Engaging Black Communities in the Political Process

May 06, 2024 11:00AM ● By Anand Subramanian

Black youth navigate some of society's most complex social realities, yet they remain vigilant against injustice. This isn't new. Black adolescents have a rich history of political activism, tackling issues like educational equity, environmental justice, and police reform in schools. Black youth are actively engaged as the fight for social change continues globally. They're not just observing – they're analyzing, learning, and shaping their responses to these events, understanding how they impact their futures. As stakeholders work to rebuild various aspects of society, the voices and perspectives of Black youth must become central to this transformation.

It is not enough for Black people to simply be present at the decision-making table; we must also have a say in what is being served. When Black voters are not actively involved, it can have severe consequences. It means we are excluded from creating policies that directly and, in many cases, disproportionately affect us. For our society to be truly just and inclusive, young people of all races must participate fully in voting. However, in the 2022 midterm elections, Black youth had a turnout rate of only 15%, which was much lower than that of their Asian (21%) and White (29%) counterparts. Although overall youth turnout (23%) has been on the rise recently, Black youth continue to be underrepresented in this new wave of civic participation. In 2022, Black youth accounted for 14% of all youth in the United States but only 9% of young voters.

Photo by Edmond Dantès from Pexels

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In spring 2023, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace polled Black Americans to determine the topics important to them during national elections. Here are the results -

They wanted to know how much Black voters care about a presidential candidate's foreign policy, how well they know about international issues, and how often they talk about or follow world news.
The results showed that while things like jobs and healthcare were essential to Black Americans, many also think foreign policy matters, especially when deciding who to vote for.
This might seem strange, but it makes sense because educated and wealthier Black Americans see how foreign policy connects to essential issues.
They want political candidates who understand their concerns and are good at foreign and domestic policies.
American leaders might need to explain more clearly how things like giving money to Ukraine can help with problems faced by Black Americans at home.

In the same poll, some voters had different priorities altogether.

Carnegie surveyed African American voters to determine their top concerns. The poll found that voters are primarily concerned with the economy and employment, racism or racial discrimination, and healthcare. The most critical issue for 29% of respondents was the economy and jobs, followed by 21% who cited racism or racial discrimination and 17% who were concerned about healthcare.

The study has found that the ongoing inflation caused by the pandemic has left a significant impact on the economy, and the unemployment rate of Black Americans is twice that of White Americans. As a result, it is not surprising that most respondents have highlighted the economy and job opportunities as their top concerns. This data emphasizes the importance of addressing the economic issues and promoting equal employment opportunities to ensure a fair and just society.

Photo by cottonbro studio from Pexels

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Here's how Black individuals need to be a part of the political process:

It's essential to recognize the history of systemic oppression and disenfranchisement that Black communities have faced, from slavery to Jim Crow laws.

Acknowledging this history is the first step in rectifying past injustices and building trust. Listening to Black communities' unique experiences and concerns demonstrates respect and lays the foundation for meaningful dialogue.

Building trust requires consistency, transparency, and accountability from political leaders and organizations. Black communities should have access to accurate information about candidates, policies, and voting procedures.

Grassroots organizations can help mobilize and organize Black voters. Structural barriers, such as voter suppression laws and gerrymandered districts, disproportionately affect Black communities. Policies should be advocated to ensure equitable access to the political process.

Economically empowering Black communities can help them engage meaningfully in the political process. Celebrating diversity and promoting civic education and engagement within Black communities creates leadership opportunities and fosters collaboration across racial, ethnic, and cultural lines.

Political engagement should not be confined to election cycles and should be sustained by supporting ongoing efforts to address community needs, advocate for policy changes, and hold elected officials accountable.

The March on Washington on August 28, 1963, is commonly associated with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s memorable "I Have a Dream" speech. However, it is often overlooked that the marchers also advocated for other significant reforms, such as increasing the minimum wage, providing affordable housing, and improving voting rights. These changes could significantly enhance the lives of Americans. Although progress has been made toward achieving racial equality, much work must be done to realize King's vision.

Source: Britannica

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Federal policies are essential in removing the structural barriers created by discriminatory laws and legislation. Lawmakers should not solely rely on measures that do not address underlying racism issues. Instead, they should develop policies prioritizing equity as a transparent and verifiable policy objective. Remember that the language used in policies should be simple and familiar, and sentences should be kept short.

As we approach the 2024 election, Black Americans must stay informed and vigilant about using their voting power. This moment has far-reaching consequences beyond electoral politics and will impact the future of democracy and social life in America. By coming together and using the strength of the Black vote, we can create meaningful change and work towards a more just and fair society for future generations.

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Anand Subramanian is a freelance photographer and content writer based out of Tamil Nadu, India. Having a background in Engineering always made him curious about life on the other side of the spectrum. He leapt forward towards the Photography life and never looked back. Specializing in Documentary and Portrait photography gave him an up-close and personal view into the complexities of human beings and those experiences helped him branch out from visual to words. Today he is mentoring passionate photographers and writing about the different dimensions of the art world.