Looks like all of those raucous protests are paying off. After many criticized #BlackLivesMatter protesters for preventing Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders from speaking at a rally in Seattle, the Vermont Senator released a sweeping racial justice plan. Now, he’s agreed to meet with activists to talk about it.
When Michael Brown was gunned down by a police officer in Ferguson, DeRay Mckesson became one of the most notable faces of the movement for justice. Alongside Johnetta Elzie, Mckesson live-tweeted protests, broadcasted video, and offered a perspective the mainstream media couldn’t. Now, he’s got the ear of a popular presidential candidate.
Pressured by activists, Bernie Sanders recently rolled out his plan to combat physical, political, legal and economic injustice, and now he’s planning to meet with McKesson and other activists to talk about it.
.@BernieSanders, the first draft of your racial justice platform has promise. When will you be available to discuss enhancements w/ folks?
— deray mckesson (@deray) August 17, 2015
@deray Let’s do it. We will PM you this week to arrange. — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) August 17, 2015
While many continue to question the tactics of some protesters, it’s hard to deny their message is being heard.
August 17, 2015 -
This can only be a good thing. It is overdue.
August 17, 2015 -
It was the pressure sent by Black Lives Matter activists who have made Bernie Sanders to create the platform on racial justice on his campaign website. There is nothing wrong with discussions. There is a problem with co-option. So, I believe in political independence. We, as black people, should allow our votes to be earned not to be exploited. We will see what the future holds for the Bernie Sanders’ campaign. Without question, we need the total demilitarization of the local police, the eliminating of mandatory minimum sentencing, and other policies to the important issues in our black community.
August 17, 2015 -
This is a step in the right direction, but I’ll reserve judgment until the outcome is clearer. For too long, we’ve given our vote to candidates who make no effort to concretely address our concerns and are quick to turn their backs on us the moment they’re elected. It’s long past time we learned to be strategic with our votes and our voices, and throw our support only behind those who actually walk the walk when it comes to examining and dismantling the institutionalized oppressions Black people face.
August 17, 2015 -
Time will tell how this turns out. I’ve been helping a friend sue the police department for the last couple of weeks. The police slammed a black woman to the ground. The police dislocated her shoulder and fractured her elbow. The police stopped her while she was walking down the street. The police claim they were looking for a hispanic man who was a suspect in a crime. This black woman does not look like a hispanc man! The police arrest is BS!
This election is a very important election for black people. Three Supreme Court Justices may retire in the next three or four years. The next President will have to pick who sits on the Supreme Court for the next 20 years.
“Its the ballot or the bullet.” – Malcolm X
August 17, 2015 -
I would pick him over Hilary any day of the week!!! F’ Hilary
August 17, 2015 -
A couple of weeks ago, Bree Newsome wrote a great article on the Root entitled
“The Necessity of Disruption”. This is the best example I’ve seen in terms of applying the right amount of pressure in order to get the attention of a candidate.
However, I remain skeptical. Colorful, eloquent “pie in the sky” speeches and inflated promises do not impress me.
I will wait to see what Sander’s as well as the other candidate’s platforms evolve into.
I commend all of the BLM activists on the front line, fighting for justice!
August 17, 2015 -
Well this is more than what any of the other candidates have done. I can respect him for this.