Democratic presidential main hopeful Jesse Jackson (L) elevating palms in victory gesture w. Nation of Islam chief Louis Farrakhan throughout a marketing campaign rally. (Picture by Cynthia Johnson/Getty Photos)
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ewsOne is again with Episode 8 of The Black Poll, an unique new multi-episodic docuseries exploring the historical past of African Individuals voting.
Persevering with its in-depth exploration of African American voting and its impression on U.S. politics, this episode focuses on the Ronald Reagan period. It was a time of political and financial shifts with profound results on Black communities. These modifications reshaped civil rights, financial justice, and activism within the Eighties.
Reaganomics and its penalties
Episode 8 begins by analyzing the impression of Reaganomics, Ronald Reagan’s financial coverage that promised prosperity by means of tax cuts for the rich. The advantages, nonetheless, by no means reached Black communities. As a substitute, poverty charges in Black neighborhoods exceeded 30% whereas the crack epidemic wreaked havoc. Reagan’s insurance policies left Black Individuals dealing with growing financial struggles.
Don Lemon shares how, as a younger man, he was initially captivated by Reagan’s movie star enchantment: “I keep in mind my freshman 12 months in highschool watching the inauguration… After which I simply bought caught up within the pageantry of all of it.” Nevertheless, like many, he quickly realized how dangerous Reagan’s insurance policies have been to Black Individuals.
The AIDS disaster and political inaction
The episode additionally covers the Reagan administration’s response to the AIDS epidemic. This disproportionately affected Black and LGBTQ+ communities. Reagan’s failure to behave worsened the disaster, permitting it to unfold unchecked. The episode highlights how these communities have been left to cope with the implications of the federal government’s inaction, additional emphasizing the disconnect between Reagan’s picture and the fact of his insurance policies.
Jesse Jackson’s marketing campaign for change
Regardless of these challenges, the Eighties additionally noticed moments of hope. The episode highlights Jesse Jackson’s 1984 presidential marketing campaign, which impressed many African Individuals. Jackson’s message of inclusion and justice energized Black voters and reminded them of their political energy. His marketing campaign supplied a robust distinction to Reagan’s conservative insurance policies and ignited a renewed sense of engagement inside Black communities.
All through the episode, visitor commentators like Dr. Ben Chavis, Brittney Cunningham, and Samson Types present perception into how Reagan’s presidency influenced Black political consciousness and activism.
Episode 8 of The Black Poll sheds gentle on the difficult legacy of the Reagan years and its lasting impression on Black communities, capturing the challenges and alternatives of this pivotal interval.
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