The legal push-and-pull over whether ride-hailing company drivers in California will maintain their status as independent contractors or become W-2 employees continued last week.
On October 22, the First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco upheld the injunction issued against Uber and Lyft last August that those companies’ app-based drivers are employees.
In its ruling, the court said there was an “overwhelming likelihood” that Uber and Lyft are violating AB 5. The law that has driven a wedge between opponents and supporters across the state requires that employers classify workers who meet certain criteria as employees instead of independent contractors. It also states that those hiring firms must provide all worker benefits to employees that California’s labor laws mandate.
If voters approve the ballot measure, which Uber and Lyft are sponsoring, the gig economy companies will be able to continue classifying their employees as independent contractors. The injunction resulted from a lawsuit that California Attorney General Xavier Becerra filed in May in conjunction with the city attorneys of San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. The suit argued that Uber and Lyft violated AB 5 by classifying drivers as independent contractors after AB 5 took effect in January.
The injunction resulted from a lawsuit that California Attorney General Xavier Becerra filed in May in conjunction with the city attorneys of San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. The suit argued that Uber and Lyft violated AB 5 by classifying drivers as independent contractors after AB 5 took effect in January.
“Uber and Lyft have used their muscle and clout to resist treating their drivers as workers entitled to those paycheck and benefit protections. The courts saw right through their arguments. It’s time for Uber and Lyft to play by the rules,” said Becerra in a statement after the ruling.
Uber, Lyft and other gig economy companies have been fighting against AB 5 since Gov. Newsom signed it into law in August 2019. While the state’s lawsuit has worked its way through the courts, Uber and Lyft, along with other gig economy companies, have pumped nearly $200 million into the Yes on Prop 22 campaign so far.
Lyft spokesperson Julie Wood said in a statement, “This ruling makes it more urgent than ever for voters to stand with drivers and vote yes on Prop 22.”
The gig economy companies are also facing another legal battle. On Oct. 22, a group of California gig workers sued Uber for penalties totaling up to $260 million. The workers argue that Uber’s use of aggressive in-app messages urging the workers to support Prop 22 violated their employment rights. They are seeking an injunction to prevent Uber from showing any more Prop 22 messages in the app.
“Uber’s threats and constant barrage of Prop 22 propaganda on an app the drivers must use to do their work have one purpose: to coerce the drivers to support Uber’s political battle to strip them of workplace protections,” said attorney David Lowe of Rudy, Exelrod, Zieff & Lowe in a statement announcing the lawsuit.
There have been numerous reports on social media of the Uber app’s messages, which read “Prop 22 is progress” and “Prop 22 will provide guaranteed earnings and a healthcare stipend.” Drivers then had to click either “Yes on Prop 22” or “OK” to proceed in the app. Uber spokesman Matthew Wing said that specific language is no longer used, and now drivers are occasionally shown a pop up that says “Drivers deserve better” and offers the option to click through to see more facts.
An Uber spokesperson called the lawsuit “without merit, filed solely for press attention and without regard for the facts.”
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Kornisha McGill Brown has been elected as the 27th National President of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.
With more than 245 chapters nationwide, representing more than 40,000 family members, Jack and Jill of America is the nation’s oldest African American family organization. Founded in 1938, Jack and Jill boast the specific mission of nurturing future African American leaders.
Newly elected National President Brown has served as a member of the organization for more than 13 years, fulfilling roles and responsibilities that include 2017-2019 Regional Director of the Southeastern Region, 2015-2017 Southeastern Regional Secretary, Regional Nominating Committee member for 2 terms, and Regional Chair of Rules and Regulations. In 2015, Brown was recognized as “Chapter President of the Year” by the Southeastern Region during her term as President of the Columbus, GA Chapter.
“As mothers, we unite together in Jack and Jill with the primary purpose of seeing our children and all children succeed in every way,” Brown said. “Together, we are committed to ensuring Jack and Jill remains revered and prepared for the future. I am committed to keeping our children as a top priority.”
A native of Thomaston, GA, Brown resides with her family in Columbus, GA. She is married to Dr. Darius K. Brown, Sr., and they are the very proud parents of two children —Jordan Janay Brown and Darius Brown, Jr.
Brown is an educator, servant leader, small business managing partner, and philanthropist. She is a member of The Links, Incorporated-Columbus, GA Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Spelman College and a Master of Education Degree in Social Science Education from the University of Georgia.
On Sunday, November 8, please join women’s fashion and accessories retailer, Lady MV, for an exclusive fashion show competition and model mixer. The mixer will take place at 6 p.m./PST across Lady MV’s social platforms (Facebook, Instagram) @ladymv. Krystal Yvonne’s social handle is @krystal_yvonne. The winner will receive a cash prize of $500, as well as other prizes.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Don’t let COVID put a damper on your kids celebrating Halloween! On Friday, October 30 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., First 5 San Bernardino will be hosting a Drive Thru Trunk-or-Treat. The event will be held at Arrowhead United Way located at 646 North D. Street in San Bernardino.
First 5 San Bernardino will be recognizing Pastor Derek Smith and the congregation of Loveland Church for their generous donation of diapers and wipes to serve hundreds of children and families in San Bernardino County.
Kinder kits will be available at the event and will include: 1 glue stick, 1 pair of scissors, 1 pencil box, a coloring page, 3 books, 1 pencil, 1 large eraser, 1 pack of crayons, and 1 kid’s clothing item. Lunch/dinner will be provided between 2:20 and 3:30 p.m.
RIVERSIDE, CA—- As part of its longstanding history, the San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated will honor two outstanding community leaders with the Dorothy Inghram Social Action Advocate Award on Sunday, November 8, 2020.
The Chapter proudly announces the selection of Dr. Judy D. White as a 2020 honoree in recognition of her inspirational leadership and invaluable contribution to the growth and educational development of Inland Empire students. Dr. White recently announced her retirement after 42 years of service in public education, effective November 1.
Mr. Damon Alexander, an active community leader, public servant, and member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated is also selected as a 2020 honoree, recognizing his tireless contributions to the increased political awareness and involvement throughout our Inland Empire communities. Mr. Alexander is currently running for the San Bernardino City Council, representing the 7th Ward.
“Due to COVID-19 we cancelled our annual Culmination program in May where we would have publicly recognized Dr. White and Mr. Alexander,” said President, Erica Shorts. “But we are planning a wonderful virtual event on November 8 and we hope their family, friends, supporters and the community will join us as we celebrate two individuals who have done so much to improve the lives of individuals and families living throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties.”
The Dorothy Inghram Social Action Advocate Award honors the legacy of Ms. Dorothy Ella Inghram, a long time resident of the City of San Bernardino who blazed the trail for black educators when in 1942, she became the first black teacher in San Bernardino County and later the first black principal. In 1953, she became the first black school district superintendent in California. Before her death in 2012 at the age of 106, she authored five books. Ms. Inghram was also a charter member of the San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter, which started in 1959.
The Dorothy Inghram Social Action Advocate Award program will take place via Zoom on Sunday, November 8, 2020, at 2:00PM. To register visit for the event visit www.sbraac-dst.org.
With Covid-19 limiting in-person fundraisers and door-to-door canvassing, digital tools are more important than ever to organizations trying to reach voters in the 2020 election. That’s where veteran advertising executive D. Benny Bennafield comes in.
(Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images)
Bennafield is a founding partner at Propellant Media, an Atlanta-based full-service digital agency that serves clients in multiple industries including medical, education, government, automotive, finance and retail. Propellant is one of the 100 fastest growing companies in the U.S. and the and fifth fastest growing company in Georgia, according to the Inc. 5000 2020 Guide to America’s Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs.
During this election cycle, about one-quarter of Propellant’s work has been helping organizations deploy sophisticated digital campaigns leading up to the election.
“There is a quote that says, ‘There are no weekends in October during the election cycle,’” said Bennafield. “You essentially have to have your hands on the dashboard every day. We are looking at campaigns all the time.”
Propellant was founded in 2015 by four partners. Bennafield and managing partner Justin Croxton are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the business.
Bennafield is the chief marketing officer and handles enterprise clients and agency partnerships.
Propellant’s political clients have included Sen. Bernie Sanders, former Atlanta mayoral candidate Ceasar Mitchell and former gubernatorial nominees Andrew Gillum and Stacey Abrams.
This election cycle, some of Propellant’s major clients are Black Voters Matter and The Collective PAC, both organizations that seek to increase black voter turnout and engagement, and 866 Our Vote, a non-partisan election protection organization.
D. Benny Bennafield is a founding partner at Propellant Media, an Atlanta-based full-service digital agency that serves clients in multiple industries including medical, education, government, automotive, finance and retail. (Joey Kyber, Unsplash)
“Our first push for our clients has been trying to get people registered to vote,” Bennafield said. “Now that that’s done, we are trying to get people activated and make sure they can vote.”
One major campaign is an initiative by Black Voters Matter to raise awareness about the 20 million voters who have moved or changed addresses since they registered. Being registered at the wrong address can prevent people from voting in some states, Bennafield noted.
Quentin James, founder and president of The Collective PAC, said his organization is ramping up efforts in the days ahead.
“In the final weeks leading up to Election Day, we’re focusing our energy on turning out the black vote, particularly in our battleground states,” James said. “At The Collective, we’re doing everything we can to encourage the 5 million black voters who didn’t go to the polls in 2016 to exercise their electoral rights.”
The Collective PAC is also driving campaigns such as Vote to Live, which is running digital campaigns to engage black voters in battleground states and has enlisted celebrities such as Alfre Woodard and Samuel L. Jackson for video marketing campaigns.
Bennafield and his partners have launched their own voter activation platform, blacklivesmatter.vote, to transfer the energy surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement from the streets to the ballot box. It’s one of several ventures for Bennafield, who also owns the data-driven design firm HUMINT.
“We built blacklivesmatter.vote on our own dime because we thought that was important,” Bennafield said. “A lot of what we do at Propellant and HUMINT is helping to move black and brown businesses forward.”
Propellant is also working with clients to run social media campaigns to counter misinformation.
Croxton said Propellant leverages multiple platforms such as social media, programmatic display and video advertising to help clients respond quickly when they see information that is false or misleading.
“We know many voters live, breathe and consume media using these platforms, and we now have the ability to amplify messaging faster and across multiple platforms to fight misinformation,” Croxton said.
Propellant uses tools such as geofencing (targeting people based on their physical location), conversion zone tracking (tracking online advertising to offline locations) and lookalike modeling, which identifies clients that use products and finds more of them.
“When we started Propellant Media, our goal was to bring what we call industrial strength technology to small and emerging businesses,” Bennafield said. “A lot of smaller businesses are unaware of all of the technologies that are available to them, or they can’t access it. A lot of what we do you have to be spending $25,000 a month or more to access that technology. We actually allow our clients to access it because we aggregate multiple clients, and we bring them on the platform as a collective, and so now they can access technology they couldn’t otherwise.”
Before starting Propellant, Bennafield who has a degree in computer science, led marketing and new business teams at global advertising agencies, managing multi-million-dollar accounts. He uses his computer science background to help companies leverage digital marketing tools. During his more than 25-year career, Bennafield has worked at some of the largest advertising agencies in the country, including Digitas and Leo Burnett.
“My career has been spent primarily going between big agencies and entrepreneurial start-ups,” Bennafield said. “I feel like I’m an entrepreneur at heart.”
(Edited by Emily Crockett and Allison Elyse Gualtieri)
“After all I’ve done for you. I have loved you, with an everlasting love [Malachi 1:2], but instead of receiving Me with delight, you receive Me not. [John 1:11]. You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart people. I have spread out my hands all day unto a rebellious people; A people that provoketh Me to anger continually to My face’. [Isaiah 1:4-6; Jeremiah 7:17-20 Jeremiah 25:7-11; Ezekiel 8:17-19; Deuteronomy 31:29; 2 Kings 22:16-17 Hebrews 3:7-9, 12, 15].
You Ingrates! Don’t you know, that My grace is love which you do not deserve, but yet are given? Don’t you know, that it is My grace that is keeping you alive? [Ephesians 2:1-2]. Prostituting My grace. Taking My goodness for granted. [Romans 6:23]. Listen, and listen good. I WILL NOT allow you to become complacent or neglectful concerning Me. I WILL NOT allow you to take Me for granted. Think lightly of the riches of My kindness, tolerance, and patience, and repent quickly, before I bring My wrath upon you, for my patience is at its limit!” [Romans 2:4-5; 2 Peter 3:8-10].
I want you to know that when God learned of how Israel had betrayed His love and taken His grace for granted, God became furious, and brought His wrath upon Israel. [2 Kings 17:18]. And before they had satisfied their craving, while the food was still in their mouths, the anger of God rose against them, and he killed the strongest of them and laid low the young men of Israel. [Psalms 78:31]. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid! [Romans 6:2,15] Know that God’s long-suffering will eventually ends. It ended in the days of Noah [Genesis 6:8]. It ended for Sodom and Gomorrah in the days of Abraham. [Genesis 19:1-5]. And, it eventually will end for all of us. [2 Peter 3:10]. “One final appeal, and this is it! This is the final call, says the Lord. Repent before I bring My wrath upon you!”
I admonish you to receive Him while you are able. He is a gracious and compassionate God, [Romans 2:4-5; 2 Peter 3:8-10], but He has His limits. For the Lord said in [Genesis 6:3] “My Spirit will not always strive with man. I will proceed no longer in this way, but pass and execute the sentence of condemnation on you…” No one is excluded from Jesus’ demand to repent..” All is included. Don’t delay! The need is urgent! [Acts 17:30]. For Jesus said, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” [Luke 13:3]. “The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here” [Matthew 12:41].
Jesus, is warning us of the judgment to come, and offering escape if we will repent. If we will not repent, Jesus has one word, “Woe unto you.” “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin” [Ezekiel 18:30; Acts 3:19]. The Bible commands it, our wickedness demands it, justice requires it, Christ preached it and God expects it. Don’t let the verdict be for you as it was for Israel. They saw all the evidence. They heard all the teaching. They saw the miracles. But they refused to repent.
Know that, “If you do not obey Me [take Me for granted and treat Me neglectfully], and do not observe all these commandments, and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant, I also will do this to you: I will even appoint terror over you, wasting disease and fever which shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. I will set My face against you, and you shall be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you shall reign over you, and you shall flee when no one pursues you. ‘And after all this, if you do not obey Me [if you still take Me for granted and if you still neglect Me], then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. I will break the pride of your power; I will make your heavens like iron and your earth like bronze. And your strength shall be spent in vain; for your land shall not yield its produce, nor shall the trees of the land yield their fruit. ‘Then, if you [still take Me for granted] and walk contrary to Me, and are not willing to obey Me, I will bring on you seven times more plagues, according to your sins. I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, destroy your livestock, and make you few in number; and your highways shall be desolate. ‘And if by these things you [still take Me for granted] are not reformed by Me, but walk contrary to Me, then I also will walk contrary to you, and I will punish you yet seven times for your sins. And I will bring a sword against you that will execute the vengeance of the covenant; when you are gathered together within your cities I will send pestilence among you; and you shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy. When I have cut off your supply of bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall bring back your bread by weight, and you shall eat and not be satisfied. ‘And after all this, if you do not obey Me [if you still are complacent and you continue to neglect Me and take Me for granted], but walk contrary to Me, then I also will walk contrary to you in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins. You shall eat the flesh of your sons, and you shall eat the flesh of your daughters. But, “If you turn your heart around; if you accept your guilt and change [repent], I will remember My covenant. [Leviticus 4-29; Deuteronomy 28].
They continue in their foolishness. [Proverbs 26:11].
Yet you have not listened to Me, declares the Lord, in order that you might provoke Me to anger with the work of your hands to your own harm. [Jeremiah 25:7].
Hear, O earth: behold, I am bring disaster on this people, the fruit of their plans, because they have not listed to My words, and as for My law, they have rejected it also. [Jeremiah 6:19].
RIALTO, CA— – To facilitate population, commerce and job growth for underserved areas of the Bloomington region, the West Valley Water District (WVWD) Board of Directors approved a contract with Michael Baker International (MBI), one of the nation’s leading providers of engineering and consulting services, to design, build, and oversee the expansion and replacement of major water main pipes for the community.
In cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS), San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) and County of San Bernardino, WVWD hired MBI to replace 3600 feet of water main pipe for a key highway improvement project that addresses serious congestion and freeway access issues. The project, known as the I-10 Cedar Avenue Interchange Improvement Project, includes an expanded freeway entrance, exit ramps and bridge to reduce congestion by creating more room for vehicles to maneuver. Since water main pipes are located within the highway improvements, WVWD must relocate the entire affected section of the water main. By investing in new infrastructure instead of reusing aging pipes, WVWD is guaranteeing the reliability and safety of the area’s water supply for future residents, employees, and visitors for decades to come. WVWD’s portion of the project is estimated to cost just over $350,000 and will be fully reimbursed by the SBCTA.
“With the economic devastation wrought by this pandemic, we appreciate the opportunity to bring jobs and investment into our community,” said WVWD Board President Channing Hawkins. “MBI has my full confidence and support, and I am happy to see the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority take meaningful action on transportation justice.”
The project is expected to start in August 2021 and take over a year to complete. Seven firms received applications for the contract, with two proposals ultimately sent in for consideration. MBI was not only the most cost-effective option but brings 80 years of experience and an in-house staff of over 3400 employees with them, ensuring that WVWD’s needs for this project can be met in-house, on-demand.
“It is with careful consideration that we selected MBI for this contract: given their consistency, long history of success and clear value proposition, MBI was the obvious choice for this project,” said Board Vice President Kyle Crowther. “This project will not only create valuable new jobs for the area but allow WVWD to improve its infrastructure without any additional cost to ratepayers.”
By Jacqui Lyons, Divisional Merchandise Manager, Seafood and Seasonal Meat, Walmart
When it comes to grocery, the weekend before Thanksgiving is typically a busy one as shoppers across the country begin to prepare the holiday meal. This year has brought rapid and constant change in every facet of our daily lives, and we know Thanksgiving celebrations will be no exception. The sprint to Thanksgiving is likely going to be spread over a greater number of days, and the largest turkey in the freezer is less likely to be the star.
In fact, demand for turkey will undoubtedly look different this year, and at Walmart, we made early shifts to ensure our customers would find the items they want for the Thanksgiving meal.
Here’s how we’re preparing for ‘center of plate’ this Thanksgiving.
COVID-19 continues to reshape how people shop, and in turn, it’s sure to reshape traditions this holiday season. In fact, according to Butterball, the number of consumers who plan to host extended family and friends for Thanksgiving has dropped from 30% during a typical year to 26% this year while those who plan to celebrate only with immediate family has risen from 21% in a typical year, to 31%.
With more customers planning for smaller groups, we anticipate a higher preference for smaller turkeys. As always, we’ll have plenty of whole turkeys, but this year, we’ve increased our assortment of bone-in and boneless turkey breasts by 20-30% in stores across the country.
We also learned a lot from our customers this past Easter. To avoid crowds, shoppers stocked up earlier than ever. That’s going to continue this holiday season. It’s no longer about catering to a single peak the weekend before Thanksgiving. This year, Walmart customers can take advantage of everyday low prices on a range of turkeys beginning earlier in the season on November 2.
Following Easter, ham sales continued to peak even into summer as people were inspired to cook differently at home. We expect that trend to continue right into Thanksgiving dinner. With Walmart customers planning smaller gatherings and prioritizing convenience, ham will be in the spotlight and we’ve increased our inventory accordingly.
We know this year has been difficult for our customers and their families. We know they’re busy and burdened, and we know they want to make the holiday special. Regardless of how they plan to celebrate Thanksgiving, we’re committed to ensuring our customers can find what they want earlier in the season, all at affordable prices. From turkey and ham to all the sides, our merchants have been busy preparing for a season unlike any other so that our customers can take comfort in knowing the items will be here in our stores and available for online pickup and delivery, ready when they are.
At some point, the leftovers conversation about Black male voters was bound to catch up with us. A week of apoplexy over the self-absorbed political leanings of Big Chain rap icons Ice Cube then 50 Cent led to widespread social media and pop Black discourse condemnation about the electoral behavior of Black men overall. Once again, an entire classroom of the well-behaved was punished for the “spit balling” antics of the very few in the back of the classroom.
Many people, particularly those in the Black academic, political and media space, carried on a careless, angry exchange since 2016 focused on the contemptible Black male voter. According to exit polls, a small, yet noticeable, collection of activated Black male voters (13 percent) supported Donald Trump for president. That led to a bizarre, irresponsible and very knee-jerkish rejection of Black men voters as a whole and conveniently aligned with a Trump Era-timed celebration of Black women voters as the only known hope to restore any semblance of Black political power. Ignored was the fact that the overwhelming majority of Black men voting had sense enough to support Hillary Clinton, 82 percent. Still, Black women voters scrambled to save the world that ill-fated night four years ago (I wrote the headline). But, Black male voters, on the other hand, felt wiped from the electoral map after 2016: disgraced, dishonored and alienated even as the majority of them did the right thing.
Those sentiments had consequences, particularly for the next Generation Z of young Black men who should have spent much of the past several years looking forward to participating in their first election. Instead, they’ve been hearing commentary on their electoral worthlessness. Their presence was mad invisible in key election cycles since then. Now, as 2020 looms, the political world needs them – but, just how psychologically battered and bruised are they? Stressed Democrats looking for a convincing leg-room margin for Joe Biden-Kamala Harris against incumbent Donald Trump-Mike Pence are now begging for Black male votes. Democratic Party leaders fret privately and publicly that much of the Black male electorate has tapped out. But, where was all this clamoring for brothers over the past several years? Much of the sudden focus seems a day late and a dollar short. As a result, we’re seeing troubling pro-Trump and “not voting” Black voter numbers like these …
This is compared to overall Black voter breakdowns in 2016 …
During the Alabama U.S. Senate race concerns arose that the Black male vote either did not exist or would not show up – because of, once again, that knuckleheaded 13 percent in the back of the classroom. Yet, the Black male vote did show up. It certainly took a back seat to Black female voter performance in terms of pure numbers, representing 11 percent of the overall state electorate while the “sister vote” represented 18 percent of it. But, Black male presence at the polls was equally significant and decisive.
In 2018, Black male voters once again, voted mostly in their community’s best interest: 88 percent voting for Democrats to retake the House versue 12 percent voting for Republicans. Granted, that didn’t match the support shown by Black women (92 percent), but it was still a significant majority …
It’s a delicate conversation. Observers tiptoe gently around the subject out of fear that it will be misinterpreted as an act of political chauvinism. It’s a cautious assessment, but a real and valid one: no conversation on Black vote behavior should be divisive, least of all from the perspective of Black people engaged on the topic. Any analysis should be thoughtful and respectful, with great care not to diminish the verypowerful, essential and decisive role Black women played in that race and many others before it — as they will continue to do.
Indeed, when it comes to Black voting trends and Black political efficacy, Black women do indeed lead. That has been the case for quite some time.
However, any discussion on Black voter behavior and patterns should be holistic and unifying; in the case of Alabama (U.S. Senate) and Virginia (Governor) in 2017 and the 2018 Congressional midterms, there is a sense that mainstream discussion on that Black vote has not been as complete as it should be. It would be difficult to ponder Black Electorate effectiveness if the zeitgeist and Democratic Party planning focused disproportionately on one half of the equation. No Black voting bloc — no voting bloc for that matter — is totally effective without coordination of all parts. For example, registered Black African and Caribbean migrant communities, which are mainly clustered alongside Black American communities, must be taken into account when mobilizing modern Black voting blocs. The same must, naturally, occur with the Black vote in its entirety; there is no whole or pluralistic Black vote without both Black women and men factored in.
While the commentary on Black female voter power is welcome, aspects of it are being presented by mainstream media discourse as something that existed alone, by itself, in the context of overall Black voter participation.
Black thought leaders should have approached and assessed that conversation with caution. Many did not … and are still getting trapped in it.
Both Black women and men have experienced brutal oppression over several hundred years, with white supremacist male-dominated constructs also placing great emphasis on the emasculation and destruction of Black men. Is the exclusion of mainstream media conversation on Black male voter presence and effectiveness in these election cycles deliberate? What we do know is that mainstream media institutions have long been extensions of white supremacist thought and action – and that same thought and action puts heavy focus on eliminating Black men.
Back to Alabama: Black male voters were not as numerically superior (11 percent) as Black female voters (18 percent). However, with all ballots counted, Black male presence was double digits and support for Democratic nominee and now Senator Doug Jones was 93 percent. That’s a sharp 5 percentage points less than Black women’s support for Jones, but it is nevertheless impressive and well above the 90th percentile range. It should have been recognized and factored in for future planning on Black voter mobilization efforts. That should have been a story.
Interestingly enough, during the 2008 election, Black Alabama male voter support for then-Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama actually surpassed Black Alabama female voter support for Obama by 4 percentage points — 100 percent of Black men voters in Alabama supported Obama compared to 96 percent of Black women. Still, Black Alabama men only accounted for 11 percent of the state electorate.
In 2012, that turnout dropped by 1 percentage point. But, they voted to re-elect President Obama at 96 percent compared to Black women voters in the state at 95 percent.
Black male voters have not yet been forgiven (by some) for increased support of Democratic nominee Bernie Sanders during the caustic 2016 Democratic primary and what was considered, later on in the general, an unusually higher number of Black male voters who voted for Republican candidate Donald Trump. Observers have pointed to sexism as the culprit influencing the decisions of some Black male voters.
In contrast, Black women voters were fairly focused and unified in their opposition to Trump in 2016. While accounting for 7 percent of the overall U.S. electorate, they voted 94 percent for Clinton versus only 4 percent for Trump and 2 percent “other.”
Still, 2016 aside, Black male voters prominently figure in any race without question. Commentators, particularly those in the Black thought leadership space, would be wise not to completely discount or casually dismiss the Black male voter, especially at a time when conversation must encourage greater turnout from them in 2020. Yet, they still are. Is it too late? With Black male voters so invisible from the conversation during all those key moments of Black electoral enthusiasm and reflection, there was always a high risk of psycho-social alienation that would show itself in reduced Black male voter turnout in future elections. At this stage, Black people will need all the voter turnout they can get – from both Black women and Black men. You can’t half-step a Black vote.
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