of the progressive agenda.
In Maryland, the political landscape is heating up as the “No Moore” group criticizes Governor Wes Moore's leadership, accusing him of mismanaging taxes and economic policies. While the group claims to be a grassroots movement expressing legitimate frustrations, the governor and his supporters argue that some of their messaging borders on racism.
AI-generated videos depicting Moore in derogatory scenarios have sparked outrage, with Democrats calling out the use of racial stereotypes. The group maintains their focus on policy critique rather than race, but Democratic leaders, including Moore, are pushing back, asserting that these tactics reflect deeper issues in the opposition's approach.
With tensions flaring, the debate raises questions about the boundaries of political discourse in Maryland, echoing frustrations on both sides of the aisle.
In a striking exchange on September 19, 2025, Donald Trump dismissed Ebony McMorris, an esteemed Black journalist, as “obnoxious” during a White House press briefing. McMorris, a seasoned reporter for American Urban Radio Networks, challenged Trump on his decision to deploy the National Guard in Memphis—an issue of significant public concern.
Rather than address her question, Trump interrupted, stating, “Quiet. You’re really obnoxious,” before shifting his attention to other reporters.
This incident underscores ongoing criticisms of Trump’s treatment of minority journalists and his pattern of undermining democratic accountability. Critics argue that his dismissive attitude toward pressing questions reflects a broader disregard for free speech and press freedoms, particularly within marginalized communities.
The situation intensified as Trump faced scrutiny over his crime policies amidst contradictory claims regarding Memphis's crime rate, with local leaders expressing their concerns about the national guard deployment.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joyfully announced a significant victory: all anticipated civil service layoffs for the fiscal year 2025-26 have been averted! After months of diligent negotiations, the mayor secured an agreement that not only preserves vital city services but also safeguards jobs amid a daunting nearly $1 billion budget deficit. Initially, over 1,600 layoffs were planned, triggering widespread concern among city workers.
However, collaborative efforts—including innovative position transfers and labor negotiations—enabled this incredible turnaround. Mayor Bass emphasized her commitment to fighting for the rights and futures of Angelenos, and SEIU Local 721’s David Green expressed pride in the shared achievement that will protect essential frontline roles.
This momentous development represents a win for both the workforce and the community, ensuring that critical services remain robust in the heart of Los Angeles.
In a poignant reflection, Austin DeLorme addresses the urgent need to confront political violence following the tragic assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during a "Change My Mind" event. Highlighting the dark irony that this space, meant for constructive discourse, became the site of a senseless act, DeLorme emphasizes the grief of Kirk’s family and the wider community.
He argues that this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by our increasingly hostile political climate. As he calls for an end to both political and gun violence, DeLorme encourages all Americans to engage in meaningful dialogue and foster kindness, despite differing opinions.
He poses critical questions about the culture of dehumanization and what we can do to promote understanding and healing. In mourning Kirk, he suggests, we must also recognize the broader implications for free speech and the societal shifts needed to restore civility in our discourse.
In a striking commentary by Saida Grundy for The Guardian, the rebranding of Charlie Kirk—a notorious far-right podcaster known for his inflammatory rhetoric—as a national hero raises crucial questions about America's ideological divides. Following his tragic death, flags flew at half-staff, and memorials flooded in from institutions that once criticized similar political gestures.
Grundy critiques these tributes, arguing they undermine the struggles of marginalized communities and promote a narrative steeped in white nationalism and misogyny. She draws parallels to controversial Confederate memorials, suggesting that Kirk's elevation serves only to reaffirm regressive ideologies under the guise of unity.
The lionization of Kirk, who dismissed civil rights and belittled empathy, represents a dangerous cultural trend that threatens to erase the progress made toward justice and inclusion. This moment forces us to confront whose memories are valued in the national consciousness and challenges us to reclaim the narrative of freedom for all.