The Black Vote Could Be the Difference by James Wright

Sept. 12, 2016

The Black Vote Could Be the Difference

By James Wright

Special to the Trice Edney News Wire from the Afro American Newspaper

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - According to John Bullock and David Bositis, two leading Black political scientists in the U.S., the Black vote, depending on turnout, could make the difference in some key battleground states. The pundits believe that on Nov. 8 millions of Blacks will go to the polls to vote primarily for president but will also vote for statewide and local offices.

Bositis said that Clinton, the former Secretary of State, is the favorite to carry the Black vote. “The important Black leaders and President Obama have embraced Clinton,” he said. “Black voters in Virginia have liked Tim Kaine and Black leaders on the national level have embraced him also.”

Bositis said Blacks won’t vote for the Republican nominee Donald Trump. “Blacks despise him,” he said. Several polls predict Trump will win only 1-2 percent of the Black vote, a drastic drop-off for a Republican candidate.

Bositis is one of America’s leading political scientists dealing with Black politics. He is the former senior research associate at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a nonprofit public policy organization that produces ideas, research, and policy solutions that have a positive impact on people and communities of color. He has also authored numerous articles and several books on Black political representation, voting patterns, and redistricting concerns.

“If there is a strong solid turnout among African Americans, they will make the difference for Secretary Clinton,” he said. “Those battleground states are Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio. If Secretary Clinton wins all of those states, she is on her way to winning the election. Even if she wins the states that Democrats traditionally win and adds Florida and North Carolina, she will win the presidency.”

The battleground states that have strong Black populations are North Carolina at 21 percent and Pennsylvania with 10.9 percent. However, a number of political observers have stated that Georgia, a traditionally Republican state in presidential elections, could go for Clinton this year.

President Obama lost Georgia to Republican Mitt Romney by a slimmer than expected 7.82 percent in 2012. A recent Washington Post–Survey Monkey poll released on Sept. 6 showed that Clinton and Trump are both at 46 percent.

The last Democratic presidential candidate to win Georgia was Hillary Clinton’s husband, Bill, who in 1992 defeated President George H.W. Bush by a 0.59 percent margin.

While many Democratic activists are salivating at Clinton winning the Peace State, Bositis advises caution. “I am not convinced that Georgia has flipped to the Democrats,” he said. “I will concede that it will be very close but there has to be an exceptional Black turnout for her to win Georgia.”

Georgia is 31 percent Black and is the beneficiary of Blacks moving back to the South from the North, Bositis said. He also noted that Georgia doesn’t have the growing Latino population that North Carolina has and that may be an impediment to Clinton taking the state this year.

As Bositis said, a strong Black turnout is the key for Clinton to win the White House but many in the political realm wonder why Black voters don’t cast their ballot as often as they should. John Bullock, a political scientist at Towson University in Towson, Md., told the AFRO that weak Black voter turnout has long been the subject of academic speculation.

“There is a great deal of literature devoted to that subject,” Bullock said. “There are theories that voter turnout is related to a person’s social class, educational attainment, and income. The higher the income, the more likely a person will vote.

“A lot of people, particularly Blacks, who don’t vote say ‘the system doesn’t work for me’ or ‘voting doesn’t matter’. As a result, politicians generally respond to people who vote.”

Obama Defends Kaepernick Protest as ‘Constitutional’ by Hazel Trice Edney

Sept. 6, 2016

Obama Defends Kaepernick Protest as ‘Constitutional’
Says 49ers quarterback raises issues that ‘need to be talked about’
By Hazel Trice Edney

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - President Barack Obama has now weighed in on the Colin Kaepernick National Anthem protest; defending the football player’s right to do so under the First Amendment and crediting Kaepernick for raising issues that “need to be talked about”.

“I got to confess that I haven’t been thinking about football while I've been over here, and I haven’t been following this closely. But my understanding, at least, is, is that he's exercising his constitutional right to make a statement,” the President said during a press conference after the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China on Monday. “I think there's a long history of sports figures doing so. I think there are a lot of ways you can do it. As a general matter, when it comes to the flag and the National Anthem, and the meaning that that holds for our men and women in uniform and those who fought for us, that is a tough thing for them to get past to then hear what his deeper concerns are.”

President Obama continued, “But I don’t doubt his sincerity, based on what I've heard. I think he cares about some real, legitimate issues that have to be talked about. And if nothing else, what he's done is he's generated more conversation around some topics that need to be talked about.”

Kaepernick, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, has gained national attention – both applause and ridicule - as he remains seated and even kneeled alongside teammate Eric Reid during the National Anthem before pre-season games. Kaepernick says he is protesting because of widespread systemic discrimination against Black people in America as well as police brutality and other injustices in the Black community and says he will continue to do so until he sees significant change.

Because Kaepernick also wears socks with a design that depicts police officers as pigs, even those who agree with his protest, have questioned whether his attire may be undermining a legitimate protest.

“My suspicion is, is that over time he's going to refine how he's thinking about it, and maybe some of his critics will start seeing that he has a point around certain concerns about justice and equality. And that's how we move forward. Sometimes it's messy, but it's the way democracy works,” Obama concluded. “I'd rather have young people who are engaged in the argument and trying to think through how they can be part of our democratic process than people who are just sitting on the sidelines and not paying attention at all.”

Kaepernick’s Protest: African-Americans Should Not Squander This Opportunity by Dr. Wilmer J. Leon, III

August 31, 2016

Kaepernick’s Protest: African-Americans Should Not Squander This Opportunity
By Dr. Wilmer J. Leon, III

The Real Identity of Francis Scott Key and the Hidden Words of the National Anthem

Dr. Wilmer Leon

PHOTO: The Library of Congress

NEWS ANALYSIS

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - “And where is that band who so vauntingly swore -That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion, A home and a country, should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave - From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave…” - The Star-Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key, September 14, 1814 3^rd Stanza

In order to intelligently assess Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand during the National Anthem it is important to understand what motivated Francis Scott Key to write the poem in 1814.

Francis Scott Key wrote the "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the War of 1812 (aka the “Second War for Independence') which was an armed conflict between the United States and Great Britain. After Britain banned slavery with the Somerset case in 1772, the American colonists were afraid that slavery would be banned in the Colonies (Read Dr. Gerald Horne's The Counter Revolution of 1776) hence the American Revolution and subsequent conflicts. The offensive language as referenced above demonstrates that Key was celebrating the defeat of the British Corp of Colonial Marines, a unit of enslaved Blacks who fought for the British with the promise of freedom. Their defeat in Baltimore ensured that slavery would continue to be practiced on American soil.

It is also important to know that Key was a wealthy attorney and slave owner. According to Smithsonian.com “Key not only profited from slaves, he harbored racist conceptions of American citizenship and human potential. Africans in America, he said, were: “a distinct and inferior race of people, which all experience proves to be the greatest evil that afflicts a community.” This is the factual and historic basis of Kaepernick's position.

Colin Kaepernick has clearly stated that he will no longer stand during renditions of the national anthem. "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

Colin Kaepernick should be applauded and supported by the African-American community for his well thought through and effective protest. For the African-American community and its leadership to take any other position is another squandered opportunity. African-American athletes and coaches should show their support for him. Imagine the narrative during mainstream American news programs if a significant number of athletes and fans “sat with Kap” during the National Anthem.

Some have been very adept at distraction and clouding the issue by turning his clearly articulated stand against racial oppression into an insult of veterans and disrespect for the flag. Our community cannot be misled by the likes of confused athletes like Victor Cruz who said, "I think, personally, the flag is the flag… you pledge your allegiance to the flag and sing the national anthem with your team."

Cruz wraps himself in the flag while the US Navy used the island of Vieques in Puerto Rico (his mother is Puerto Rican) as a bombing range and waste dump of used fuel oil and contaminated munitions. Also, the U.S. Congress has failed to restructure Puerto Rico’s debt which is bankrupting the island. Or Jerry Rice who is stuck-on-stupid with his “all lives matter” Tweets and “So much going on in this world today. Can we all just get along! Colin, I respect your stance but don't disrespect the Flag.” Jerry, obviously with African-Americans being murdered by the police in the street like dogs we all can’t get along. If all lives mattered Colin would not have to take the stance you “respect” but still seem to take issue with.

What is really at the crux of this “outrage” is that “Kap’s” refusal to stand for the anthem and comments about the flag are perceived to be an attack on a highly valued ritual and a symbol of America. Symbols and rituals are the glue and thread in the fabric that help to hold a culture together. By sitting during the anthem, Kaepernick" threatened the very core of American ritual and culture. If a significant number of African-Americans “sat with “Kap”” that would send a chilling message. Not because of the act itself but because it would demonstrate the collective mindset that colonial powers fear the most and have worked to ensure never occurs. The colonizer always fears when the colonized find and demonstrate a common collective mindset.

Imagine the message that would be sent to the powers that be if a significant number of African- Americans chose to keep their seats at future sporting events! Or, heaven forbid, chose not to attend at all and put that ticket, concession and paraphernalia money into community banks. This would clearly instill fear into the hearts of America.

The late Gil Scott-Heron said the revolution is not the activity you see in the street. The revolution is when you change your mind, when you change the way you look at things. All “Kap” did was keep his seat! Mrs. Rosa Parks kept her seat. Dr. King demonstrated the impact of passive resistance. John Carlos, Tommy Smith raised their fists and Peter Norman stood in support. No guns, no swords; non-violent direct action. It's about the power of the collective!

Read FBI Document - COUNTERINTELLIGENCE PROGRAM BLACK NATIONALIST - HATE GROUPS RACIAL INTELLIGENCE 3/4/68 – “For maximum effectiveness of the Counterintelligence Program, and to prevent wasted effort, long-range goals are being set. 1. Prevent the COALITION of militant Black Nationalist groups. In unity there is strength; a truism that is no less valid for all its triteness…2. Prevent the RISE OF A "MESSIAH" who could unify, and electrify, the militant Black Nationalist movement…” America has always feared an African-American collective mindset committed to freedom, justice and equality. It’s not that “Kap” is Dr. King, Mrs. Parks or Mrs. Hamer but America fears his action could become a spark and in this very hot and dry season that spark could become a raging inferno for justice and equality.

Have you noticed that whenever African Americans speak in the context “pro us” it gets spun into being “anti-them”? Why is that? It’s not about what white people think and what makes white people comfortable. That’s the trap we always fall into. It’s about our understanding history and demanding that the story is told correctly; the record gets straight and those who engage in bigoted racist behavior are held accountable and pay the price for the crimes they commit.

The issue should not be why did “Kap” not stand for the National Anthem? The issue should be, why was a poem written by a slave-owning bigot who extolled the “virtues” of oppression and inhumane treatment accepted as the National Anthem of the “land of the free and home of the brave”?

As Dr. King said, “This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy…It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment.” Now is the time for the community to take a stand, or in this instance take a seat, sit with “Kap”. If you don’t it will be a great opportunity squandered.

Dr. Wilmer Leon is the Producer/ Host of the nationally broadcast call-in talk radio program “Inside the Issues with Wilmer Leon,” on SiriusXM Satellite radio channel 126. Go to www.wilmerleon.com or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. www.twitter.com/drwleon and Dr. Leon’s Prescription at Facebook.com. Dr. Leon has a doctorate degree in political science with an expertise in Black politics and public policy.

Black Caucus Foundation Set to Hold 46th Annual Legislative Conference Zenitha Prince

Black Caucus Foundation Set to Hold 46th Annual Legislative Conference

Zenitha Prince

A. Shuanise Washington, president/CEO, CBCF

Special to the Trice Edney News Wire from the Afro American Newspaper

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - About 10,000 policy makers, activists, business executives, and others are expected to gather Sept. 14-18 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 46th Annual Legislative Conference. The yearly conclave is one of the premier platforms for examining critical issues facing the Black community and setting an agenda for its empowerment.

“The ALC is one of the nation’s most influential conferences of African-American entrepreneurs, business leaders, legislators, and community activists,” said R. Donahue Peebles, chairman of the CBCF board of directors, in a statement. “This year more than ever, it is imperative that beyond measuring the status of racial democracy and economics we take actionable steps towards equalizing those disparities. We intend for this conference to accelerate solutions to the most threatening problems facing African Americans.”

Reflecting this year’s theme, “Defining the Moment – Building the Movement,” the conference will look to the past – highlighting key moments in American history that define the Congressional Black Caucus and the Foundation – as it seeks to define a clear path to an economically, politically, and socially brighter future for the Black community in the U.S.

“During ALC, we will learn from our history and leverage those lessons towards a movement that builds mutual understanding and can help us safeguard our contributions to the social and economic development of our communities,” said U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay (D) of Missouri, a co-chair of the convention.

The five-day event will feature more than 70 public policy forums, with a particular emphasis on concerns around voter suppression, police brutality, and economic opportunity. Additionally, the ALC will feature a variety of events including an on-site employment fair and authors’ pavilion, the National Town Hall, Celebration of Leadership in the Fine Arts awards ceremony, Gospel Extravaganza, Black Party, the annual Prayer Breakfast, a jazz concert, exhibit showcase, and the culminating event, the Phoenix Awards Dinner, where President Obama is expected to give his last address before he exits the White House.

"ALC offers an interactive and engaging learning environment using a flexible platform of constructive exchanges about social justice and economic empowerment. Creating change that tackles social injustice, strengthens leadership effectiveness and uplifts populations is of monumental importance to the CBCF," said A. Shuanise Washington, president and CEO of the CBCF. "As we celebrate CBCF's 40th anniversary and reflect on our journey thus far, we realize now is the time to reassert the changes needed to contribute to a sustainable future."

SCHEDULE OF HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS

Sept. 14

*The Celebration of Leadership in the Fine Arts, 8-10:30 p.m.: The event recognizes inspirational Black luminaries in the fine arts and raises scholarship funds for students who have demonstrated exceptional talent in the arts. The 2016 honorees include musical legend Dionne Warwick, actress and Broadway star Cicely Tyson, and actor Richard Roundtree.

Sept. 15

*National Town Hall, 9-11 a.m.: Moderated by CBC Chairman Rep. G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C.

Gospel Extravaganza, 8-10:30 p.m.: Featuring several choirs including: The Georgia Mass Choir, of Atlanta, Ga.; Word Tabernacle Choir, of Rocky Mount, N.C.; The Coahoma Community College Gospel Choir, of Clarksdale, Miss.; and the E. L. Clyburn Memorial Choir, of Sumter, S.C.

Jazz Concert: 8-11 p.m.: Featuring saxophonist Yosvany Terry

Sept. 17

Prayer Breakfast, 7-10 a.m.

Phoenix Awards Dinner, 6-9:30 p.m.: Hosted by Trevor Noah, host of {The Daily Show} on Comedy Central, and actress Sanaa Lathan, the event will honor Democratic Presidential Nominee Hillary Clinton, U.S. Reps. Charles B. Rangel and Marcia L. Fudge, business magnate and philanthropist Robert F. Smith, and Emanuel A.M.E. Church. President Obama will offer his seventh and final keynote address.

Sept. 18

Donald M. Payne Memorial Fellowship Cruise, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

For more information, including tickets and a full schedule of events visit: https://www.eventscribe.com/2016/ALC/

Lawsuit Challenges Arkansas District Ct. with Implementing a ‘Debtor’s Prison’ by Zenitha Prince

August 31, 2016

Lawsuit Challenges Arkansas District Ct. with Implementing a ‘Debtor’s Prison’

By Zenitha Prince

Kristen Clarke, president/executive director, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Special to the Trice Edney News Wire from the Afro American Newspaper

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas have filed a class action civil rights lawsuit challenging what they call a “modern-day debtor’s prison” in the town of Sherwood, Ark.

The complaint alleges that the “Hot Check Division” of the Sherwood District Court, manned by Judge Milas “Butch” Hale, is unconstitutionally punishing poorer residents by criminalizing those who don’t have money to cover bounced checks, many times for minuscule amounts.

People like Lee Robertson: a cancer patient who in 2009 began racking up minor debts of between $5 and $41 while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In all, he owed about $200 to the neighborhood stores, the Huffington Post reported. Six years and seven arrests later, Judge Hale sentenced the 44-year-old to 90 days in prison for failing to pay more than $3,000 in court fees stemming from the original $200 debt conviction.

Robertson is now one of the plaintiffs in the class action suit in Sherwood. But, similar practices are being challenged in other jurisdictions across the country, activists say.

“The resurgence of debtors prisons across our country has entrapped poor people, too many of whom are African American or minority, in a cycle of escalating debt and unnecessary incarceration,” said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee, in a statement. “The Sherwood District Court epitomizes the criminalization of poverty and the corrupting effect of financial incentives on our local courts.”

According to the suit, the Sherwood municipal court, Judge Hale and law enforcement personnel have concocted a “labyrinthine” and “lucrative” debt collection system by which a $15 bounced check or equally small debts can be turned into thousands in court costs, fines and fees.

The court issues an arrest warrant whenever an individual fails to pay fees and uses it as an opportunity to levy even more, the complaint adds. Individuals are also coerced by the threat of or actual jail time if they don’t pay the court fees stemming from the “hot check” conviction. And, defendants rights are further violated since they are forced to waive their right to counsel before entering the courtroom, and courtroom proceedings are closed to public scrutiny.

Marketed to the business community as a “service” that issues “over 35,000 warrants annually,” the scheme has netted over $12 million in five years. The district court provides about 12 percent of the city’s budget.

“When the criminal justice system serves as unscrupulous debt collectors for the public and private sector, without regard to due process, the government is not only violating people’s rights, it is facilitating the never-ending cycle of poverty: threatening the poor with incarceration for failure to pay bills they can’t pay, keeping them from jobs that may help them pay their bills, and stacking up fines that dig the poor into an even deeper hole,” said ACLU of Arkansas Executive Director Rita Sklar. “We need open court proceedings and public accountability, fair, rational laws that take into account defendant’s ability to pay and prohibit incarceration for failure to pay, and we need to stop raising money on the backs of the poor.”