Browsing: advocates will be needed in the community. Work behind the scenes for common ground and a common vote. Though the day of unbridled loyalty to a candidate is gone

   We have never been here before. On February 3, 1870, the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, granting African American men the right to vote. Women were granted the right to vote fifty years later. Since 1870, African American voters have generally supported African American candidates, with an assumption of suitability. If an African American ran for elected office, the African American community supported that candidate by default. We can’t do that anymore. That season is over. The proverbial fat lady has sung. It’s a wrap. That’s all, folks.