BRANDON J. SUTTON - Blog

Not Everyone Survived Trump’s First Term

1/28/2025

Following Donald Trump’s 2024 election night victory, many individuals experienced a profound sense of dread and despair. For some, it was devastating to see Vice President Kamala Harris lose to a man who had shown disdain for democracy and the rule of law, been found liable for sexual abuse, and convicted of 34 felonies. While some pundits and commentators attempted to soothe public anxiety by reminding us that the country survived Trump’s first term, their reassurances overlook a painful truth: not everyone survived Trump’s first term.

By the time Trump left office in 2021, hundreds of thousands of Americans had lost their lives due to his administration’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. My Uncle Anthony was one of them. The initial efforts to contain the virus were half-hearted at best. The Trump administration had been warned about COVID-19 as early as December 2019. But instead of taking decisive action to prepare the country, the Trump Administration allowed the virus to spread unchecked. When it became evident that COVID-19 disproportionately affected Black, Brown, and elderly populations, the administration prioritized reopening the economy over public health. For those on the margins of society, like my Uncle Anthony, there was no choice but to keep working, even at the risk of their lives.
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The early days of Trump’s second term have already signaled a continuation of the lawlessness, retribution, racism, and xenophobia that defined his first term. Among his initial actions, Trump has dismantled Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, which had provided professional opportunities for minorities, fostered diverse workplaces, and barred discriminatory hiring practices. He has reinstated a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military and initiated mass deportation operations that threaten to tear apart families and communities.

Trump has also moved to eliminate birthright citizenship, escalate trade wars with allies, and withhold federal funding from critical programs such as SNAP, Head Start, Title I, school lunch initiatives, and Medicaid. Amid rising national Bird Flu cases, he has withdrawn the United States from the World Health Organization, further endangering public health. This term forebodes even greater loss and hardship for Americans whose lives, livelihoods, and very existence are under threat.

As stewards of justice, we must commit ourselves to fighting for immigrants, members of the LGBTQ+ community, Black and Brown people, and all who are vulnerable to the policies and rhetoric of this administration. Endurance is not enough—we must actively resist. Let us honor the memory of those who suffered during Trump’s first term by standing firm in our pursuit of justice, equity, and human dignity throughout this second term.

From Insurrection to Inauguration: The Failure to Stop Trump

1/6/2025

On January 6th, 2021, President Donald Trump ignited a flame that led to a deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. While Trump did not personally storm the Capitol, his supporters did—in an effort to overturn the 2020 Presidential Election on his behalf. Their efforts, thankfully, failed. Yet, that event, which should have disqualified him from ever holding office again, has not prevented his return. Now, we find ourselves just weeks away from the start of another Trump presidency. Many share blame for this predicament, including the American people, Republicans, Democrats, the judiciary, and the mainstream media. It will require the concerted effort of all these factions to bring the country back together—if it can ever truly reunite.

The American People

America has always been a nation divided. Historically, these divisions have revolved around race, class, and ideology. The 2024 election highlighted these fractures yet again, as Americans voted for Donald Trump, a 34-times convicted felon, over a highly qualified Black woman, Vice President Kamala Harris. The 2024 election outcome raises some uncomfortable questions about the character of the American people.

Trump’s troubled history is well-documented. He has been caught on tape making lewd remarks about women, mocked a disabled reporter, and labeled Mexican immigrants as “rapists.” He is a convicted felon who was also charged with trying to overturn the 2020 Election and stealing classified documents (those charges were dismissed after his election victory). He was associated with sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and bragged about walking through women dressing rooms. He has exhibited autocratic tendencies, threatened political enemies, mismanaged the COVID-19 pandemic, and presided over a recession. Despite these glaring disqualifications, Americans voted for him. This reality forces an unsettling conclusion: Trump is not an anomaly but a reflection of the nation. As a country, we are not better than this—we are this.

Republicans

The Republican Party no longer functions as a political organization dedicated to democracy or the nation’s best interests. Instead, it has become the party of Trump. Republicans who once opposed him have capitulated, bending the knee to his dominance.

The party’s voters had multiple opportunities to choose other nominees during the Republican primaries, but they didn’t. Republican lawmakers could have ensured Trump never held office again by voting to impeach him, but they refused. They could have condemned his racist and reprehensible statements, but they remained silent. The party’s actions—or lack thereof—have allowed Trump’s autocratic tendencies to flourish. Rather than defend democracy, they have chosen to rule as autocrats, with Trump as their dear leader.

Democrats

Democrats are not blameless in Trump’s rise. They nominated two highly qualified women—Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Kamala Harris in 2024—only to see both defeated by Trump. Although Joe Biden successfully ousted Trump in 2020, his administration and the Democratic Party did little to hold Trump and his enablers accountable for attempting to overturn the 2020 Election.

Despite holding a trifecta in Washington from 2021 - 2023, Democrats failed to strengthen democratic institutions. Attorney General Merrick Garland’s reluctance to aggressively pursue those who attacked the government reflects a broader issue: the party’s adherence to outdated norms and institutions that no longer serve their purpose. In a time when democracy demands fighters, Democrats have relied on leaders from a bygone era, ill-equipped for the challenges of the moment.

The Judiciary

Democracies often crumble when one party captures the courts. In the U.S., the judiciary is supposed to uphold democratic norms and interpret laws impartially. However, partisanship within the courts has reached alarming levels. Conservative judges, many openly partisan and some corrupt, have accelerated the decline of American democracy.

These judges frequently disregard precedent, legislate from the bench, and help implement deeply unpopular policies that Republicans cannot pass through the legislative process. They have shielded Trump from accountability while aiding his lawlessness. With such a judiciary in place, the courts cannot be trusted to hold Trump accountable, further eroding public faith in the judicial system.

Mainstream Media

During Trump’s first campaign, a CBS executive infamously remarked that Trump was bad for the country but good for business. This sentiment encapsulates the media’s role in his rise. The press has largely failed to hold Trump accountable, treating politics as a spectacle rather than a serious responsibility.

The media normalized Trump, weakened his opponents, and downplayed his unfitness for office. Corporate interests prioritized ratings and clicks over the public good, helping pave the way for his presidency. Even now, as Trump prepares to assume office again, many media outlets are already acquiescing to him, further undermining their credibility and the nation’s democratic institutions.

Conclusion

The sequel is rarely better than the original, and a second Trump administration will likely bring chaos, corruption, cruelty, and incompetence. Surviving this era will require a united effort from all Americans: Democrats and Republicans, the judiciary, the media, and everyday citizens. Yet, a significant portion of the country appears indifferent to the nation’s future or aligned with Trump’s hateful vision. If this trajectory continues, we may indeed be witnessing the late stages of American democracy and we all share the blame.

MAGA America: Abandoning Democracy to Preserve White Privilege

11/26/2024

For over two centuries, American "democracy" has often been wielded as a tool to uphold white supremacy. This system has enabled chattel slavery, Jim Crow laws, lynchings, redlining, voter suppression, and mass incarceration. Yet, despite these systemic injustices, Black Americans have persevered, breaking barriers to excel as doctors, lawyers, judges, educators, entertainers, athletes, lawmakers, and even as Vice President and President of the United States. The election of Barack Obama in 2008, the first Black President, marked a historic turning point—a symbol of progress that simultaneously intensified resistance to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As America becomes increasingly diverse and individuals from underrepresented communities rise to positions of power, the traditional mechanisms sustaining white supremacy have begun to weaken. In response, some have chosen to abandon democratic principles altogether, clinging to privilege through fear and opposition to change.

This backlash has found its emblem in Donald Trump, who has positioned himself as a champion of those longing for a return to an era when white, Christian, heterosexual men dominated American society, relegating others to second-class citizenship. And his supporters understand this. They knew exactly what they were endorsing and voting for by supporting Mr. Trump. Throughout his campaign and prior presidency, Trump made no effort to hide his disdain for democracy, the free press, or his embrace of racism, misogyny, and xenophobia. Their support reflects not ignorance but complicity—a willingness to endure personal hardship if it means others bear the brunt of the cruelty and injustice he represents.

We must stop excusing Trump supporters as simply "misguided" or "economically anxious." The truth is more sobering: they identify with a man of low moral character whose rhetoric and policies reflect their own values. That is what is most alarming about Trump’s re-election – the sheer number of people who agree with him, including those we might call friends, family, or colleagues. These individuals can witness his actions, smile in our faces, and still vote to undermine our rights. Their support signals a willingness to prioritize privilege over principles, even at the expense of democracy itself.

A significant number of white Americans now view autocracy, rather than democracy, as a means of maintaining dominance. The goal is not to strengthen democratic institutions but to dismantle them from within and replace them with an oppressive system reminiscent of the Jim Crow South. This perspective provides a crucial lens through which to interpret Donald Trump’s actions and his selection of cabinet members.

Only a white man could nominate individuals who seem more suited for an episode of Law & Order than for roles in the White House. Trump’s associations with figures like convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein foreshadowed his nomination of controversial individuals, such as an accused statutory rapist for Attorney General. Similarly, Trump—who has faced 27 accusations of sexual misconduct and was found liable for sexual abuse—appointed figures accused of rape to key positions like Secretary of Defense. His anti-Palestinian rhetoric aligns with his choice of officials openly advocating for the erasure of Palestine.

Trump’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic was mirrored in his appointment of a Health and Human Services Secretary who denies vaccine efficacy. His public appeals for Russian assistance in 2016 foreshadowed his selection of individuals with suspected ties to foreign adversaries for critical intelligence roles. These nominations are not surprising—they are the natural extension of Trump’s ideology and his desire to shape the government and society in his image.

Trump made no attempt to obscure his dark vision for America during his campaign, and his appointments reflect that vision. A significant portion of Americans knowingly voted for his, racist, anti-democratic agenda and support those he has chosen to carry out this agenda. His supporters are not appalled by his cabinet picks – they celebrate them. They view these men and women as necessary to carrying out Trump’s regime of terror and reinforcing America’s caste system. They are not deceived—they align with his vision, finding his racism, misogyny, and authoritarian tendencies appealing rather than abhorrent.

Moving forward, we must confront this reality with honesty. Rather than excusing or rationalizing their choices, we must challenge these perspectives, organize against the systems they uphold, and remain steadfast in defending the values of equity and justice.

A Nation Not Ready: Why America Chose Trump Over a Qualified Black Woman

11/14/2024

Democratic strategist James Carville famously coined the phrase, “It’s the economy, stupid,” to explain Bill Clinton’s successful bid against incumbent George H.W. Bush in the 1992 Presidential Campaign. Since then, political analysts and commentators have frequently cited this phrase to dissect presidential elections, including the 2024 election. However, this time, their analyses have been misguided. If the 1992 election was about the economy, the 2024 election was unequivocally about racism and misogyny.

Pundits have offered countless explanations for why Democrats lost in 2024. Some blame the party for being “too woke,” others critique its messaging, and still more argue that Democrats have alienated the working class by becoming a party of elites. Few mainstream commentators, however, have addressed the pervasive racism and misogyny faced by Vice President Kamala Harris and their significant role in her defeat.

Misogyny
Malcolm X once said, "The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman." The 2024 election only reinforced this reality. Vice President Kamala Harris was handed the Herculean task of reviving a faltering campaign in just 100 days—a task made all the more challenging by systemic racial and gender biases. Despite an impressive effort marked by broad economic policies, tireless campaigning, and a successful fundraising push that raised a billion dollars, Harris was still judged far more harshly than her opponent, Donald Trump, who campaigned with a platform steeped in racism, misogyny and xenophobia.

From the start, detractors sought to discredit Harris. They dismissed her prior achievements and electoral victories with baseless claims that she “slept her way to the top.” Unlike her male predecessors, Harris faced relentless scrutiny over her accomplishments as Vice President. While she chose to avoid focusing on the historic nature of her candidacy and instead ran an issue-driven campaign, it was never enough to escape the double standards.

Harris was expected to walk on water while nothing was expected of Donald Trump. As CNN commentator Van Jones aptly put it, “[they were] not taking the same exam… [Trump] gets to be lawless. [Harris] has to be flawless.” It should come as no surprise that a nation built on white male privilege would choose a mediocre white man—convicted of multiple felonies and civilly liable for sexual assault—over a well-qualified Black woman. To dismiss the role of misogyny in Harris’s defeat is to ignore an undeniable truth.

Racism
Racism was another critical factor in the 2024 election. While misogyny may have played a greater role in Harris’s loss due to its prevalence across ethnicities, racism was nevertheless a significant barrier. To fully analyze the campaign, one must examine the deep-seated historical forces that have long marginalized women and treated Black Americans as second-class citizens.

Critics have accused Harris of running a “woke” campaign focused too much on race—a term that has become a thinly veiled code for “Black.” Ironically, Harris did not run a racially charged campaign; if anything, she refrained from leaning into her identity and instead prioritized broader issues. One could argue she might have been more successful had she championed the Voting Rights Act’s renewal, the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and staunch advocacy for LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights.
It was Donald Trump who consistently weaponized race, casting doubt on Harris’s ethnicity and promising to erase Black history. He targeted transgender individuals, vilified immigrants, and leaned heavily on identity politics to stoke white resentment. Yet, when white politicians court white voters with racially and xenophobically charged rhetoric, it is often dismissed as business as usual.

The assertion that Democrats, including Harris, ignored the working class is rooted in a narrow, racialized definition of “working class.” Black people make up significant portions of the working class, and Harris won the Black vote decisively. She also secured 47% of votes from Americans earning $50,000 or less annually. Trump, meanwhile, offered no meaningful solutions to everyday struggles but promised to return to an era of white male dominance. Calls for Harris and Democrats to appeal more to the “working class” are ultimately calls for a pivot toward whiteness—abandoning marginalized groups and upholding a racist patriarchy.

Harris’s loss was not due to a gaffe on The View or her absence from the Joe Rogan Experience. It wasn’t because of a lack of policy proposals—policies scarcely mattered this election. She lost because she was a Black woman. This nation was never ready to elect a Black woman president, regardless of her qualifications. Many voters preferred to embrace a candidate they likened to “Hitler” rather than support Harris. That’s the real story: It’s the racism and misogyny, stupid.

Hope in the Face of Fascism: Resisting Trump's America

11/6/2024

Last weekend, we turned our clocks back an hour for Daylight Saving Time—and this past Tuesday, we may have turned our country back decades with the election of Donald Trump as our 47th President. Trump, who during his first term was impeached twice, instigated an insurrection, faced 88 criminal charges, been convicted of 34 state felonies, and found civilly liable for assaulting E. Jean Carroll, is back in power. He has threatened retribution against his enemies, promised mass deportations for immigrants, and pledged to abandon our allies. On Day 1, he vowed to govern as a dictator. Trump's administration will likely continue its assault on the LGBTQ+ community, while backing efforts to strip women and Black Americans of their rights. Meanwhile, he aims to eliminate the civil workforce and dismantle the Department of Education. Yet, despite this record, a startling number of Americans have decided that this is the path they want for the country.

Vice President Kamala Harris did all she could in the limited time available to her—mounting an impressive presidential campaign in just 100 days. She was more than qualified to become the first woman and the first person of color to hold the office of President, but in the end, her qualifications weren’t enough. Harris could not overcome this nation’s deep-seated misogyny and racism. The rules that applied to her—having a detailed plan for every issue, doing countless interviews, being perfect in every aspect of the campaign—did not apply to Trump. For him, mediocrity, entitlement, and grievance were enough to recapture the White House.

There was nothing Harris could have done to change the outcome of this race. The pundits who argue that Democrats need to appeal more to the white working class are missing the larger truth. To many, Trump represents the preservation of White America—a country where white privilege and supremacy are protected, where the contributions of Native and Black Americans are erased, and where women’s rights are rolled back in favor of maintaining a racial hierarchy. There are those in his coalition who would rather see the country burn than accept a multiracial democracy. To them, Trump embodies the defense of White America and will go to any length, including violence, to preserve that vision.

Now the question is: where do we go from here? Trump will return to the White House angrier and more emboldened than ever. He is likely to nominate two more justices to the Supreme Court, ensuring a conservative majority for decades. He will pardon himself and the rioters who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The rich will continue to get tax cuts, while the working class suffers. The most vulnerable will be targeted simply for existing. The radical proposals of Project 2025 will begin to take shape, radically transforming America as we know it. The question remains: how do we resist a man with absolute power—and, with the support of a stacked Supreme Court, absolute immunity?

The defeat of Harris still feels raw, and it is difficult to answer that question in the moment. Never before in American history have we installed a fascist leader to oversee the decline of our democracy. But even in the face of such despair, we must not lose hope—that’s exactly what they want. They want us to be apathetic, to feel powerless, and to concede without a fight. So, we must fight. We must fight for a better future—for our children, our loved ones, and for the generations to come. But not today. Today, we mourn. We mourn what could have been, while we prepare for what is to come.

In these extraordinary times, take care of yourself. Unplug. Log off. Unfollow. Block. Read a book. Drink some water. Exercise. Spend time with those close to you. Rest and reset. Because you will be needed in the fight ahead.

2024 Election Insights and Predictions

11/4/2024

Every four years, Americans come together to choose the direction of the country. This year's election is among the most consequential in American history, as it will determine whether the nation remains true to its ideals of building a more perfect union or experiences further erosion of democratic norms. Among the two main candidates—Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump—one has embraced increasingly authoritarian rhetoric, vowing retribution against perceived enemies, mass deportations, and continued attacks on the rights of women, Black citizens, and the LGBTQ+ community. The other candidate, Harris, seeks to build a coalition of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, presenting policy solutions that address the critical issues facing our country and promote a multiracial democracy.

The choice could not be clearer. Yet, as we approach election day, the race is tied nationally and in crucial swing states. Vice President Harris, who became the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, is one of the most qualified candidates in U.S. history. If elected, she would make history as the first woman and woman of color to ascend to the presidency. Her qualifications surpass those of Trump in 2016; following multiple felony convictions, two impeachments, and inciting an insurrection, Trump is even less fit for office today than he was then.

However, these are not normal times, and Trump still has a viable path to victory. Regardless of the outcome, this election will be historic. Here are several key points to keep in mind as we await the results:

No One Knows What Will Happen: Despite the best efforts of polls, models, and reporters, predictions are unreliable. It’s best to ignore the noise and await official results.
Delayed Results: Do not expect an immediate call of the race. Counting votes takes time, and results may not be known until late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning in many states.
Understanding Swing States: Swing states are those that can shift between Democratic and Republican candidates in elections. For instance, Georgia voted for Trump in 2016 but flipped to Biden in 2020, exemplifying the fluid nature of these critical states.
Key Swing States to Watch: This election night, pay close attention to Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Senate Races: There are 34 Senate seats up for grabs, many currently held by Democrats in Republican-leaning states. Republicans are expected to narrowly regain control of the Senate. Important races to watch include those in Ohio, Nebraska, Montana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Texas.
House of Representatives: All 435 House seats are on the ballot, with Republicans currently holding a slim majority.
Early Voting Trends: About 78 million Americans have already voted early. A significant gender gap exists, with Harris leading among women and Trump among men.
Scenarios for Trump: If Trump wins Georgia, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, he could achieve a landslide victory.
Scenarios for Harris: A strong night for Harris would see her winning Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin while maintaining support in Georgia and Arizona, and possibly picking up North Carolina.

My Prediction
Take this prediction with caution, as no one truly knows the outcome until the votes are counted. In 2012, I accurately called every state except Florida, which I believed Romney would win. In 2016, I was significantly off base, misjudging Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida, and Wisconsin. In 2020, I underestimated Biden’s strength in Georgia and Arizona. This year, I predict a Harris victory, with her securing 319 electoral votes compared to Trump’s 219.

I hesitated to award Harris victories in Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina, but even without those states, she would still win by retaining the "Blue Wall" states—Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. While I have concerns about polling not fully capturing the effects of misogyny and racism, I remain optimistic that, once the votes are counted, Harris will be the next President of the United States.

Regardless of your candidate, remember nothing changes if you don't vote. If you haven't already, make your voice heard this election and vote!

Cancel Culture: The Systemic Erasure of Black Lives

11/1/2024

In the pre-dawn hours of October 26, 2018, I was arrested for a crime I did not commit—a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Had I been born two generations earlier, the mere allegation alone could have resulted in my becoming a piece of strange fruit. My arrest led to time in jail, 14-months of home confinement, the loss of two jobs, and a total cancellation from society.

Cancel culture refers to the withdrawal of support from individuals who have acted in a way that is socially reprehensible. In recent years, the term has lost its meaning, as individuals—primarily celebrities—face the consequences of their actions. Instead of taking responsibility, many claim they are being “canceled” by society. Yet, those who assert they are being silenced often continue to profit from their platforms and remain socially active. The individuals truly being canceled in this country are Black people, who face the wrath of a criminal justice system designed to erase us from society.

The justice system, as it applies to Black individuals, was constructed to not only break us but to destroy us personally, financially, and physically. It is the primary tool used to erase Black voices and lives. We must dispel with the notion that justice is blind, equal, and fair, because it is not. The criminal justice system sees two colors—the first being white.

Compared to our white counterparts, Black individuals are more likely to have their cars searched, be arrested for drug offenses at twice the rate (despite similar usage rates among Black and white individuals), be jailed while awaiting trial, receive plea deals that include prison time, be excluded from juries, serve longer sentences, and be disenfranchised due to felony convictions (https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2015/08/racial-disparities-in-the-criminal-justice-system-eight-charts-illustrating-how-its-stacked-against-blacks.html).

Additionally, white individuals facing misdemeanor charges are 74 percent more likely than Black individuals to have all charges carrying potential prison time dropped, dismissed, or reduced. Furthermore, white individuals with no criminal history are over 25 percent more likely to have their charges reduced compared to Black individuals facing similar charges without prior convictions (https://www.themarshallproject.org/2017/10/23/when-race-tips-the-scales-in-plea-bargaining).

In my case, I was offered a plea deal. The first offer from prosecutors would have placed me on probation for five years and reduced the charge against me, allowing me to retain my teaching license. I rejected the offer. Three years later, after I declined another plea deal, the charge against me was dismissed just days later. Think about that. Prosecutors would have been comfortable having me agree to a plea deal when they knew they were about to drop the charge.

The other crucial color in the criminal justice system is green. Those with financial means can post bail and hire adequate legal representation after an arrest. In contrast, many Black inmates remain in jails across the country because they cannot afford bail—not because they are guilty of a crime. These defendants are left to rely on overworked public defenders. The prospect of indefinite detention drives some inmates to plead guilty to offenses they did not commit. The United States and the Philippines are the only countries that operate a for-profit cash bail system.

The criminal injustice system operates as follows: Prosecutors and judges punish those perceived as criminals to convince society that the "justice" system is functioning. Most individuals in local jails are there for nonviolent offenses. Many inmates in prison never even go to trial—they accept plea deals. Today, 95 percent of criminal cases are resolved by plea deals, compared to only 20 percent in 1980. For Black inmates without the means to contest their charges, taking a plea deal becomes a pragmatic choice, especially given that the sentencing and conviction rates for Black defendants are higher than for white defendants who go to trial and lose.

You do not have to look far to find the next Central Park Five, Kalief Browder, Marcellus Williams, or Richard Moore in today’s criminal justice system. In jails and prisons across the country, people are serving time without proper due process. These mostly Black inmates endure incarceration while white, affluent individuals commit crimes and face little to no consequences. If you are Black, you are likely to face harsher punishment for a nonviolent offense than individuals like Amber Guyger, who killed a man in his own home; Brock Turner, who sexually assaulted a woman; Ethan Couch, who, while driving drunk, injured nine and killed four people; or former NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo, who choked Eric Garner to death.

The physical and psychological effects of navigating the criminal injustice system are long-lasting. During my 14-months of monitored house arrest and four years on pre-trial release, I experienced feelings of depression, anger, and anxiety. Loud knocks at the door and police sirens brought on severe panic attacks. I was fired from two jobs, despite my former employer's investigation clearing me of wrongdoing. This termination led to my mugshot being broadcast in the news, subjecting me to public shame because a white lie carries more weight than a Black person's truth in this country.

No one would hire me because of my charge, and when considering lost wages and legal fees, I have incurred over $100,000 in debt. Despite my challenges, I was fortunate to still have my life because Black men and boys are 2.5 times more likely than their white counterparts to die during encounters with police, competent legal representation, and a strong support system that helped me mentally, spiritually, and financially. Too many others are not as fortunate; once they encounter this overtly racist system, their lives are irreparably damaged. The color of your skin or your financial means should not outweigh your actual guilt or innocence. We owe it to ourselves as a nation to reform the criminal justice system to ensure that justice is dispensed fairly and equally for all.

Don’t Blame Black Men if Trump Wins in November

10/17/2024

In the lead-up to this year’s election, there has been a renewed focus on Black male voters. Polls show a slippage in Black voter support for the Democratic Party, with Vice President Kamala Harris garnering just 78% of the Black vote—far below the 90% support Joe Biden received in 2020. This decline is largely driven by a drop-in support among Black men, with 20% of them reportedly backing former President Donald Trump, according to a recent New York Times/Siena College poll. Given that Black Americans are the core of the Democratic base, any erosion of support could have serious electoral consequences in what is expected to be a tight race.

But it is crucial to recognize that Black voters are not a monolith, and this is especially true for Black men. We tend to vote for those who will do the least harm to our physical, economic, and social well-being, and for the last 60 years, the Democratic Party has generally been seen as the lesser of two evils. Several factors help explain the lack of enthusiasm for Harris among Black male voters. Some of these reasons are tied to misogyny and toxic masculinity, while others stem from misinformation about Harris’ policies and record. Despite the overall recovery of the economy from the 2020 recession, many Black men have not felt these gains in their own lives and is reluctant to vote because of this. Additionally, there is a segment of Black men who are conservative and prefer to vote Republican.

The Harris campaign has been actively courting Black male voters. Former President Barack Obama has campaigned on her behalf, speaking directly to this demographic. The campaign has also released a targeted agenda for Black men, which includes proposals for forgivable loans for small businesses, expanded healthcare access, apprenticeship opportunities, and the national decriminalization of marijuana. However, if Harris loses this November, it will not be due to Black men’s votes. The blame will lie squarely with a majority of white voters who once again align themselves with Trump and his racist, fascist, and xenophobic ideologies.

In 2016, 54% of white voters supported Trump, compared to 39% for Hillary Clinton. In 2020, 57% of white voters backed Trump, while 42% supported President Biden. White voters remain the only racial group in which a majority has voted for Trump, and it is likely that a majority of white voters will again support him this election. Throughout his political career, Trump has faced resounding rejection from Black voters, and we will not accept blame if he returns to the White House. The responsibility lies with white voters who continue to enable him.

Black voters, and Black men in particular, will overwhelmingly vote against Trump this election. While the decline in enthusiasm compared to 2020 is concerning, and the Harris campaign must continue to shore up Black support leading up to Election Day, the narrative should not focus on what marginalized voters have or haven’t done. Instead, it should center on why a significant portion of this country is willing to risk democracy and burn it all down rather than embrace a multiracial, inclusive future.

Understanding the Racist Attacks on Haitian Immigrants

9/16/2024

To understand the Republicans latest racist attack on Haitian immigrants, you must first understand the history of Haiti. Toussaint L'Ouverture and his lieutenant Jean-Jacques Dessalines led Haiti’s Revolution against France, and by overthrowing their French slaveholders, Haiti declared their independence in 1804, becoming the first free Black republic in the world. The Haitian Revolution sparked fear of a slave uprising in the United States (U.S.) and led President Thomas Jefferson and other colonial powers to enact harsh economic policies towards Haiti. The effects of those polices can still be seen and felt today throughout Haiti. Jefferson even described Toussaint and his army as cannibals – an early harbinger of the racist attacks that would affix themselves to Haitians and their culture.

The most recent racist smear against Haitians began when Senator JD Vance helped elevate a lie started by right-wing Republicans and neo-Nazis about Haitian immigrants living in Springfield, Ohio, who were allegedly eating dogs and cats. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Vance without any evidence, wrote “Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn't be in this country…” The twice impeached, 34 times convicted felon, former President Donald Trump went on to repeat that lie during the Presidential debate and has since doubled down on that lie - going as far as saying that he would deport those Haitian immigrants in Springfield “back to Venezuela”. The Haitian immigrants in Springfield that Trump and Vance speak of are here legally.

The attacks don’t end there. Vance has gone on to say that a Haitian immigrant murdered an 11-year-old child, Aiden Clark, who died in a traffic accident involving a Haitian immigrant who was driving without a license. Clark’s father has asked the Trump campaign to stop exploiting the accidental death of his son. That hasn’t stopped Vance from his racist attacks - he went on to claim; without evidence, that Haitian immigrants are bringing “communicable diseases” to Ohio.

The attack on immigrants isn’t new for Trump who once described Mexicans as rapist and previously said that African immigrants were from “shithole countries”. And this isn’t the first time that Trump has smeared Haitians. In 2021, Trump said "Take a look at what's happening in Haiti. A tremendous problem with AIDS. . . Many of those people will probably have AIDS and they're coming into our country and we don't do anything about it.” But he and Vance’s latest attacks on Haitian immigrants signifies a new, darker turn for their campaign.

It is important to state that there is no evidence whatsoever of any immigrants – especially Haitian immigrants eating pets. And Vance himself has said that he is willing to “create stories”; also known as lying, to get media attention. The local authorities in Springfield, Ohio has debunked this racist smear. Trump and Vance have made the calculation that the only way they can win in November is by tapping into racism and xenophobia. They have no issues to run on, so they run on fear. They want you to fear the “other”. To view those who may not look, act, or sound like you as a threat – and they lie and say they are the only ones who can keep you safe from that threat.

The memes and videos around the attack on Haitian immigrants may be funny, but don’t lose sight of what is happening here – Republicans have placed a bullseye on a vulnerable population with little protection in a small Ohio town. They are inviting violence on Haitian immigrants and anyone who they deem don’t belong. So, let us stand up against these racist attacks and those who wish to divide us because today it’s Haitian immigrants, but tomorrow it’ll be another marginalized, vulnerable community.

2024 Presidential Election: Harris vs. Trump Overview & Polling Analysis

8/6/2024

After a dizzying July that seen an assassination attempt on one presidential candidate and another dropping out of the race – we now find ourselves set for this fall’s Presidential Election. Vice President Kamala Harris has secured the Democratic nomination and selected her Vice President nominee, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota. Now, is a good time to look at where this race stands and where it is going.

The next major event on the calendar is the Democratic National Convention which will be held in Chicago, August 19th – 22nd. In Chicago, Vice President Harris will formally accept the Democratic Nomination. The presidential debates are more of a question mark – twice impeached, convicted felon, former President Donald Trump; after declaring that he’d debate “anytime, anywhere, anyplace,” has backed out of the September 10th debate that he previously agreed to and it seems unlikely that he will debate Harris (Trump has proposed a possible Fox News debate).

The polling in the race continues to show a tight contest. The latest polling by 538 shows Harris leading Trump 45.5% to 43.5% nationally, a statistical tie. In a recent CBS poll, Harris is leading Trump by one point nationally and the two are tied in the battleground states. The New York Times average of polls has the race tied at 47%. It is important to remember that polls taken at this point in the race doesn’t mean much – if the polls were correct in August of 2012 and 2016, we would have had a President Romney and a President Clinton. There is a lot of time for things to shift in this race and the only poll that truly matters is the poll on Election Day.

In the coming weeks, look for the Harris-Walz campaign to introduce Governor Walz to the country as they continue attacking Trump and Senator JD Vance on their record and vision for the country. Trump-Vance, though they deny knowing anything about Project 2025, are promising to implement Project 2025 policies which would radically change the American way of life by replacing civil servants with Trump loyalist, rolling back civil rights, banning abortion nationally, deporting a million immigrants, and targeting the LGBTQ community. Trump, leaning into his authoritarian inclinations, has even promised his supporters that this will be the last election they’ll have to vote in because “We’ll have it fixed so good you’re not going to have to vote.”

Thus far, Trump and his campaign seems to be singularly focused on attacking Harris over her race – questioning if she’s really a Black American. With the announcement of Walz as her running mate, Republicans will try to define Harris-Walz as being too liberal for the country. They have already started attacking Walz’s record as Governor of Minnesota because of legislation that he has supported and passed into law like codifying the right to abortion in Minnesota, protecting gender-affirming care, and providing free breakfast and lunch for all students in Minnesota.

The choice before the American people couldn’t be starker. One candidate is offering you a MAGA, authoritarian future while the other is offering you hope and freedom. So, make sure that you, your family, and friends are registered and have a plan to vote this November.