Community Voices: Flint Mayor Says Michigan Democratic Party is Leaving Out Black Voters

Editorial by: Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley How do we get a seat in the Big Tent Party? For many years, Michigan led the nation with strong, qualified Black Democrats filling critical roles in Congress. Today, the only Black person representing Michigan in Congress is a Republican. Redistricting of state house and senate seats in 2021 resulted in less Black officials representing the Detroit area in the state legislature and caused ongoing litigation in violation of the Voting Rights Act. These developments should serve as a wakeup call to all Democrats. Instead, it increasingly appears as though some in the party are choosing to ignore these glaring warning signs that the Black electorate is being ignored and disrespected. It seems a glass ceiling has resurfaced to block experienced and well-qualified Black Democratic candidates from reaching elected office at the federal level. This translates to Black voters feeling taken for granted and ignored by the Democratic party. At this critical juncture in our country’s political trajectory, far too many qualified Black elected officials are being boxed out of elections for higher office and left wondering whether they still have a place in this “big tent party.” I am concerned that if we...