Powerhouse Journalist James R. Sanders Host "The Big PayBLACK": An Election Panel/Debate in New York City

Short N Sweet Ent

As citizens of the United States of America, we are facing ONE of the most historical presidential battles of our time. As we all know, the right to vote in this country has been extremely problematic but as it stands now, OUR, or what people may have proclaimed, the “disenfranchised communities” have the power to change the narrative. Our vote counts and our voice matters more than anybody can ever explain. Former President Donald Trump is the nominee of the Republican Party while Vice President Kamala Harris is the official nominee of the Democratic Party. On Election Day, it is important for all of us, regardless of party, to really think about if it’s aligned with our value system. To help us decipher who supports our values, powerhouse journalist, author, and creative director James R. Sanders curated a powerful conversation that dove us right into making the right decision when it matters the most.

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On Saturday, October 19th, in a small intimate setting at the Antonio Jefferson Studio, Sanders hosted “The Big PayBLACK: An Election Panel/Debate with the hopes of bringing people together and providing them with valuable information about the up incoming election. He formed a prominent team of esteemed panelists that included Eugene Craig, Raven Robinson, Ruth Jean-Marie, Shakira Polite, and Melik Abdul who have respectfully proven that they are well established in the political stratosphere. As the moderator, Sanders eloquently asked specific questions that targeted themes surrounding Project 2025, issues on immigration and education, reparations, affirmative action, voter suppression, and overall the African American experience in today’s society.

Photo Credit: Short N Sweet Ent

We all know that the former president has made distasteful, offensive, and untrue comments about various cultures, and after stating that “The Haitians” are eating the dogs and eating the cats were made it showed, like other things, that he is not ready to lead. When the topic of immigration entered the discussion, panelist Ruth Jean-Marie, stated, “They don’t present a threat but suggesting that “THEM” or “THEY” are doing something immoral is what makes it dangerous not only for our livelihoods but for our political and economic systems in the United States and in Haiti”. Jean-Marie’s insights and passion for the Haitian people resonated with the entire audience because whether you are Haitian or not, we as a people know what it feels like to be ostracized, and collectively we have to stand firm and united when going against the grain.

When speaking about our children and the next generation of leaders, you will always pull at the heartstings of individuals who truly care about what happens in the future. Receiving the proper education is pivotal to becoming successful in any culture and the thought of pulling funds and or taking away policies within the education system is utterly preposterous. Panelist Shakira Polite stated, “I think about education for myself and my role as a parent. I understand that the time that I take with my daughter, I pour into her and I make sure that she gets what she needs. I’m the president of the PTA and I am doing all the things right but not everyone has that privilege. To your point earlier about theory versus what’s really happening on the ground, not every parent can do that but what we can do is educate ourselves in the capacity that we can for now.” Honestly, we do not know the changes that may or may not occur after a new candidate is selected but we can fight for what we believe in and push our young scholars to be the best that they can be in this world.    

As the discussion developed, it became evident that the tension was growing across the room as the panelist continued to stand their ground. Audience members were at the edge of their seats as they grappled to understand all points of view. At this time the moderator, Sanders had to take back full control and had to remind us of the reasons why we came out today, and that was to inform the people to make the right decision on Election Day.

Overall, conversations, especially in our communities are needed and we have more work to put in. Sanders stated, ”The Big PayBLACK is a necessary conversation and meeting of the minds in our community. Often we are left out of the conversation, but are the topic of conversation. This is a purposeful miscarriage of justice and our debate spoke to that”.

Tomorrow, November 5th, 2024 is ELECTION DAY and your superpower is to get out and VOTE!               

Written By: Shauntay Hallett

Until Next Post... Coach Tay