Welcome to the latest edition of the BlackVoter.org Newsletter!

At BlackVoter.org, we are dedicated to empowering and mobilizing the Black community through informed voting. Each issue of our newsletter is designed to keep you updated on the latest political developments, key issues affecting our community, and the critical information you need to make your voice heard at the ballot box. Together, we can drive change, advocate for our rights, and shape a more just and equitable future.

Sharpton Slams Trump's Insulting Claim about Black Voters: 'We're Not Stupid'

MSNBC analyst Rev. Al Sharpton responded with outrage and disbelief to former President Donald Trump's claim that he has done more for Black Americans than President Abraham Lincoln. Sharpton criticized Trump for insulting the intelligence of American voters with this statement. He highlighted several actions taken by the former president that negatively impact the Black community, such as appointing Supreme Court justices who have weakened voting rights and affirmative action, and nominating only a fraction of the funds Biden has given to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Sharpton also criticized Trump's potential plan to appeal to Black voters by adding South Carolina GOP Senator Tim Scott to the ticket, as Scott has opposed civil rights efforts. Sharpton concluded by challenging Trump to actually put Scott on the ticket.

Biden Dominates Fundraising Race as Trump's New-Look RNC Struggles to Keep Up

Former President Donald Trump and the Republican Party have ramped up their fundraising efforts, with the Republican National Committee (RNC) raising over $32 million in April under Trump's new leadership. However, President Joe Biden and the Democrats still maintain a healthy cash advantage, with the Democratic National Committee (DNC) reporting raising almost $35.5 million in April compared to the RNC's $32 million. Furthermore, Biden's campaign raised more than 2.5 times more money than Trump's campaign into its campaign account. Although both candidates and parties have filed monthly reports with the Federal Election Commission, other affiliated fundraising committees have not yet opened their books, leaving millions of dollars out of the full financial picture. Despite the increase in fundraising for Republicans, Democrats still have a sizeable resource advantage, with Biden and the DNC beginning May with $146 million in cash on hand compared to the Republicans' $88 million.

The Party of Lincoln is Dead: Republicans Celebrate Confederacy and Block Civil Rights

In this engaging article, Keith Boykin discusses the notion that the Republican Party is the "party of Lincoln" and challenges its claims to that title. Boykin points out that while Lincoln and the Republicans initially fought for Black rights during Reconstruction, the party effectively abandoned Black people with the Compromise of 1877. Since then, Republican politicians have enabled racist Democrats and supported racist policies. Boykin also highlights recent examples of Republicans celebrating Confederate leaders and resisting efforts to remove Confederate monuments. He argues that the Republican Party of today is not the party of Lincoln, but rather the party of Donald Trump, who appeals to the worst aspects of human nature. Boykin concludes by asking, "what have Democrats done for Black people lately?" and emphasizing the need for a critical examination of both political parties.

Rev. Al Sharpton Slams Trump on MSNBC: 'Insulting Black Voters' Intelligence'

In response to Donald Trump's claim that he has done more for Black people than any other president in US history, civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton appeared on MSNBC's Morning Joe to criticize the former president. Sharpton accused Trump of insulting the intelligence of American voters and pointed out that Trump's presidency resulted in negative impacts on issues such as women's rights, voting rights, and affirmative action. He also highlighted the fact that record Black unemployment occurred under Trump's presidency and criticized the former president's support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) compared to Joe Biden's contributions. Sharpton also slammed the idea of potentially choosing Tim Scott, a Republican senator from South Carolina, as a vice presidential candidate as a means to appeal to Black voters. In addition, Sharpton condemned Trump for his use of $60 Bibles during Holy Week, calling it "blasphemy" and an offense to those who believe in the Bible.

Republicans' Race Bait Isn't Cutting It: Why GOP Needs to Step Up

In this op-ed, the author argues that the Republican Party needs better representation in Black America in order to effectively communicate conservative values. The author criticizes the GOP for employing Black individuals who don't truly believe in conservative principles and only serve as token voices. The author uses personal anecdotes and examples of notable Black conservatives, such as Candace Owens and Lawrence Taylor, to make their point. They also highlight the lack of support for the Republican Party among various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. The author concludes by suggesting that if the GOP wants to attract more Black individuals, they need to find a respected figure who genuinely believes in conservative principles rather than using race bait.

Black Voters Favor Biden in 2024 Election, But Some Have Doubts About Both Candidates

Black voters remain aligned with the Democratic Party, with 83% of Black registered voters identifying as or leaning Democratic.
• Black voters overwhelmingly prefer Joe Biden over Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, with 77% saying they would vote for or lean toward Biden.
• However, some Black voters express dissatisfaction with both candidates, with 49% saying they would replace both Biden and Trump with different candidates if given the choice.
• Black voters have a more positive view of Biden's presidency, with 55% approving of his job performance. In contrast, only 12% say Trump was a great or good president, while 72% say he was poor or terrible.
• Black voters have higher confidence in Biden's qualities as president, with 56% being extremely or very confident that he respects the country's democratic values, compared to only 8% who say the same about Trump.
• Black voters prioritize improving the education system, ensuring Social Security is financially sound, and strengthening the economy as key policy issues. They also prioritize reducing health care costs, addressing issues around race, and dealing with problems faced by poor people.
• When it comes to foreign policy, Black voters believe that preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction, reducing the spread of infectious diseases, and addressing global climate change should be top priorities.

Supreme Court Sets the Record Straight: Louisiana's Congressional Map Reflects Diversity

Louisiana's congressional map has finally been clarified by the US Supreme Court after a two-year battle over redistricting. The new map reflects the state's demographic diversity and ensures that Black voters have a more realistic chance to elect a candidate of their choice. The map creates two districts where Black voters make up the majority, in line with the federal Voting Rights Act. The decision comes after a map with one majority Black district was struck down, and the legislature adopted a new map that reshaped a district represented by a White Republican into a second majority Black district. This drew a legal challenge, but the Supreme Court ruled that the election should take place under the new map while the legal issues are resolved. The decision is seen as a step towards more equitable representation for all Louisianans.

Marjorie Taylor Greene Fires Back at Jasmine Crockett's Criticism: Not the Only Woman in Congress Who Wears Lashes

The article discusses the ongoing clash between U.S. House Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Jasmine Crockett. The clash occurred during a House Oversight Committee meeting regarding the contempt of Congress of Attorney General Merrick Garland. During the meeting, Greene insulted Crockett by commenting on her fake eyelashes. Crockett questioned the relevance of the comment and its connection to the committee's agenda. Representatives from both parties defended Greene and Crockett, and Committee Chair James Comer ruled to strike Greene's comments from the record. However, Greene refused to apologize. Crockett appeared on CNN to discuss the incident and launched a fundraiser with T-shirts bearing a message that references Greene's appearance. Greene doubled down on her fake eyelashes comment on Twitter and also posted a video of herself weightlifting to challenge Crockett's comments about her appearance. The clash between Greene and Crockett has gained attention online and in the media.

Supreme Court Protects African-American Voters, Defends Second Black Voting District in Louisiana

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of African-American voters in Louisiana, allowing the state to use a congressional map that includes a second district with a majority of Black voters. This decision has significant implications for the 2024 elections, as it could potentially help Democrats gain control of the House of Representatives. The new map includes two majority-Black districts, giving Black voters more representation and a voice in the upcoming elections. The dispute over Louisiana's congressional map has been ongoing, with the original map being ruled a racial gerrymander. The NAACP Louisiana State Conference expressed support for the Supreme Court's decision, calling it a victory for fair representation. However, the new map has faced legal challenges from non-African American plaintiffs who claim it violates the 14th Amendment. The Supreme Court's three liberal justices dissented, suggesting that a different map could have addressed the legal questions raised. Nonetheless, this decision marks a significant victory for Democrats and represents the latest development in a lengthy legal battle over Louisiana's congressional boundaries.

'It Was Pandering:' Harris Faulkner and Guest Criticize Former Dem Lawmaker's Defense of Biden's Speech

Fox News host Harris Faulkner and Republican strategist Gianno Caldwell criticized a former Democratic lawmaker for defending President Joe Biden's speech at Morehouse College. The speech, given to graduating students at the historically black college, invoked the death of George Floyd and attempted to appeal to black voters. Former Democratic state Sen. David Carlucci claimed that Biden was not pandering during the speech, but Faulkner and Caldwell disagreed. They argued that the speech was pandering to young, black, college-educated men and their parents. Both Faulkner and Caldwell, who are black themselves, expressed their belief that the speech was pandering to the black community, saying that most people within the community would agree. Biden has been struggling to retain the support of black voters, with a recent poll showing him leading Trump only by 18% in six swing states.

Biden Maintains Strong Support Among Black Voters, Despite Potential Hurdles Ahead

Despite some high-profile endorsements for former President Donald Trump from African American figures like Stephen A. Smith, Snoop Dogg, and Ice Cube, President Joe Biden continues to enjoy strong support among Black voters. A new Pew Research Center study shows that 77% of Black registered voters prefer Biden over Trump, although this is a slight erosion of support compared to four years ago. The study also reveals that 83% of Black registered voters identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party, a slight decrease from 2020. Trump's ratings among Black voters remain predominantly negative, with 72% rating his presidency as poor or terrible. However, 49% of Black voters express a desire to replace both Biden and Trump with different candidates in the future.

Highlights:
• 77% of Black registered voters prefer Biden over Trump
• 83% of Black registered voters identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party
• 72% of Black voters rate Trump's presidency as poor or terrible
• 49% of Black voters express a desire to replace both Biden and Trump with different candidates
• Black voters prioritize improving the education system, ensuring the financial stability of Social Security, reducing healthcare costs, addressing poverty, reducing crime, and tackling racial issues
• 55% of Black voters believe the 2024 election outcome is crucial to prevent Trump's plans for a dictatorship and erosion of rights for people of color
• 55% of Black voters approve of Biden's handling of the presidency
• Biden's campaign must engage with the Black Press and address the community's unique priorities to maintain and strengthen support

Biden Launches Fresh Voter Appeal, Declares 'Black History is American History'

President Joe Biden has made a fresh appeal to African American voters in an effort to shore up support from the Democratic coalition. Biden visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., and emphasized that "Black history is American history." He also met with the Divine Nine, a group of historically Black sororities and fraternities. The president's efforts to engage with Black voters come as a new poll shows that Donald Trump has made inroads with this demographic, winning 20% of the Black vote. Biden has taken steps to benefit Black Americans, such as expanding access to healthcare coverage and fostering economic gains, including record low Black unemployment rates. The upcoming November election is expected to be a close match between Biden and Trump, with Black voters playing a crucial role in determining the outcome. Biden's campaign has stated that it will continue to work diligently to earn the support of Black voters and ensure their representation.

North Carolina Lawmakers Vote to Bring Back Mask Ban, But Not for the Klan!

North Carolina lawmakers have voted to bring back a mask ban, but with an exception for the Ku Klux Klan, which has sparked controversy. The bill was advanced in response to heated pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses across the nation. The ban on masks in North Carolina was originally created during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and included exceptions for certain groups. However, the new bill aims to deter individuals from hiding their identities while engaging in criminal activities, especially during ongoing protests. Critics argue that the bill protects hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan while penalizing people with health issues who wear masks. Supporters of the bill claim that it does not specifically target mask-wearing and that law enforcement would not target individuals solely for wearing a mask. The bill is set to progress toward a full vote in the Senate.
• North Carolina lawmakers have voted to bring back mask ban
• Exception for the Ku Klux Klan sparks controversy
• Bill aims to deter individuals from hiding identities during criminal activities
• Critics argue that it penalizes people with health issues who wear masks
• Supporters claim it does not specifically target mask-wearing

Biden Stands Firm: What's Happening in Gaza Is 'Not Genocide'

President Joe Biden declared during a reception for Jewish American Heritage Month that what is happening in Gaza is "not genocide." He also condemned the move by the International Criminal Court to seek arrest warrants for Israeli leaders and Hamas leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the war. Biden reiterated the United States' commitment to the security of Israel, but emphasized that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas. Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband also attended the event, with the second gentleman speaking about the crisis of antisemitism. Biden's relationship with Israel has been in the spotlight amid the war in Gaza, with some accusing him of abandoning Israel and others putting pressure on him to support Palestine. The president acknowledges the complexity of the issue and has expressed support for peaceful protest.

Thank you for reading this edition of the BlackVoter.org Newsletter!

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Until next time, stay empowered and keep voting!