Image Source: Queens City News
Following Donald Trump’s first presidential election, this health care professional with nearly three decades of experience made a pivotal shift and became a full time activist, fighting for herself and others to ensure equality, justice and a voice at the table for all. In taking on this fight, I believed that many who did not look like me, but shared my progressive values, were equally committed to creating a just and equitable life for everyone.
Nearly a decade later, I see many who profess to share my progressive values do not always uphold them when it comes to people who look like me. Oh yes, Black people are expected to save democracy and lead these efforts for change, yet when it comes to making the real changes that will substantially move our community forward, other priorities too often take precedence.
While many on the conservative side are trying to flat out erase my community and diminish the contributions Black women made toward making this country more democratic, too often those on the progressive side, when they have the power to do so, overlook our needs and the proposals we’ve put forward to create a more equitable and just society.
An international movement rose in outrage over the casual cruelty of George Floyd’s murder, yet Congress could not muster the votes to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act into law. At the same time, some state lawmakers have advanced legislation that would allow hanging as a method of execution. How can anyone view such a policy as morally acceptable, let alone propose or pass it? Such a policy can only be conceived by those without a conscience or soul, willing to ignore the nation’s brutal history and the deep suffering inflicted upon Black people in America.
Thus, this Black woman’s dilemma persists. As I continue my activism to engage and empower all, especially my Black community, I can offer little assurance that our allies will keep the faith. If we help one political party win power from those who wish to erase us, how can we guarantee they will not once again, ignore our needs and the proposals we’ve advanced to protect our communities?
This is the heart of my dilemma, and perhaps our nation’s. We live in a country that calls itself a democracy, yet too often confuses political victories with moral ones. Passing or blocking legislation should never be measured by party advantage but by the conscience of a people. If America cannot confront policies that echo its darkest history, then our fight for equality remains unfinished.
If you are a progressive politician: What will you do to ensure Black voices are not erased and centered? If you are a conservative politician: do you truly believe you can erase 41 million Black Americans and still call this the most powerful country in the world? Think again.
Janice Robinson is a Sisters Civic Circle member and North Carolina Program Director for Red Wine and Blue.
