Ferguson; Part 2, What Am I Missing?...I got my answer from the Sunday, New York Times; Thank you for the rich exchange of dialogue on my recent FB post regarding Ferguson. But like most of us, I couldnt understand why Black folks in Ferguson just simply didnt vote out the white political leadership and put in their own leaders to change the rules and the mix that has not served them well. They have had the majority population for 14 years and a super majority (nearly 70%) for at least 6 years...or 3 election cycles. Well, this Sunday, in the National section, The New York Times published their findings after sending a Black reporter there to seek the same answer to the same question. Below is a direct quote from a Black person working on voter registration in Ferguson....brace yourself; A lot of people just didnt realize that the people who impact their lives everyday are directly elected. The prosecutor - hes elected. People didnt know that. The City Council - theyre elected. These are the sorts of people who make decisions about hiring police chiefs. People didnt know. The article went on to say that local factors complicated matters too including municipal elections held in Spring instead of November. When the reporter asked people along the streets why they choose not to vote and they answered mostly with shrugs. Many had not even realized there was a mayoral race last spring. There are now small indications that Black voters in Ferguson are slowly but surely changing...said a political-scientist who is studying Missouri Black voting patterns...thank you Jesus! There are Fergusons all over Black America. For the lack of knowledge our people will perish. Now, I hope you will understand why I will not tolerate anyone on my FB page (you will be de-friended) spreading the egregious lie...not to waste your time voting because they wont let us fix our problems. Voting/politics is a top priority in Black America. Voter apathy and candidate illiteracy already exists too much in our community. It contributes to the hopelessness and confusion that dis-empowers us, and plays right into the hands of Willie Lynch, stereotypes and those who wish to maintain the status quo...do you feel me? Whats the next big leap for us? Black race and self esteem...truly believing that we can lead at every level, at least as well as those who believe they must be the life long masters of Americas plantations. Is it possible that those in Ferguson sub-consciously saw no one in the Black community worthy or capable to step up and be supported? As a collective we ultimately saw that in President Obama...but NOT at first, and not until he demonstrated he was twice as good as any one running. WSY?
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 17:58:25 +0000
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