Black leaders in Phoenix are aiming to harness the growing political power of their community as the 2024 election season approaches. On Thursday, The Arizona Republic and Capital B, a news outlet focused on Black communities, hosted a panel discussion as part of Capital B’s Black Political Power Tour, tackling key issues at the intersection of race, elections, and education.
Panelist Brian Watson, a newcomer to Phoenix’s political scene, emphasized the need for unity within the Black community. “How do we stay connected and extend the tributaries of Blackness into one mighty Black river that we can all live from, eat from, drink the water from, and grow from?” Watson asked, speaking to the dispersed but rapidly growing Black population in Phoenix.
Since 2010, the Black population in Arizona has increased by roughly 40%, with 70,000 Black people moving to the Phoenix metro area in the past decade. While the community is less concentrated than in cities like Chicago, this provides an opportunity for greater influence, according to Rashad Shabazz, professor of African American studies at Arizona State University. He pointed out that Phoenix’s diverse population could help shape “the nation’s first multiracial democracy.”
State Rep. Quantá Crews, Arizona’s only Black Democratic legislator, highlighted the importance of representation and the responsibility that comes with being the only Black voice in the room. Watson echoed her sentiments, urging others to support and grow Black leadership in Phoenix.
The event also addressed challenges in education, with panelists like educator Natasha Alston discussing the politicization of critical race theory. While not taught in Arizona schools, the theory has been weaponized by politicians, leading to misunderstandings about Black history in the curriculum. Former school board member Lindsay Love stressed the need to differentiate between teaching Black history and critical race theory, emphasizing the importance of educating students about America’s full history.
The discussion concluded with a call to action: voting in local elections, especially school boards, which play a significant role in shaping curriculum and educational funding. Cloves Campbell Jr., publisher of the Arizona Informant, warned of ongoing legislative efforts to restrict discussions of race in schools. “With the stroke of a pen, they can make your history disappear,” Campbell cautioned.
The Black Political Power Tour aims to continue these vital conversations, encouraging greater engagement and action within Phoenix’s Black community.
