How do we include the African-American community?

[Changenow]

I live in a small Republican southern town and the local Democratic Party is really starting to get organized. The problem is that there is not a single African-American in the active party. The nature of the town is the same as everywhere in the Deep South in that there are almost no integrated institutions save the schools, but it is critical that the party become representative of the community. One member approached a couple African-American ministers to no avail. It may seem naïve to have no idea how to approach this issue but we need suggestions.

We are all new at this, how can we fix this crucial problem?

[UrbScotty]

1. I posed a similar question to Auntie Pinko a few weeks ago

Her answer can be seen here.

[Trajan]

2. Wow ....

I have lived in Metropolae (Metropolis plural ?) ALL my life .....

I have NEVER lived anywhere that Blacks did not participate ....

There are those few whites and blacks who REFUSE to recognize each other, but overall: the large urban/suburban areas have a very mixed personality, as far as I have seen ....

BUT: ... trying to improve that connection would be even better ...

IF I were estabishing a local Democratic Party organization, I would seek the help of community leaders: those who could direct interested and motivated parties together ....

You can be SURE there are blacks who want such a connection ....

Kudos to you: .... OUR party is the TRUE party of the people ! .....

[pop goes the weasel]

3. Just guessing but

How small a town? When are the town's festivals? Are there special events that draw a largely black crowd, or a very integrated one? Could your local Party perhaps create an event, if one doesn't exist already, that would draw people? One where you could call on those same un-interested ministers to perhaps give a speech in commemoration of some important event or person and where you could put out a community-wide call for student art to decorate and student essays to get awards? If an event already exists, then maybe local Party members could be co-sponsors.

And it might help to get out in the black part of town and just start shaking hands and asking people how the Democratic Party can help them get involved. Be sure to publicize the contact phone numbers and member names so that people who get mad about something and want to volunteer will be able to call before the feeling passes! Find the black businesses and talk to the owners. Those will be the people who would be interested in gaining access to the corridors of power, and who will switch to the Republicans if they aren't actively recruited.

[leftyandproud]

4. bottom line

support affirmaive action, and point out very clearly that the Republicans DO NOT!

[Changenow]

5. Thank you everyone.

These are all great responses.

The issue that is hard for those in the real world to understand is the degree of segregation here. South Africa in 1985 probably looked more diverse. I have had friends from the North come and visit and comment on the fact that they never see any minorities. Since I have only recently become active in politics I have never given the issue much thought until lately, which is a sorry statement about me.

The town has about 35,000 people and I don’t know what portion of those is African-American. There are also Native American and Latino communities here which we will need to recruit so any advice about attracting those groups is also welcomed.