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BlackVoter.org
May 22, 2025
In a surprising move, South Africa has granted Elon Musk’s Starlink a special exemption from the country's 30% Black ownership requirement, allowing the satellite internet service to operate without adhering to post-apartheid regulations. This decision comes amid rising tensions between South Africa and the United States and coincides with diplomatic talks involving President Cyril Ramaphosa and former President Donald Trump.
The exemption raises questions about the future of similar ownership rules for foreign tech firms in South Africa. Musk, who has argued that these laws hinder his efforts to bring technology to the region, now has a unique opportunity to enhance internet access, especially in underserved rural areas.
While some analysts view this regulatory bypass as a sign of improving US-South African relations, the underlying challenges remain, including ongoing disputes over crime narratives and the complexities of post-apartheid economic integration. The outcome could reshape the landscape for international investment in the country.
In a thought-provoking piece, Tafi Mhaka imagines a bold alternative to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent diplomatic visit with Donald Trump, where he could have offered asylum to 48 million African Americans in light of escalating racial violence in the U.S.
Ramaphosa could have condemned Trump's “Make America White Again” rhetoric and the systemic oppression faced by Black Americans, positioning South Africa as a refuge for those “systematically impoverished and criminalized” by U.S.
policies. Instead, he opted for diplomacy, avoiding discussions about the very real crisis engulfing African Americans, as he focused on maintaining ties with the U.
S. Amid increasing violence and civil rights disturbances, Mhaka argues that silence in the face of ongoing injustice is an unacceptable stance for a leader from a country with its own history of apartheid.
The piece urges a collective acknowledgment and action against racial oppression that transcends borders.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is urging federal lawmakers to take serious action on reparations for African Americans, declaring that they "are owed a lot" due to the historical injustices stemming from slavery. Scott's passionate stance highlights the need for national discussions to address and rectify the enduring consequences of systemic racism and inequality.
As the conversation around reparations continues to gain momentum across the nation, the Mayor's bold remarks position Baltimore at the forefront of this pivotal issue. He emphasizes that acknowledging and compensating for the past is crucial for fostering healing and progress within communities.
With this call to action, Scott aims to not only raise awareness but also inspire concrete change that honors the dignity and rightful legacy of African Americans in the United States.
A recent investigation reveals that Maine agencies funneled nearly $10 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds to a network of nonprofits linked to Democratic politicians, boosting pro-Democratic voter outreach efforts among immigrant and non-white communities. Central to this alleged scheme is the Community Organizing Alliance (COA), which, with high-profile members like Abdullahi Ali and Fatuma Hussein, organized extensive canvassing and mobilization activities ahead of the 2022 and 2024 elections.
Critics raise concerns over the use of taxpayer dollars to support activates closely tied to political interests rather than public health. As the 2024 election draws nearer, the intricate ties between these nonprofits and Maine's Democratic leadership highlight a complicated web of funding and voter outreach practices that warrant closer scrutiny.
This developing story raises essential questions about political influence and transparency in grant distribution.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka's recent comments comparing ICE to historical slave-catchers have sparked controversy and reignited discussions about his political loyalties. In a heated campaign trail speech, Baraka implied a historical connection between Black Americans and undocumented immigrants, suggesting that the struggle against ICE mirrors the pain of slavery.
However, columnist Adam B. Coleman argues that Baraka’s rhetoric distracts from the challenges facing working-class Black Americans, who are grappling with competition for jobs from undocumented workers.
Coleman criticizes Baraka for prioritizing the rights of illegal immigrants over his constituents, claiming such views jeopardize the economic prospects of local Black families. He suggests that Baraka's actions indicate a disregard for the realities faced by New Jersey residents, laying bare the mayor's seemingly misguided allegiance to progressive ideals at the expense of his community.
Through his poignant critique, Coleman calls for a more grounded approach to the complex issues surrounding immigration and racial identity.
Gif by IntoAction on Giphy
W. Kamau Bell, the dynamic comedian known for his outspoken humor, is unapologetically weaving politics into his performances.
Best recognized as the host of CNN’s "United Shades of America," Bell has built a career on addressing pressing societal issues, including racial profiling and extremism. With a robust body of work that includes documentaries and stand-up specials, he thrives on engaging audiences with the uncomfortable truths of American life.
Bell's recent appearance at the Kennedy Center was a bold statement against perceived "woke" censorship, where he embraced his role as a truth-teller, humorously confronting serious topics like white supremacy and inequality. As he embarks on his latest tour, Bell reflects on how comedy has evolved, urging fellow comedians to speak truth to power.
He embraces his mission with conviction: laughter can be a powerful weapon in the fight against injustice. "If we didn’t turn this pain into art, we wouldn’t still be here," he asserts.
Keisha Lance Bottoms, the dynamic former mayor of Atlanta, has officially launched her campaign for Georgia governor! In a compelling video announcement, she shares her dedication to the state and her critique of Trump, declaring, “He’s a disaster for our economy and our country.” Bottoms is committed to expanding Medicaid and supporting first responders, while also promising to tackle corporate landlords.
As she takes on this challenge, she faces an uphill battle against not only a Republican opponent but also a voting system long plagued by suppression tactics. With her track record as a leader during the COVID crisis and social justice movements, Bottoms is poised to be a game-changer.
If she wins, she would make history as the first Black female governor in the U.S.