5 Ways Local Elections Can Drive Change in Black Communities

Black voters will likely play a critical role in the upcoming 2024 presidential election between GOP nominee Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris. It’s no wonder both candidates have targeted people of color in their campaign messaging. But aside from national politics, local elections are arguably just as important, if not more so, in Black communities across the country. They have a more immediate and tangible impact on communities, driving significant change at the local level. Grassroots politics have long been a powerful tool, engaging ordinary people at the local level to create political change. This can involve rallies dedicated to important matters affecting Black communities and mobilizing Black voters to take action in local elections.  Have you ever seen people organize an event or set up a tent at local events to register people to vote? That’s an example of grassroots efforts to ensure Black voters can participate in elections. You don’t need to be a political expert to organize events and advocate for policies—social media can be a powerful vehicle to influence elections. It’s also crucial to research local officials to understand their stances on various issues faced in communities of color. Some critical issues facing Black Americans...