On Jan. 5, President Joe Biden arrived in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania to a sea of journalists and photographers. Among the crowd, I noticed that I was the only Black reporter in the Philadelphia press pool. This lack of diversity is just a small representation of a much larger problem in American politics—the overwhelming majority of our political system is shaped and controlled by white individuals. This reality raises concerns for the Black community, as Biden’s message and priorities may not align with the specific needs and challenges faced by Black voters.
Despite Biden’s capable leadership in the aftermath of Donald Trump’s chaotic presidency, he still struggles to maintain support among the Black electorate. His incremental approach to addressing issues like police brutality, voting rights, and economic inequality is simply not enough for many Black voters. This dissatisfaction could potentially lead some to abstain from voting altogether, resulting in a loss for Biden in the next presidential election.
However, the risks of a Biden loss extend far beyond the political sphere. It could expose the African American community to the dangerous agendas of the far-right, who aim to stifle Black history, deprive Black individuals of their rights, and increase the incarceration rate of Black people. Despite this, the left has failed to pass legislation addressing these pressing issues, leading to apathy and anger among some Black voters.
When attending Biden’s first campaign speech of the year, I hoped that he would address specific concerns of the Black community. Unfortunately, his remarks centered around the American Revolution and the heroic actions of George Washington, the first president of the United States. While I had heard this story many times before, reflecting on it made me question the liberty of the Black people whom Washington himself had enslaved. The hypocrisy embedded in our country’s origin story is evident, and I wondered if America would ever confront it.
Biden moved on from the historical narrative to discuss the violence that erupted on Jan. 6, 2021. He contrasted Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, with George Washington, emphasizing how Washington willingly relinquished power when he could have declared himself a king. In contrast, Trump tried to cling to power through violence.
While the threat of a Trump return may be enough for some Black voters to support Biden, those who have endured centuries of racism within a predominantly white political system may not be as frightened by the prospect of a would-be dictator. Biden urged his audience to embrace the idea of America, where every individual is treated equally. However, for a political system that is primarily designed for the benefit of others, Black voters may question whether this promise is enough.
The lack of representation of Black voters in the American political landscape and the failure to address their unique concerns continue to pose challenges for Biden. Without a genuine understanding and commitment to the needs of the Black community, Biden risks losing crucial support from this electorate. As the country continues to grapple with racial disparities, it is essential that political leaders acknowledge and tackle these issues head-on to ensure progress and equality for all.
