Author: DAMON K JONES
In the 2024 election, Vice President Kamala Harris put forth a monumental effort. She tirelessly promoted the administration’s achievements, highlighted Democratic ideals, and worked to connect with Americans across diverse communities. But her campaign was weighed down by a fragmented, out-of-touch message from her own party—one that failed to address voters’ most urgent concerns and instead leaned heavily on rhetoric that ultimately missed the mark. In a time when voters wanted a candid discussion of the present challenges they face, Democrats instead offered slogans of hope for the future, warnings about Trump’s character, and accusations against those who questioned Harris’s…
In a recent press briefing, New York Attorney General Letitia James underscored her commitment to upholding the law in anticipation of potential legal battles with the administration of President-elect Donald Trump. James stated that her office has been preparing extensively over the past months to counter any perceived overreach and defend New York’s legal interests rigorously. This statement comes amid increased tension between her office and Trump’s camp, with allegations and aggressive rhetoric exchanged publicly. Mike Davis, a prominent Trump ally and potential White House counsel, has issued direct warnings to James. In a recent appearance on the “Benny Johnson…
In the 2024 election, around 15 million Democratic voters chose to abstain from voting for either major candidate. This wasn’t simple voter apathy—it was a message. Many Democrats felt alienated by their party’s response to the Gaza war, which they saw as increasingly detached from the values of peace and justice they believed the party represented. Influential lobbying from groups like AIPAC and surprising endorsements from Republicans like former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter Liz Cheney only fueled these concerns, signaling to voters that Democratic leaders might be prioritizing political alliances over humanitarian values. A Reality Check on…
Former President Donald Trump returned to the White House after a decisive victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, securing both the electoral college and the popular vote. This historic achievement makes Trump the first Republican to win the popular vote since George W. Bush’s 2004 reelection, highlighting his lasting appeal among conservatives and his expanding support base among Black, Hispanic, and young voters. Trump’s return signals a significant shift in American politics, as voters across racial and generational lines found common ground in his message of economic stability, traditional values, and straightforward accountability. Rather than responding with emotion, it’s essential…
As a 33-year law enforcement veteran and a dedicated advocate for police reform and accountability, I know firsthand how urgently our justice system needs change. Unfortunately, widespread misinformation about the President’s powers over police immunity is a severe obstacle to real reform. Too often, I’ve seen Black leaders, self-proclaimed activists, radio hosts, and even some lawyers push a completely false narrative about presidential authority over qualified immunity. There’s a belief that, whether it’s Donald Trump or anyone else, a President could somehow extend “blanket immunity” to police officers nationwide. This is not true. The President does not have the authority…
As Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump gear up for another historic election, many in Black America find themselves in a familiar predicament—pinning their hopes for progress on the political stage while underestimating the immense economic power already within their reach. Yet, if this financial power is effectively harnessed, it can pave the way for a future brimming with hope and optimism. The numbers tell a compelling story: Black America wields $1.7 trillion in spending power – more than many nations’ GDPs. This power is evident in our daily choices, from the products we buy to the…
In Mary Shelley’s classic novel, a creature is assembled from disparate parts, given life through unnatural means, and ultimately turns destructive to society and its creator. Today, we see a similar phenomenon in the “street ninja” archetype: a constructed image of Black urban masculinity that has become a modern cultural Frankenstein’s monster. Let me be clear about our word choice in this analysis. Throughout these chapters, I use the term “street ninja” as a conscious substitute for a more inflammatory racial slur that has been weaponized, commodified, and twisted by white supremacy to degrade Black men. The original term –…
From Biblical Patterns to Modern Politics: Finding Purpose in the Disorder of 2024 As America grapples with unprecedented social upheaval, such as the Black Lives Matter movement and the Capitol riot, political division over issues like immigration, abortion, and healthcare. In the face of increasing secularism, natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires, and moral uncertainty, many wonder: What will we make of all this chaos? Looking through the lens of biblical history, we might find some illuminating parallels that offer perspective on our current national turbulence. Throughout scripture, we see a recurring pattern of God using periods of chaos and…
The health challenges facing Black Americans today are significant, but solutions exist within our reach—starting with what we eat. By increasing our intake of fruits, vegetables, and legumes, we can take meaningful steps toward better health outcomes in our communities. Understanding the Health Stakes The statistics tell a concerning story. Black Americans consistently face higher rates of chronic diseases compared to other populations. High blood pressure affects our community 40% more frequently than white Americans, while type 2 diabetes appears at double the rate. Heart disease, stroke, and obesity-related complications also disproportionately impact Black Americans. However, these challenges aren’t insurmountable,…
The debate over reparations for Black Americans has gained increasing prominence in recent years as the nation continues to grapple with its long history of racial injustice and the ongoing effects of systemic racism. This article examines the historical context and contemporary arguments for why reparations are needed, looking at 246 years of slavery, 99 years of Jim Crow laws, decades of lynching and violence, the civil rights struggle, police brutality, educational inequities, and mass incarceration. As we celebrate the political accomplishments of Vice President Kamala Harris potentially becoming the first Black female President, following in the footsteps of former…