The Speech That Black Lives Matter’s Founder Wants To Hear From Obama Tonight

[NCTraveler]

snip
“What is he planning to do to make black lives matter in the economy?” she said. “What is he planning to do to make sure that black people have a voice in our political system?”

Garza noted that this year will be the first presidential election without the full protections of the Voting Rights Act.

“That’s particularly important for black people because we know that one in 13 black people cannot vote because of felony convictions,” she said. “And we also know there has been a huge push across the country, particularly in the South where black people are concentrated, to prevent black people from being able to make decisions over our own lives and our own futures.”
snip
Garza said she also appreciates that the First Lady is leaving an empty seat in her box during the State of the Union for victims of gun violence — an issue that also disproportionately affects the black community.

http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/01/12/3738376/black-lives-matter-sotu/



I picked these paragraphs out of the article. I used the word "snip" to show there are either paragraphs above or in between. I'm not sure of the proper way to format that. Bolding is mine.

[pnwmom]

1. Thanks, NCTraveler!

[randys1]

2. Good that BLM is focused on voting. GOP has violated the law and put illegal laws on the books, as

we all know.

If said laws are allowed to stand, I question the viability of elections and dont think we should allow any elections until we are certain every single born American who wants to vote, can.

This should include all people with criminal records.

[underthematrix]

3. As an AA and supporter of Black Lives Matter

I want to know why AA peeps didn't vote in 2010 and 2014. I want to know what they plan to do to educate AA folks about voting every time there's an election, every time.

[NCTraveler]

4. I don't think education is the point we are at.

Sure, it's a part of it. It's a part for every American. How do you suggest we tell a group who have been TRULY disenfranchised that they need to get to the polls. How do you tell a group who are CURRENTLY being disenfranchised that they would benefit from voting for this person or that person. You do know that we have heard every single thing that Sanders, Clinton, and O'Malley are currently saying. Yelling big bad republicans isn't going to get it done. It shouldn't get it done.

Additionally, I would argue that POC are the parties base, not MIA.

There is currently systemic and societal oppression directed at POC. I think it is our job to educate Washington and to fight in our own local areas. Not strictly educate POC. I don't recall advocating to any POC as to who to vote for in this primary. Why? We have heard it all before and I find it would be extremely offensive.

Tough to talk education to a group who are fully educated in current governmental oppression.

[underthematrix]

6. As an African American I already know this but not voting? Seriously

We now have a Terrorist GOP House and Senate

[NCTraveler]

7. Where did I say to not vote?

And the whole terrorist angle isn't going to get it done.

[msongs]

5. that if you are white with guns you can just takeover federal property w/no consequences nt