Building Black Power in a White Political Structure (Part 1): Civic Engagement…Or Not?
Khalid Alexander and Laila Aziz discuss the importance of building Black Political power in California. A new opportunity and need to engage African American voters has emerged in the wake of Black Lives Matter and a growing national movement to raise public awareness and accountability around police brutality, mass incarceration and the problem of school-to-prison pipeline practices in public schools. California is home to the 5th largest black population in the country. African-Americans play a defining role in electing progressive candidates and passing progressive laws. As “likely voters” in the Black community age, it is critical to engage and motivate younger generations to step into leadership and civic engagement at higher rates.
In Part 1, Khalid Alexander discusses the notion of civic engagement.