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BlackVoter.org
August 11, 2025
Al Lawson Jr., the veteran North Florida politician, is eyeing a 2026 gubernatorial bid if David Jolly, a former Republican turning Democrat, fails to rally support within the party.
Lawson, who served in various political capacities for over three decades, has expressed skepticism about Jolly's ability to unite Democrats, particularly citing a lack of recognition outside Tampa and discontent among key voting blocs, including Black and female voters. With just months until polling decisions, Lawson’s potential candidacy could shake up the race and influence fundraising efforts.
Jolly, aware of the pressure, must fortify his campaign to prove he's a viable contender for winning back Florida’s governorship after a streak of Democratic losses. As both candidates navigate the complex landscape, the race promises to be a thrilling contest for the heart and soul of Florida’s Democratic Party.
In a provocative move, President Donald Trump has ordered the declassification of FBI documents pertaining to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
, sparking a wave of mixed emotions and concerns. While some see this as a step toward government transparency, others worry about potential damage to Dr.
King’s legacy and whether this decision serves a political purpose. The King family has expressed strong objections to the release of these files, igniting debate about the motivations behind the declassification.
Joining the discussion on the latest episode of "Here and Now" is David J. Dent, a distinguished author and NYU professor with deep insights into race and politics.
Additionally, the episode will cover upcoming quality of life improvements in the Bronx and the important issue of increasing African American blood donors, highlighting the essential work of the American Red Cross to address this critical need. Tune in Sunday at 12 p.
m.
In a striking analysis, PJ Media argues that Barack Obama's ascent in politics was strategically bolstered through gerrymandering, a tactic he now criticizes in others. Following a disappointing 1999 election against Congressman Bobby Rush, Obama received a helping hand from Democratic insiders who reshaped his electoral district to enhance his appeal and secure a politically safe seat.
This newly drawn district not only retained some poorer neighborhoods but also attracted wealthier, predominantly white areas, changing the demographic landscape to favor Obama. The article contends that this calculated maneuvering was pivotal for his 2004 Senate campaign and ultimately his presidency.
The piece calls out the hypocrisy in Obama's current denunciation of gerrymandering while benefiting from its manipulation early in his career, suggesting a deeper trend of political manipulation within the Democratic Party. This revelation prompts readers to reconsider the narratives surrounding political power and its often murky origins.
The D.C.
Government's new initiative to exclusively hire graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is under legal scrutiny. Experts claim this policy, aimed at promoting workforce equity, may violate federal race discrimination laws by effectively making race a hiring criterion.
The program, part of the Pathways to Public Service, has sparked controversy, especially since nearly two-thirds of HBCU students are Black. Legal analysts argue that the requirement could open D.
C. up to discrimination lawsuits, referencing the Supreme Court's recent rulings against race-based admissions.
Although the initiative has garnered funding boosts from the Biden administration, it faces doubts about its legal standing and implications. Critics question whether the program's underlying intent is to hire more African Americans, while city officials remain silent on the matter.
As D.C.
Mayor Muriel Bowser navigates political pressures, the future of this initiative hangs in the balance.
Longtime Illinois Democratic Rep. Danny Davis, a stalwart of Congress since 1996, is expected to announce his retirement from politics at a press conference.
At 83, Davis has served 15 terms representing Illinois’ 7th congressional district, which encompasses downtown Chicago and its inner suburbs. Known for his leadership within the Congressional Black Caucus and other progressive groups, Davis is likely to endorse Illinois State Rep.
La Shawn Ford as his successor in what promises to be a spirited congressional race. His impending departure aligns with a trend of retirements among senior Democrats, signaling a potentially competitive shift within the party as younger challengers emerge.
Davis has been a key figure in major legislative battles, but his career also faced scrutiny over past controversies. His retirement will leave an open seat in a district where he previously secured an impressive 83% of the vote.
On St. Helena Island, a vibrant group of Gullah Geechee elders is on a mission to preserve sacred songs passed down from their enslaved ancestors.
Leading this charge is 78-year-old Minnie “Gracie” Gadson, who passionately sings Gullah spirituals that echo the resilience and faith of her forebears. These songs, originating from the torment of slavery, encapsulate a rich cultural heritage that binds the African diaspora.
As members of the Voices of Gullah, these artists travel the U.S.
, sharing their traditions through music and storytelling. Highlighting their significance, Anita Singleton-Prather emphasizes that Gullah spirituals symbolize survival and strength.
With an aging roster of performers, community leaders are rallying to inspire younger generations to carry the torch. Efforts like Gullah Heritage Trails and educational initiatives aim to ensure that this unique culture, infused with history and creativity, continues to thrive for years to come.
The NAACP is revving up efforts to galvanize Black voters in anticipation of the crucial 2026 midterm elections by launching a series of town halls nationwide. NAACP President Derrick Johnson emphasizes the urgency of the moment, spotlighting recent attacks on democracy, from budget cuts to draconian immigration policies.
The town halls aim to educate and mobilize communities while addressing the impact of the current administration’s decisions on African Americans. Kicking off in New Jersey, these forums will feature local leaders and discuss strategies to drive voter turnout and grassroots organizing.
With over 14.5 million Black voters mobilized in the 2024 elections, the NAACP is determined to connect past struggles for liberation with the pressing demands of today.
Upcoming events will take place in states like Texas, California, and North Carolina, all aimed at strengthening civic engagement in the face of challenges to minority voting power.