Last week, comedian Lil Duval, known for his stand-up comedy and social media presence, posted a thought-provoking statement on social media. He stated, "Y'all pandering to everybody, but the black male vote." He was referring to the upcoming presidential election and raising a crucial question: Why is no one trying to win over black men in this election? The responses to his post were varied—some nonsensical, some very reasonable. One person pointed out that Lil Duval hasn’t voted in his state since 2008. Given recent actions by politicians like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who purged inactive voters from the rolls in Florida, it seems Lil Duval might not even be registered to vote anymore. Another respondent asked what policies specifically tailored to black men would look like, which is a topic Lil Duval did not explore further.
Understanding the Disconnect
Many of the responses to Lil Duval's post showed a deep lack of understanding about how policy affects day-to-day life for black men. For example, some people argued that Black men shouldn’t be worried about politicians pandering to them because they historically have lower voter turnout. Others, however, provided deeper insights into what Black men need from political platforms, such as criminal justice reform, economic empowerment, and educational opportunities.
The Importance of Local Elections
One of the key issues is that many people, including Black men, don’t realize the impact of local elections. While the presidential election garners the most attention, local elections are where policies affecting your day-to-day life are decided. For instance, local judges determine child support, alimony, and custody arrangements. Yet, black men are often absent from these crucial elections.
Barriers to Voting
There are legitimate reasons why black men may not vote. Many are legally disenfranchised due to mass incarceration, a policy that has disproportionately affected black men for decades. In some states, even after completing parole or probation, individuals may still not regain their right to vote.
Health: A Critical Issue
Surprisingly, health is not often a primary concern among black men, even though heart disease is the number one killer. Issues like health equity, preventative care, and environmental hazards like food deserts should be at the top of political agendas.
The Misunderstood Role of Government
Many voters, regardless of race, lack a fundamental understanding of American politics. For instance, child support laws are not federal but state issues. Yet, the idea persists that the president or Congress must address these problems. Knowing who controls what aspects of our lives can help voters make more informed decisions.
The Critical Need for Civic Participation
Black men have the lowest voter turnout among eligible voting groups in the U.S. This low participation rate means their needs and issues are often overlooked. To bring about change, black men need to understand the importance of voting in all elections, not just the presidential ones.
A Call to Action
This November, voters in many states will face new restrictions aimed explicitly at making it harder to vote, particularly affecting marginalized groups. Laws are being passed that make absentee voting a criminal activity if you're assisting someone else. These voting restrictions stem from historical attempts to prevent black people from voting.
Understanding Reparations and Broader Support
The issue of reparations for descendants of slaves is often brought up around election times. While it's a significant issue, it requires overwhelming social and legislative support, much like the reparations given to Japanese-Americans after WWII. Building coalitions and mobilizing public opinion are essential to make reparations a reality.
Take Away: Get Involved
Every level of government influences daily life. From the post office and public schools to the military and transportation systems, these services exist because people vote and demand accountability. Black men must recognize their power and vote in every election, focusing on both local and national issues. America runs on civic participation, and your vote is crucial. It's time to take action, educate yourself on the issues, and vote in every election.
