Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

JHan

(10,173 posts)
Sat Sep 15, 2018, 12:53 PM Sep 2018

Black female Democrats call for changes in party

cross posted from LBN:https://www.democraticunderground.com/10142158212

"Insurgent Democratic women running for Congress are pushing the party to rethink its approach to politics if they retake control of Capitol Hill in the fall.

At the annual meeting of the Congressional Black Caucus Friday, black female candidates who prevailed in primaries over established incumbents said it's time for a conversation about how the party is structured. They expressed frustration that the party is tilted against rising politicians — especially those of color — and argued that if Democrats flip the House in November, it would be the result of organization and turnout amount black voters, particularly women.

If that happens, the candidates said, gratitude won't be enough. They want a seat at the leadership table and a role in re-examining how the party works.

"It is not enough to just talk about a blue wave and Democrats being in the majority," said Ayanna Pressley, the Boston city councilwoman now poised to become Massachusetts' first black congresswoman. "What matters is who are those Democrats? We have to have a conversation about the guts and the soul of this party."

https://www.nhregister.com/news/politics/article/Black-female-Democrats-call-for-changes-in-party-13231597.php

11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Black female Democrats call for changes in party (Original Post) JHan Sep 2018 OP
I love this notion... UncleTomsEvilBrother Sep 2018 #1
Specifically JustAnotherGen Sep 2018 #3
Excellent points, also where GOTV efforts are focused.. JHan Sep 2018 #4
KR Me. Sep 2018 #2
I think some people will be very surprised at what's ahead. NurseJackie Sep 2018 #5
K&R sheshe2 Sep 2018 #6
Sounds Good.. And, the heart! Cha Sep 2018 #7
K&R Gothmog Sep 2018 #8
K&R brer cat Sep 2018 #9
Kick politicasista Sep 2018 #10
+1000. (nt) ehrnst Sep 2018 #11
1. I love this notion...
Sat Sep 15, 2018, 01:04 PM
Sep 2018

...however there seems to be a need for specifics. Also, by my suggesting specifics, I am not suggesting that there are no concrete changes that can be made.

The article calls for "a seat at the table". That sounds good in theory, but how does that happen? Should a representative of a Black female caucus be given an agenda vote? Seriously, if that is the solution, I would like to know.

I don't know. Perhaps, more can be done with hiring or access to health care. I don't know, but I've heard this before, and it always seems abstract.

Finally, it is obvious that Black women know how to vote. (They do it better than any other demographic.). Perhaps, Black women need to know how to run as candidates en mass. When that happens, they won't have to request a "seat at the table."

JustAnotherGen

(33,424 posts)
3. Specifically
Sat Sep 15, 2018, 01:44 PM
Sep 2018

The Default for the party is Black Women.
From there - Identity Politics will be used by candidates as a point of strength.

As the most highly educated demographic in America - there will be no free college for future students ! without student loan forgiveness.

Medical Racism will be addressed. When we speak of women's health - we must make a key point about the wealthiest black woman being more likely to die of breast cancer than the poorest white woman.

The black middle, affluent, rich and wealth class should get a hat tip and not lumped in with white male "banksters".

I'm not an expert - but these would be great acknowledgements of our party loyalty.

JHan

(10,173 posts)
4. Excellent points, also where GOTV efforts are focused..
Sat Sep 15, 2018, 02:39 PM
Sep 2018

The continuing fight against voter suppression.

The input of black women w.r.t structural issues in the dem party.

Issues affecting women and PoC not seen as "fringe" or "niche" or "wedge issues"

Me.

(35,454 posts)
2. KR
Sat Sep 15, 2018, 01:05 PM
Sep 2018

"I reject the notion that this is about working class white folk and everyone else!" Pressley told the cheering crowd. "I reject the notion that we're going to have an actual debate about if we are the party of jobs and the economy, or of criminal justice reform. I'm not choosing."

Latest Discussions»Alliance Forums»African American»Black female Democrats ca...