By Taroue W. Brooks
On a random Tuesday, I was having a cocktail sitting at the bar in the Four Seasons. It’s a playground for adults to engage. Sometimes in thoughtful dialogue. This particular evening a white male from Iowa was seated to my right. We were having a really cool exchange around travel, cuisine, and haberdashery. For those who know me, I was all in.
All of a sudden, the intellectual police appeared. I asked my bar comrade if he was a Trump supporter. His reply was YES! He asked if I had a problem with it. Honestly, I didn’t have a problem with it. Just needed clarity. We continued with the exchange of words that altered from the initial conversation. He stated that given my appearance, conversation and the command of attention that was provided in the space that I was “different”. He then began to suggest that I should consider what Trump truly stands for regarding “America”.
This is where the vibe shifted and abruptly ended. I expressed that I am not excited about either candidate. I really don’t like politics at all. However, I don’t fear that my liberty is at risk with the Biden/Harris ticket. As life would have it, I walked over the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, AL at the 50th Anniversary event historically known as “Bloody Sunday” with the late Congressman John Lewis. I had the unique opportunity to work on the 30th Anniversary of the March on Washington with the A. Phillip Randolph Institute (APRI) with Jesse Jackson, Sr., the late Coretta Scott King, and Ben Jealous. Bayard Rustin, an openly gay Black man who organized the March on Washington paid the price so that the LGBTQAI community would be treated with equality. Trump has shown us enough of who he is and what he will do. Not interested.
The truth of the matter is that the Black vote is not respected. However, when the heat gets HOT, the high level of engagement begins with appearances in the Black churches, HBCU graduations and barbershops. For some African Americans, they feel appeased by these antics. Classism at its best… I won’t go there today. This makes me think of the haves and the have nots. The haves are typically educated and influential that does whatever it takes to fit a certain image which provides some level of privilege. While the have nots are typically the blue collar worker and the poor who remain in an urgent space of struggle but continues to fight. We are still divided in 2024. Will we ever learn that fighting together for justice and equality is the best recipe for true liberation?
Black people must become more engaged in the political process to make the change that is needed. It’s not enough to be angry and talk among ourselves about the neglect and injustices. We must unite and demand respect from ALL political parties. Not voting isn’t the answer. If we don’t utilize our voice, we can’t expect it to be heard. Many people have sacrificed and died to give us the right to vote. If for no other reason, show some gratitude to our ancestors and VOTE.
About
Taroue Brooks has extensive experience as a Producer, Publicist and Celebrity Booking Agent. He has advocated on behalf of many corporate and non-profit organizations to help them build and maintain positive relationships with the public. During his career, he has matched numerous celebrities and high-profile individuals with charities, designed and executed successful public relations programs, and created extraordinary special events that have earned national attention for his clients.
