As Election Nears Black Americans Prepare To Vote, Trump Supporters Hold Parades

Patricia Dixon understands the urgency of November’s election and its implications for the nation and African Americans.

“I just think that people don’t realize the import of their votes,” she stated. “It’s not that you’re just electing a president…we need to vote at every level.”

With a little more than three weeks until Election Day, millions of Americans are voting early in states that allow it, by mail-in ballot and absentee – setting records in many states as the deep divisions in the country motivate Democrats and Republicans to weigh in on the next occupant of the White House.

The majority of African Americans view the Trump Administration as the purveyor of racial animosity, defiantly denying police brutality and white supremacy.

“He has uncovered the underbelly of the United States of America,” said Dixon, a retired federal employee. “He has uncovered what’s smoldering underneath.”

Over the weekend, Trump returned to his campaign activities with an event for supporters at the White House. His recent stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center last weekend for treatment of the coronavirus seemed unimportant as he rallied his base in spite of the White House staffers who have been infected with the virus over the past several days. Critics question Trump’s health, citing hoarseness, episodes of labored breathing, and his refusal to say if he has yet tested negative for the disease.

Biden Pulls Ahead

Polls show that Democratic candidate, Vice-President Joe Biden has widened his lead over Trump nationally and in some battleground states. The second presidential debate has been cancelled because Trump would not participate in a virtual debate, a suggestion offered by the bi-partisan Debate Commission in response to his coronavirus diagnosis and the typical quarantine period of 10 days.

His supporters are working to mobilize voters, sponsoring marches and parades. In the Kansas City area cars and trucks festooned with Trump/Pence signs and banners wound their way through an affluent Kansas suburb. And, in Washington, D.C., more than 2,000 Black Republicans marched in support of Trump.

 All seemed unmoved by Trump’s erratic behavior since his illness.

“Until he is honest about the total effects of Covid-19, I’m not sure his diagnosis will sway his political base,” said Dr. Sekou Franklin, a political science professor at Middle Tennessee State. “They are going to follow him.”

Dixon had her mail-in ballot in late August, having watched her parents fight for the opportunity to vote.

She explained, “My parents started that voting desire in me. They rounded up everyone who did not have vehicles. My father and mother would make sure everyone voted. My mother was almost 99 when she passed. I think she may have had to do the poll tax.”

Decades later Black Americans are being encouraged to prepare for Election Day, know the rules when they arrive at the polls, and, in the words of former First Lady Michelle Obama, vote “like our lives depend on it.”

“I’ve never felt this stressed out and angry before,” Dixon stated. And she is not alone as the most consequential election in modern history draws closer.