From the Editors

“There are no permanent friends or enemies.  There are only permanent interests.” –Carol Moseley Braun

As in any election, some candidates promise change and others promise continuity.  In New Rochelle, if victorious in the primary and November election, District 3 Councilwoman Yadira Ramos-Herbert could become the City’s first Afro-Latina Mayor.  Meanwhile, District 3 has four candidates in the primary, and the victor in that race will likely run unopposed in November.  As people grapple with what this all means, here are some grounding thoughts to keep in mind.

1. We as individuals do not get to decide someone’s race. In fact, most of us would not be able to find a definition of race to use that is scientific –– because race is a social-political construct.  If you hear an individual say “she’s not Black” or “she’s not Latina” even though the systems and institutions in our society identify her as both, that may be an opportunity to ask them “what determines whether someone is Black, Latina, or both?”   

2. “Not all your skin folk are your kinfolk.”  Just because systems and institutions classify you a certain way does not mean your values and aspirations align with other people who are classified the same way.  Basically, being the same race or ethnicity as someone else does not guarantee your safety or a common agenda or who has your ear.  You can be classified as white, but Black people and other people of color have your attention and focus.  You can be classified as Black but white people and the wealthy have your focus and attention.  Sometimes, we push that fact to the back of our minds, to our own detriment.

3.  Visibility matters.  The issues matter.  Visibility does not necessarily outweigh or resolve the issues of housing inequity, health disparity, educational opportunity, employment, policing disparities, etc.  A candidate’s approach to, and record on, the issues matters.  History matters.  We must try to collectively remember all that has transpired in our City.  

4. Oftentimes a promotion causes one to conform more to customs, protocols and procedures rather than expand one’s ability to operate beyond those limiting factors.  It is one way to limit the potential for transformative change to succeed.  This can, and does, happen to leaders of all races.  Resisting the pressures of the established way of doing things, even when the purpose is to expand justice and liberation to oppressed peoples, requires a strong network of support.

5. Where is it safe to speak critically of a person of color running for public office when what we’ve been told is that we need more people of color in public office?  There are few truly liberated zones where Black people and people of color can speak freely without the lingering fear of exposure to real harm.  How are we impacted by Black people and people of color historically being scrutinized more closely and criticized more harshly than their white counterparts?  Where are the spaces where we can examine these questions about race and identity?  If you’re not part of one of those spaces, you might consider attending New RoARar’s Summer Institute.

We hope this list helps you navigate some decisions that are deeply impacted by racism, including the upcoming election.  Remember, the early voting period is June 17-25, and local polling places are open on Election Day, June 27, from 6 am until 9 pm.