Michigan's Black Representation Crisis: Will Biden's Campaign Suffer from Neglect?

The lack of black Democratic Party representation in Washington could become a problem for President Joe Biden and his campaign in Michigan. The state's largest city, Detroit, is currently not represented by a black member of Congress for the first time in over 50 years.

This has raised concerns among prominent members of the black community who feel that their votes are being taken for granted. Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Director Adam Hollier, a young black and Native American man, is running in the Democratic primary for Detroit's 13th Congressional District.

In addition to addressing concerns about black representation, Hollier is emphasizing his race as a way to connect with the voters in the majority-black city. The lack of black representation in Detroit is seen as a larger problem within the Democratic Party, and there are concerns that apathy among black voters could hurt Biden's chances in November.

Overall, the article highlights the need for greater diversity and representation within the Democratic Party.

Trump Claims Criminal Indictments Boosted Support from Black Voters, Calls Himself a Victim

In a speech at a black-tie event for Black conservatives in South Carolina, former President Donald Trump claimed that his criminal indictments have actually boosted his appeal among Black voters. Trump argued that Black Americans perceive him as a victim of discrimination, comparing his legal jeopardy to the historic legacy of anti-Black prejudice in the US legal system.

He stated, "And a lot of people said that’s why the Black people like me, because they have been hurt so badly and discriminated against, and they actually viewed me as I’m being discriminated against." Trump has centered his third campaign for the White House on his grievances against President Joe Biden, which he believes resonate with Black voters who have become disillusioned with Biden's stance on various issues.

Trump's claims, however, have been met with criticism, with many Democrats arguing that his speech was racist and insulting to Black voters. It remains to be seen whether Trump will be successful in his bid to win over Black voters in the future.

Republicans Launch Covert Attack on Voting Rights Act, Threatening Fair Elections in Washington State

In a covert operation, Republican officials in Washington state secretly launched an assault on the Voting Rights Act (VRA) in an attempt to protect their own political power. After redistricting maps drawn by Republicans were challenged in court for not adequately representing the state's Latino population, House Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary and his colleagues sought ways to defend their maps and delay a judgment that could give more voting power to Democratic-leaning Latinos.

They orchestrated a countersuit, arguing that the maps actually disadvantaged white people and other voters. Although the Latino plaintiffs ultimately won their case, the lawsuit generated by the Republicans was tossed out.

However, one of the Latino congressional hopefuls involved in the countersuit has appealed to the U.S.

Supreme Court. This case is part of a larger effort by conservatives to undermine the VRA's Section 2, which protects against voting discrimination.

Republicans argue that Section 2 confuses state legislators and allows Democrats to draw biased electoral maps. If successful, attacks on Section 2 could have significant implications for voting rights and the representation of marginalized communities in the U.

S.

The Key to Black Liberation: Embracing Class Independence for a United, Working-Class Party

The article discusses the issue of Black political representation and the importance of class independence in achieving Black liberation. The author highlights how both the Republican and Democratic parties have failed to fully address the fight for Black emancipation.

The Republicans, once the party of abolitionism, accepted Jim Crow and defended it, while the Democrats shifted to become the party of civil rights as a way to quell growing militancy and anger in the Black community. However, the Democratic Party's influence over Black voters is waning, as evidenced by the shrinking margin of preference for Democrats among Black and Hispanic Americans.

The article also acknowledges the threat that the Far Right, as well as the Democratic Party, poses to Black liberation. It argues that a united, working-class party that fights against oppression is crucial for achieving Black liberation and combating the threats from both liberals and the Far Right.

The article emphasizes the need for anti-capitalist and socialist politics, as it is capitalism that created and perpetuates anti-Black racism.

Government Shutdown Averted: Lawmakers Reach Deal to Extend Funding Deadlines

Lawmakers have reached a bipartisan agreement to avert a government shutdown and extend funding deadlines. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with appropriators, announced the breakthrough deal, which covers six bills funding key federal agencies such as Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Justice, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs.

In addition, a short-term funding bill will be voted on to prevent a partial government shutdown. The remaining six appropriations bills will be finalized and voted on before March 22.

The House, which is reconvening after a two-week break, will have a tight timeline, but Johnson committed to providing members with a 72-hour window before voting on the funding deal. However, the Senate, which requires unanimous consent for a swift vote, adds an element of uncertainty.

Negotiations come after President Joe Biden's meeting with congressional leaders to discuss funding and aid for Ukraine. Without stopgap measures, a partial government shutdown would have occurred early Saturday and affected various federal agencies.

Fiercely Committed to Justice: Educator Takes on Injustice and Bullies in Stamford

In a letter to the editor, Bonnie Kim Campbell, a public school educator, expresses her commitment to addressing injustice and bullying, both individually and within political institutions. Campbell responds to an opinion piece written by Carl Weinberg, her colleague on the Stamford Board of Representatives, which criticizes elected officials serving on the Stamford Democratic City Committee and the SBOR for their districts.

While Weinberg argues that their involvement in both parties is wrong, Campbell believes that a new process for endorsement is needed to allow broader participation in the democratic process. She also highlights the historical inequalities and challenges faced by District 5, where she is running for delegate seats in order to advocate for the community.

Campbell draws inspiration from past leaders like Fannie Lou Hammer and Martin Luther King Jr. who faced similar attempts to undermine grassroots campaigns.

She ends her letter by criticizing Weinberg for calling her a "pig" and highlighting the importance of maintaining character and emotional intelligence in political discourse.