- BLACKVOTER.ORG
- Posts
- BlackVoter.Org
BlackVoter.Org


In a dramatic turn of events, Bay City Commissioner Andrea Burney-Obershaw has announced her resignation ahead of a censure vote linked to multiple city charter violations. Known for her trailblazing role as Bay City’s first African-American female commissioner, Burney-Obershaw’s tenure has been marred by controversies, including a domestic violence conviction and four recall attempts.
Despite these challenges, she expressed a hopeful outlook, stating her desire to pass the torch to younger leaders. “I cannot wait to step into my new chapter in my life,” she shared, hinting at plans for a YouTube channel titled "Tattle Tale Mayor Girard Brown Nose," focusing on advocacy for residents.
As she embarks on this new journey, the future of her commission seat remains uncertain, with no formal announcement on her replacement yet.

In a fiery debate on CNN's "NewsNight," Jillian Michaels sparked outrage with her controversial remarks denying the racial implications of slavery. During a discussion about President Trump's influence on cultural institutions, Michaels argued that less than 2% of white Americans owned slaves, suggesting that not all white individuals should bear the blame for historical injustices.
Her remarks, which prompted a heated exchange with host Abby Phillip and political commentator Julie Roginsky, led many viewers to question what her adopted Black daughter, Lukensia, might be learning in such an environment. Social media erupted with calls for concern, with some demanding intervention from child services.
Michaels defended her position on social platforms, insisting America’s narrative isn’t solely about racial oppression. The debate underscores the complexities of discussing race and history, as well as the responsibility of public figures in shaping perceptions within their own families.

In a recent virtual meeting, former President Barack Obama rallied Texas House Democrats against what he characterized as a “systematic assault on democracy” stemming from Republican-led redistricting efforts. With maps designed to bolster GOP representation, Obama emphasized the importance of fair electoral practices, warning that these moves undermine democratic principles.
He praised Texas Democrats for their resilience, stating, “We can’t let a systematic assault on democracy just happen,” and called for a more balanced approach to redistricting, ideally managed by independent commissions. Highlighting broader issues of voter suppression and questioning election integrity under the current administration, Obama urged the need for collective action to protect democratic values.
His comments come as Texas Democrats signal the end of a standoff over redistricting, paving the way for potential approval of these contentious maps. As the struggle continues, Obama reassured Democrats of their significant role in this fight for fair representation.

In a captivating interview on Capital Tonight, Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes shares her inspiring journey shaped by the SUNY’s Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).
With her parents instilling the value of education, the EOP was pivotal in helping her conquer both economic and academic hurdles, propelling her into a prominent role in state government as a representative for Buffalo. Celebrating nearly fifty years of empowering students, the EOP has transformed lives and opened doors for those who might not otherwise pursue higher education.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie highlights Peoples-Stokes’ exceptional leadership, noting her as the "cream of the crop." Together, they discuss harnessing higher education to drive New York's economy forward.
This inspiring story underscores the profound impact of educational access in shaping leaders and communities alike.


Mayor Eric Adams is taking a bold stance against substance abuse in New York City with the proposed Compassionate Interventions Act. This controversial legislation would allow healthcare professionals to involuntarily bring individuals struggling with addiction to hospitals, a move aimed at addressing what Adams labels a "quality of life" issue.
While the bill aims to provide necessary treatment, critics question its effectiveness, arguing that forced commitment may heighten the risk of relapse rather than providing long-term solutions. Advocates urge for more emphasis on patient-centered care, housing, and supportive services instead of temporary hospital stays.
As Adams prepares to introduce the bill in the upcoming 2026 legislative session, New York could join 37 other states with similar laws, igniting an essential conversation about how best to support those battling addiction in a compassionate and effective manner.

Sixty years after the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965, the struggle for democracy continues, highlighting the need for vigilance in protecting voting rights. In a powerful commentary, State Representative Ron Reynolds reflects on the sacrifices made by Black Americans who fought against oppression and violence to secure the right to vote.
Today, the battle has shifted to more insidious tactics like gerrymandering, polling place closures, and false claims of voter fraud, which threaten to silence marginalized voices. Reynolds emphasizes the importance of activism, recalling the legacy of civil rights leaders and stressing that the fight is not over.
He calls on citizens to rise and protect democracy for future generations, asserting that access to the ballot is a fundamental right that must be championed. The message is clear: we must continue to stand up and speak out against injustices to ensure every voice is heard in our democracy’s ongoing fight for equity and representation.

Vi Lyles is on the cusp of making Charlotte history as she seeks a fifth term, which would make her the city's longest-serving mayor ever. Rising to prominence in 2017 as the first Black woman to hold the position, Lyles has navigated a tumultuous political landscape marked by controversy, rapid growth, and a crowded field of challengers this election cycle.
Known for her consensus-building approach, she played a pivotal role in securing critical transportation funding and fostering relationships between Charlotte and state lawmakers. However, internal conflicts among city council members and growing public skepticism over her governance present challenges to her legacy.
With unfinished business ahead, particularly around a transportation referendum, Lyles stands at a crossroads, seeking to solidify her accomplishments while addressing mounting frustrations within the community and ensuring a more equitable future for all citizens of Charlotte.

The National Urban League has declared a state of emergency for Black America and U.S.
democracy, as articulated during their recent conference in Cleveland. President Marc Morial emphasized the urgent need for action, framing the current political climate as a direct threat to civil rights and foundational democratic principles.
The league's recent report highlights alarming systemic breakdowns, including the undermining of the Voting Rights Act and diversity initiatives. Panelists like Melanie Campbell and Maya Wiley stressed the importance of direct action and strategic electoral efforts to combat voter suppression tactics.
Kimberle Crenshaw called out the perils of anti-Blackness, warning that it threatens the very fabric of democracy. The conference underscored the necessity for grassroots leadership and corporate accountability, inviting all Americans to rally around the cause of preserving civil rights and fostering an inclusive society.
The message is clear: urgent action is needed to safeguard democratic values for all.