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Black Millennial Dubbed Southern Political Director for Biden

JACKSONVILLE FREE PRESS — When Vince Evans entered the world of politics, he was a teenager starting a week-long stint as a page in the Florida Senate. His fascination with this new world took hold, and the young man from Green Cove Springs, Florida began a journey that would secure him a top presidential campaign post. The thirty-one-year-old was hired in July as the Southern Political Director to former Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign

Published

5 years ago

September 29, 2019

Jacksonville Free Press

Vince Evans

By Jeri Yonder

Philadelphia. Pa.—When Vince Evans entered the world of politics, he was a teenager starting a week-long stint as a page in the Florida Senate. His fascination with this new world took hold, and the young man from Green Cove Springs, Florida began a journey that would secure him a top presidential campaign post. The thirty-one-year-old was hired in July as the Southern Political Director to former Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign

“I was a Senate Page in high school,” Evans said. “I attended Florida A&M University, and while there, I interned for then-Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson. At FAMU, Evans was the go-to guy for winning campaigns. Candidates for student body president and student senate sought him out. His strategies brought victory to many talented Rattler leaders. “When I graduated from FAMU, I ended up going back to work for the Florida Senate Democratic Office.”

Evans was able to put his passion for public service to work. Engaging and articulate, he brought energy and enthusiasm to whatever he was assigned. His experience includes working for a Tallahassee City Commissioner before following U.S. Rep. Lawson to the nation’s capital. Evans also worked for Hilary Clinton’s 2016 Presidential Campaign doing African-American outreach in North Florida. He also served as a political director for 2018 gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum.

The Biden campaign’s focus on outreach to minorities and women is critically important in Evans region of responsibilities. The area includes 13 states among them Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and the Carolinas. Florida, his stomping ground, is the prized battleground that delivers the White House. And the chaotic nature of campaigns makes him a perfect fit because of his ability to mobilize, reverse course and take corrective action quickly.

“Vice President Joe Biden is the candidate I believe should be the next President of the United States,” Evans said. “Vice President Biden and I share the same values, and we believe strongly the nation needs a new course.”

Evans said having “real talk” with the voters helps explain the mission of Biden’s campaign.

“I have honest conversations with folks,” Evans said. “Sometimes they are tough discussions; folks are sometimes torn between two or more candidates. More often than not, folks want you to level with them and present the facts and eliminate the fluff.”

Kamau Marshall, Director of Strategic Communications for the Biden Campaign said Evans would assist with critical Southern states.

“As the Southern Political Director, Vince adds a lot to the campaign,” Marshall said. “We both have been in politics for a while, along with strong Capitol Hill experience and relationships. We are glad to have Vince a part of Team Biden, especially since he is a native of Florida.”

“I always tell folks that the Vice President sets himself apart from the other Democratic nominees based on his track record of addressing concerns with healthcare, the environment, violence against women, LGBTQ issues, his long history on civil rights that’s why he entered public service as a public defender,” Evans said. “This is what the Vice President says all the time and I echo him ‘we can’t take four years of Donald Trump but eight years of him might fundamentally alter who we are as a nation, the risks are too high right now.’”

Maintaining one’s sanity is essential in any political campaign, especially a presidential campaign. Evans said prayer is one of his strategies.

“I stay prayed up,” Evans said. “Once I moved to headquarters in Philadelphia, I had to find a church to attend because my faith guides me in everything I do. I also have to make time for self-care and take a whole lot of Emergen-C.”

“Campaigns can be grueling work,” Evans said. “But we know there’s an end date all of our work pays off with a Biden victory.”

Evans has the qualities needed to manage the chaotic world of campaigns: the ability to mobilize, reverse course, and take corrective action quickly.

This article originally appeared in the Jacksonville Free Press.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org