BlackVoter.Org

Author

BlackVoter.org
February 11, 2025

Celebrate Black History Month with the inspiring picture book "Because of You, John Lewis: The True Story of a Hero." Written by Debra Kempf Shumaker, this beautifully illustrated tale pays tribute to the legendary civil rights leader, John Lewis, and encourages young readers to embrace courage, compassion, and activism.

The story highlights Lewis's lifelong commitment to fighting for justice and equality, reminding us all of the power one individual can have in making a difference. As you dive into this engaging narrative, you'll find that it’s the perfect way to spark meaningful conversations with children about history, resilience, and hope for a better future.

In a thought-provoking opinion piece, Clarence B. Jones reflects on the fracture of the longstanding Black-Jewish civil rights alliance following the recent escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza.

Jones, known for his close association with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

, recalls starring in a Super Bowl ad promoting solidarity between these communities against antisemitism. However, he argues that the tragic events from October 7, 2023, have transformed the political landscape, creating a divide that compels Black leaders to choose between supporting Israel or being seen as unsupportive of Jewish struggles.

He asserts that this expectation resembles a loyalty oath and threatens the foundational partnership forged over decades. Jones calls for a re-evaluation of the dynamics between faith and geopolitics, urging both communities to address their shared struggles against hatred without compromising their historical alliance.

In a vibrant celebration of Black History Month, Gloria Feldt reflects on Kendrick Lamar’s groundbreaking Super Bowl halftime performance, emphasizing the powerful message of knowing one’s history. Set against the backdrop of the big game, Feldt highlights how Lamar’s artistry serves as a bold reminder that Black culture is an integral part of American history.

She points out that embracing our histories not only shapes our identities but also empowers us to create a better future. As society grapples with challenges to the acknowledgement of this heritage, Feldt argues for the necessity of understanding the past—an endeavor that enriches us all.

With her perspective rooted in social justice, she recalls the Civil Rights movement’s impact on her life and asserts the importance of collective action against oppression. Ultimately, Feldt calls for recognition of all voices and stories, affirming that knowing history is key to forging a just and inclusive future.

On "The View," Ana Navarro hilariously speculated that Donald Trump might respond to Kendrick Lamar's powerful Super Bowl halftime performance by "banning Black people from halftime." The discussion highlighted the stark contrast between Lamar’s politically charged act and Trump’s presence in the audience.

Navarro celebrated the boldness of Lamar’s performance, noting that it elicited outrage from racists online, delighting her in the process. Co-host Sunny Hostin emphasized the intricacies of the performance art, pointing out how it symbolically addressed the country's divisions and celebrated Black excellence amidst ongoing attacks on diversity.

Lamar also took the opportunity to throw shade at rival rapper Drake—with a cheeky necklace and a dancer who happens to be one of Drake's exes. It was a lively discussion that underscored the cultural impact of the halftime show amid a politically charged atmosphere.

In a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party, Ken Martin was elected as the national chair during the DNC's winter meeting on February 1, 2025. Previously the party leader in Minnesota, Martin steps into the role amid a challenging political landscape post-Donald Trump's election victory.

Vowing to "take the gloves off," he aims to revitalize the party's outreach to working-class voters while reinforcing its commitment to diversity. Despite his formidable relationships within the DNC, doubts linger about his capacity to energize the party, especially against Trump's unapologetic approach.

Martin triumphed over Wisconsin's Ben Wikler and others, securing 246 votes against Wikler's 134. While some believe his pragmatic, workhorse style will bolster the party's infrastructure, critics crave a more charismatic leader to match Trump's appeal.

Martin's ascent marks a significant shift, as he becomes the first white man to lead the DNC since 2011, signaling both continuity and change within the party’s leadership.

Stephen A. Smith, the renowned ESPN commentator, is making a surprising leap from sports commentary to the political arena, eyeing a presidential bid for the 2028 election.

In a recent interview, Smith highlighted his focus on financial stability before entering public office—a refreshing approach that contrasts with typical political candidates. His strong polling numbers, surpassing several established Democratic figures, suggest a growing public appetite for non-traditional candidates with diverse backgrounds.

Smith’s unique expertise in media and communication positions him as a formidable contender, capable of reshaping political discussions and engaging younger voters, particularly within the African American community. The potential impact of his candidacy could not only inspire a new wave of diverse professionals to consider political service but also bring fresh perspectives on governance.

As the political landscape evolves, Smith's journey from sports to potential presidency exemplifies a transformative moment in American politics.

A recent analysis by Richard V. Reeves highlights the persistent opportunity gap in America, particularly affecting Black communities.

Despite a gradual decline in overall child poverty rates, African American children remain disproportionately impacted, with poverty rates stagnating and, in some cases, worsening. Labor market trends reveal a significant drop in employment among Black adults, exacerbated by the recession, while the wealth gap has deepened as property values fell more dramatically for Black families.

Additionally, the rise in single-parent households affects African Americans more acutely, preventing strides toward economic equality. These troubling statistics underscore that the dream of upward mobility in America remains elusive for many, necessitating targeted action to address these deeply entrenched disparities.

The message is clear: the opportunity gap won’t close on its own—it demands deliberate intervention and commitment.

House Republicans, led by Rep. Chip Roy, are pushing the controversial SAVE Act (HR22), a move that threatens to disenfranchise millions of women voters by imposing strict ID requirements.

Critics, including the Progressive Democrats of America, warn that this legislation could cut female voter turnout by as much as 30%. The bill mandates that individuals present ID with names matching their voter registration, which disproportionately affects women who have changed their names.

It also bans mail and online voter registration, making it harder for up to 21 million Americans to register and vote. The ramifications of this legislation are substantial, given that women have historically turned out in greater numbers for elections.

As the progressive community rallies against these attacks on voting rights, they emphasize the importance of grassroots mobilization and direct engagement with voters to protect democracy and ensure fair access to the polls.