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Film Gives Unflinching Look at Voter Suppression in U.S.

WASHINGTON INFORMER — The U.S. political system has been partial to right-wing politicians and causes because of their use of money and organization for voter suppression, particularly against people of color, according to the gripping film “Rigged: The Voter Suppression Playbook.” Two screenings of the film were held Friday morning at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest as a part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference.

Published

5 years ago

September 18, 2019

Oakland Post

Actor Jeffrey Wright narrates "Rigged: The Voter Suppression Playbook," a documentary that examines right-wing attempts to undermine the right to vote. (Courtesy photo)

By James Wright

The U.S. political system has been partial to right-wing politicians and causes because of their use of money and organization for voter suppression, particularly against people of color, according to the gripping film “Rigged: The Voter Suppression Playbook.”

Two screenings of the film were held Friday morning at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest as a part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference.

The film’s narrator, actor Jeffrey Wright, somberly talked about how right-wing Republicans, incensed by the election of Barack Obama as the first Black president and the increasing voting power of minorities, instituted a strategy to offset that with the support of the billionaire Koch brothers. The film focused on political activity from 2009-2016, with the election of Donald Trump as president.

Wright said “Rigged” should put Americans of all races on notice that democracy as we know it may be in trouble.

“This is a story that needs to be told and heard,” he said. “I was eager to play a part in telling it and I hope ‘Rigged’ sounds an alarm that wakes America up.”

The film shows how state legislatures passed voter ID laws aimed at curbing the voting rights of minorities, college students and senior citizens.

A segment showed how a Texas sheriff incarcerated a returning citizen of color for voting when he shouldn’t have and another revealed the plan to water down Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act that mandated states with a history of racist electoral practices must have their election laws and procedures cleared by the Department of Justice.

Racial gerrymandering became a highlight, also, showing how Republicans in some states “pack” minority neighborhoods into districts to lessen their influence and “crack” which puts neighborhoods of color in overwhelming White areas where they will have no political power. A segment shows Trump’s assertions that millions of people voted illegally in 2016 but hasn’t been proven.

The film ends with the effort to put right-wing judges on the federal courts to influence the law for decades.

During the film, the viewpoints of civil rights and conservative activists are presented. Some clips show right-wing legislators and activists stating bluntly their intent to curtail the minority vote.

Mac Heller, co-executive producer of “Rigged,” encouraged the audience at the second screening to “to run this film in your community.”

“The price you charge for using the film is zero,” Heller said. “Our film is about storytelling and how the right wing has taken over our politics. They got the money but we have the people on our side. Many Americans who see this film say what they are doing is shameful and that is not America.”

This post originally appeared in The Washington Informer.

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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