Source: NewsOne / iOne Digital
The election this November is so much more than a race between two candidates, it’s a battle for the soul of America, and that battle will be won on the issues. During our time in Milwaukee during the RNC, NewsOne got an exclusive opportunity to speak with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and People For the American Way National Political Director Markus Batchelor about the issues most important to Black voters. To make sure our audience gets the most out of our conversations, we narrowed our interviews down to five important questions that will keep Black voters informed before November’s election.
- What should black voters know about Project 2025?
- What policies or changes would you like to see from political leaders to improve the lives of Black Americans?
- What economic policies do you think would most benefit the Black community?
- What reforms do you think are necessary to ensure fair and just treatment for Black Americans?
- What message would you like to share with young Black voters who are voting for the first time?
The political strategy and policy discussion focuses on helping Black voters understand conservative agendas aimed at tightening GOP control in America. Both men stress the importance of the Voting Rights Act, Rov v. Wade, raising the federal minimum wage, tackling banking issues for better economic access for black individuals, and discussing the importance of voting and representation in elevating black and brown voices in politics.
“It’s been almost a decade since the far-right Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act, eliminating protections for black and brown communities all over the country, Markus Batchelor told NewsOne. “And we’re seeing the effects. Black voters have less access to the polls. They’re showing up in less numbers. Their vote is under more threat. They are under more levels of intimidation when they show up to the polls. So we need to pass things like the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act to strengthen voting rights in our country.”
When discussing why some Black voters aren’t engaged in this election, David Crowley says he understands the discord, but he’s a prime example of why voting matters.
“Voting absolutely matters,” Crowley told NewsOne. “And I can say that because not only am I the youngest person to be elected the Milwaukee county executive, but I’m the first black man, the first person of color to be elected to a seat like this.”
He continued, “This was about how are we elevating black voices, brown voices, to the table, to make sure that their voices are being heard and policies are not only being changed but being improved to directly impact those lies.”
Take a look at our in-depth conversation about the issues most important to Black voters above.
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