As American democracy teeters on the brink of collapse, one voice has emerged as a beacon of hope - that of Mayor Brandon Johnson. The values he represents are a testament to the unbreakable bond between Black Americans and other communities who believe in the power of multiracial democracy.
It's a relationship built on unity, not size. Since securing the right to vote, Black voters have consistently shown remarkable cohesion, often choosing the same candidate by as much as 80%. This collective strength has given them a disproportionate influence that cannot be ignored by those seeking to erode democratic rights.
Johnson, who has spent years fighting for these rights, acknowledges the threat posed by those who attack civil rights, workers' rights, and equal pay. He's seen firsthand how these attacks can be devastating to communities of color. Yet, he remains optimistic, citing the importance of building coalitions to defend against such efforts.
The author, Ben Jealous, is haunted by a different concern - the erosion of community cohesion that fuels their collective power. This is no longer just an issue of politics; it's about preserving the bonds that have held communities together for generations.
Jealous recalls the days when Black families were tied together by shared experiences, cultural traditions, and economic necessity. These ties, forged in segregated towns and neighborhoods, kept people connected despite divisions around them. Grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and other elders played a crucial role in keeping these bonds strong, often through quiet acts of resistance.
As the Black community loses its elder generation, Jealous urges his readers to replicate this cohesion by holding onto family ties, making phone calls across state lines, and sharing stories that remind us of our shared history. It's a call to action that resonates with the struggles faced by many communities in America today.
The author concludes by acknowledging the fragility of democracy and the need for collective unity. By honoring the legacies of those who came before us and holding onto their values, we can build a better future for ourselves and our children. The time is now to come together, just as our ancestors did, and remind America that freedom and opportunity are within reach when we stand united.
It's a relationship built on unity, not size. Since securing the right to vote, Black voters have consistently shown remarkable cohesion, often choosing the same candidate by as much as 80%. This collective strength has given them a disproportionate influence that cannot be ignored by those seeking to erode democratic rights.
Johnson, who has spent years fighting for these rights, acknowledges the threat posed by those who attack civil rights, workers' rights, and equal pay. He's seen firsthand how these attacks can be devastating to communities of color. Yet, he remains optimistic, citing the importance of building coalitions to defend against such efforts.
The author, Ben Jealous, is haunted by a different concern - the erosion of community cohesion that fuels their collective power. This is no longer just an issue of politics; it's about preserving the bonds that have held communities together for generations.
Jealous recalls the days when Black families were tied together by shared experiences, cultural traditions, and economic necessity. These ties, forged in segregated towns and neighborhoods, kept people connected despite divisions around them. Grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and other elders played a crucial role in keeping these bonds strong, often through quiet acts of resistance.
As the Black community loses its elder generation, Jealous urges his readers to replicate this cohesion by holding onto family ties, making phone calls across state lines, and sharing stories that remind us of our shared history. It's a call to action that resonates with the struggles faced by many communities in America today.
The author concludes by acknowledging the fragility of democracy and the need for collective unity. By honoring the legacies of those who came before us and holding onto their values, we can build a better future for ourselves and our children. The time is now to come together, just as our ancestors did, and remind America that freedom and opportunity are within reach when we stand united.