Unequal alliances are well-known and understood by Black activists. But avoiding the risk altogether is not the solution. The crisis in Black communities is not wine, and it will not improve with age. While Black trade unionists know the absolute necessity of unity with white workers to make demands against bosses, Black workers acknowledge and continue to struggle against the stubborn vestiges of racism inside the unions. The political arena is no different.
Political terrain is complicated.
We must carefully scrutinize that terrain and develop strategic priorities for the systematic removal of obstacles in the path. Political districts at every level are gerrymandered to limit Black representation. White voters are still prone to racial block voting in districts with comparatively large Black populations. The right wing is fighting tooth and nail to ensure a census undercount. These are all critical issues.