The Fight against Institutional Racism-David vs. Goliath
On June 9,2002 in a press release announcing my intention to run for Minnesota State Senate without endorsement, although considered by many to be inline to win endorsement. I was quoted, �Black people should not and do need White approval to seek office or to make important changes in their communities.� The quote may have been the least political correct language I could have practiced but, I said what I said and I meant what I said. Institutional racism exist today in America as much as it existed during the civil rights movement, the days of Jim Crow, and the execution of the slave trade. It exists in order to provide security for this white male dominated society and maintain their aura of superiority. The custom of institutional racism has been demonstrated in every component of American way of life. Weather it is the area of political practices are performed, the culture of corporate America, educational system cirrocumuli standards, entertainment, or the so-called �war on drugs�. The list can go on and on. I specifically want address political practices that occur in the Minneapolis metro area communities in Minnesota and the rest of the country. Three things that trouble me about politicians and parties are the categorizing the black vote. African Americans are separate individuals from one another and carry different opinions, perspectives, and experiences as voters and should be identified as such. There are African American Republicans, African American Democrats; I am African American Green, and proud of it. Secondly, the labeling of issues as black issues. I believe in no such thing. I do not think African -Americans are the only people who want decent wage making employment opportunity, who want their children to receive an adequate education, worry about not having health insurance, paying the cost of prescription drugs, and who want there children to be safe in their own neighborhoods. Labeling issues opens the door for potential dismissal of validity issues like police brutality and the use of excessive force by police. Lastly, there is the falsehood and giant deterrent of participation is the sentiment that black people do not vote. To me, that translates into total disregard toward individuals and their right to involvement in the process. If we as Greens or a nation want to put a dent in the armor of institutional racism we must refuse to engage in practices of separation and politics of divide & conquer. The Laverne Turner for MN State Senate� Time 4 Some Action� Campaign is up to the challenge. I am an African American candidate. My campaign manager is Jewish, a Hispanic woman is the campaign�s executive committee chair, an Italian American woman is the campaign treasurer and we are all products of generation X. This is important to acknowledge because we are young people trying to be heard. This is exactly what the young people in the 60�s tried to accomplish. History is repeating itself again and it is �TIME 4 SOME ACTION.� Laverne Turner Minneapolis � East Phillips Green Party Candidate for MN State Senate 61 __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
