April 27: Forum At NSU To Discuss 2016 Black Vote

By Leonard E. Colvin
Chief Reporter
New Journal and Guide

The African American vote  this  November will play an important role in determining which of the two political parties will get the keys of power to  the White House. If Blacks turn out at the same level they did in 2008 and 2012, the Democratic candidate could  win the presidential race. If not Republicans, who have energized their most fervent right wing supporters  will  reclaim the presidency and retain the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. On April 27  at 6 p.m. at the NSU Student  Center,  the Washington, D.C. based Black  Lawyers for Justice (BLJ) will host a forum “Black Issues and the 2016 Election”,  featuring a panel of  local and national political leaders, activists,  students and community leaders.

Karen Tucker, who will host the event and  is organizer for the BLJ, said the forum is the brain child of the President Emeritus of the organization,  Dr. Malik Zulu Shabazz, an attorney  who has launched the Convention for the Oppressed Movement  to address political and economic issues. Dr. Shabazz will  deliver a speech  to alert participants of the purpose and mission  of the Movement and the April 27 event.

“The Forum will  launch this national movement right here in Norfolk on April 27,” said Tucker, a Norfolk native. “The next day he will be in Petersburg hosting a forum. He will also be  in Cleveland, Ohio during the Republican National Convention to  talk about Blacks. Then it’s off to  Africa to continue  helping  groups and leaders address critical issues facing Blacks and oppressed people.” Tucker said that  during the  April 27 forum at NSU, one of the topics of the discussion  is ‘What if’  the Republican party wins the White House in November.

“What if the  Republicans win? How  would African Americans respond,” said Tucker.  “We have heard the messages and seen the antics of both men. We know their  views on issues facing Black people and we know they  are not in our favor.  So Dr. Shabazz  and the BLJ believe we should mobilize politically.  And, after the election, regardless of which party wins and how we can get out voice heard.”

Tucker said that the Trump candidacy, especially has allowed the most racist supporters of the Grand Old Party (GOP) to unmask themselves. She said this may a positive Black people should   pay close attention to as the 2016 presidential campaign rolls on. Tucker said that  Black voters have placed the Democrats, Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, on alert that  the Black vote will not be taken for granted.

“We can’t  just give our vote to either party. Our vote is just like an investment, we expect a return on it, through legislations and  efforts which  address the issues in our community.” Shabazz  was one  of the founders of the BLJ in 1996 and has been a long time Civil Rights Attorney and leader of the New Black Panther Party.  He now lives in the Washington, D.C.  He has also been a lectured at a number of colleges and  universities.
For more information  call or text 571 223 9329  or 757 634 3040 or www.Blackmens.movement.org