Greene County Democrat

Month: April 2023

  • Bingo distributions total $615,868 for month of February

    The four licensed bingo facilities, including Frontier, River’s Edge, Palace and Bama Bingo, distributed $615,868.38 for February 2023. The recipients of the February distributions from bingo gaming include Greene County Sheriff’s Department, the cities of Eutaw, Forkland, Union, and Boligee, the Greene County Board of Education and the Greene County Hospital (Health System).
    Sub charities include Children’s Policy Council, Guadalupan Multicultural Services, Greene County Golf Course, Housing Authority of Greene County (Branch Heights), Department of Human Resources, the Greene County Library, Eutaw Housing Authority, Historical Society, REACH, Inc., Headstart Community Service and This Belong To US.
    Bama Bingo gave a total of $117,157.87 to the following: Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $48,070; City of Eutaw, $9,250; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $3,875; Greene County Board of Education, $10,500, and the Greene County Health System, $12,500. Sub Charities, each received $1,034.22 including REACH, Inc. Community Service received $470.10 and This Belong To Us received $94.02.
    Frontier (Dream, Inc.) gave a total of $114,995.01 to the following: Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $48,070; City of Eutaw, $9,250; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $3,875; Greene County Board of Education, $10,500; Greene County Health System, $12,500. Sub Charities each received $870.53, including the Historical Society and REACH, Inc. Community Service received $395.69 and This Belong to Us received $79.14.
    River’s Edge (Next Level Leaders and Tishabee Community Center Tutorial Program) gave a total of $117,157.06 to the following: Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $48,070; City of Eutaw, $9,250; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $3,875; Greene County Board of Education, $10,500; Greene County Health System, $12,500. Sub Charities each, $1,034.22, including the Historical Society and REACH, Inc. Community Service received $470.10 and This Belong to Us received $94.02.
    Palace (TS Police Support League) gave a total of $266.558.44 to the following: Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $111,426.26; City of Eutaw, $21,441.50; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $8,982.25; Greene County Board of Education, $24,339, and the Greene County Health System, $28,975. Sub Charities received $2,397.33, including the Historical Society and REACH, Inc. Community Service received $1,089.70 and This Belong to Us received $217.94. The sheriff’s supplement for February from four bingo facilities totaled $81,303.76.

  • ANSC schedules annual Spring Membership Convention

    The Alabama New South Coalition has scheduled its 38th Annual Spring Membership Convention for Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 9:00 am until 2:30 pm at the Downtown Embassy Suites Hotel, 300 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, AL.
    According to ANSC State Coordinator, Shelley Fearson, the theme for this convention is Saving Our Democracy: Every Issue is a Voting Issue. The program will include panel presentations on Preserving Public Education; Securing Health Care with emphasis on Medicaid Expansion and Voting Rights. A keynote speaker will address the luncheon gathering.
    Registration for the convention will be open through Friday, April 21, 2023. The convention registration fee is $50.00 for all participants.
    Businesses, organizations and individuals may purchase ad space in the convention souvenir book. For more information on Convention Registration and Program Book Ads contact Ms. Shelley Fearson at the ANSC state office at 334-262-0932 or 334-799-9757.

  • Four remaining bingo facilities distribute $615,868 for month of March

    Wednesday, April 19, 2023 the Greene County Sheriff Department issued a listing of the bingo distributions for March, totaling $615,868.58 from four licensed bingo gaming facilities. The bingo facilities regularly distributing through the sheriff include Frontier, River’s Edge, Palace and Bama Bingo.
    The recipients of the March distributions from bingo gaming include Greene County Sheriff’s Department, the cities of Eutaw, Forkland, Union, and Boligee, the Greene County Board of Education and the Greene County Hospital (Health System).
    Sub charities include Children’s Policy Council, Guadalupan Multicultural Services, Greene County Golf Course, Housing Authority of Greene County (Branch Heights), Department of Human Resources, the Greene County Library, Eutaw Housing Authority, Historical Society, REACH, Inc., Headstart Community Service and This Belong To US.
    Bama Bingo gave a total of $117,157.87 to the following: Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $48,070; City of Eutaw, $9,250; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $3,875; Greene County Board of Education, $10,500, and the Greene County Health System, $12,500. Sub Charities, each received $1,034.22 including REACH, Inc. Community Service received $470.10 and This Belong to Us received $94.02.
    Frontier (Dream, Inc.) gave a total of $114,995.01 to the following: Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $48,070; City of Eutaw, $9,250; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $3,875; Greene County Board of Education, $10,500; Greene County Health System, $12,500. Sub Charities each received $870.53, including the Historical Society and REACH, Inc. Community Service received $395.69 and This Belong to Us received $79.14.
    River’s Edge (Next Level Leaders and Tishabee Community Center Tutorial Program) gave a total of $117,157.06 to the following: Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $48,070; City of Eutaw, $9,250.; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $3,875; Greene County Board of Education, $10,500; Greene County Health System, $12,500. Sub Charities each, $1,034.22, including the Historical Society and REACH, Inc. Community Service received $470.10 and This Belong to Us received $94.02.
    Palace (TS Police Support League) gave a total of $266,558.44 to the following: Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $111,426.26; City of Eutaw, $21,441.50; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $8,982.25; Greene County Board of Education, $24,339, and the Greene County Health System, $28,975. Sub Charities received $2,397.33, including the Historical Society and REACH, Inc. Community Service received $1,089.70 and This Belong to Us received $217.94.
    The sheriff’s additional supplement for March from four bingo facilities totaled $81,303.76.

  • Eutaw street and sewer worker loses his life during plumbing repair work in Branch Heights

    On Tuesday afternoon, April 25, 2023, Mr. Tony Rice, a Eutaw City employee, lost his life as he and co-workers attempted to repair water/sewer lines in the William M. Branch Heights subdivision. Rice and other city workers were helping dig a hole at the community center in Eutaw when it collapsed, prompting a multi-agency rescue effort Tuesday night. According to the Eutaw Ambulance service this was the scene of a heavy technical rescue. Reportedly two other workers were injured requiring medical attention.
    Seemingly the City of Eutaw nor the County had adequate equipment to conduct a successful rescue when the indecent occurred. The Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue Team was called in to assist with its equipment. After 4:00 a.m. Wednesday morning, the body of the 46 year-old city worker was recovered.
    The following statement was released by Eutaw City Mayor, Latasha Johnson.
    “The City of Eutaw is saddened at the loss of a hard worker and great friend. Tony Rice was a dedicated worker who has served the City of Eutaw for many years. Our public works employees are first responders who’s daily responsibilities are to maintain public infrastructure like roads and utilities. No one ever wants to have to deal with a situation like this, and no one ever thinks it will happen to them. Over the next several days there will be more questions than answers as we move through all of the official processes and also deal with heavy hearts and sadness at a loss of someone who’s close to you. We will forever miss Tony’s smiling face and energy. We would ask for your thoughts and prayers during this time as we are all grieving. Out of respect for the family, out of concern for the rest of the Team Eutaw family, and due to the nature of the circumstances we are not going to be able to provide additional comments at this time. “

  • Alabama State University awards six seniors $182, 560 in scholarships

    Superintendent Jones stresses positive news in school system

    The Greene County Board of Education held its monthly meeting on April 24, 2023 with all board members in attendance. Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones opened his report to the board with positive news from the various schools. At Eutaw Primary, Kindergarten teacher Ms. Kaleiga Jemison was awarded a $500 from Alabama Power Foundation Classroom Grant Program to purchase classroom supplies and materials to enhance student achievement. Eutaw Primary School is in process of preparing for summer learning, with 74 scholars registered to attend.
    In reporting positive news for Robert Brown Middle School, Dr. Jones noted that on March 31, an ACAP Kick Off Rally and at least 97% of RBMS scholars participated in ACAP testing. RBMS held a 7th and 8th grade basketball game on April 21 to celebrate the students attendance during ACAP testing. The RBMS cool down room has officially opened to all students. Students cNan use their Tiger Tickets to enjoy time in the area. On April 27, RBMS scholars will travel to Tuscaloosa for a tour of Stillman College.
    For Greene County High School positive news, the superintendent shared that Alabama State University visited GCHS on April 17 and awarded $182,560 in scholarships to six seniors. The Debate Team traveled to Mississippi State University during Spring Break. The team performed well and received awards for Most Passionate Debaters. GCHS football players attended Brain Day at the University of Alabama, attending sessions on concussions and mental health, brain imaging, nutrition, sleep health and substance abuse. Tenth graders toured the University of West Alabama. Two seniors have signed up for the Alabama Skilled Trades Jumpstart Program; nine seniors attended WOW 2.0 and received multiple contingent job offers. One senior was officially offered a position in the Mercedes Apprenticeship program, beginning this summer.
    Superintendent Jones presented a preview of the Teacher Pipeline Program, which the school district is exploring with the University of Alabama. The program addresses the shortage of qualified teachers with an approach to increase the number teacher preparation programs, support partnerships between schools and universities and incentives for teachers to work in high-need areas. Dr. Jones noted that with the system investing $4,700 per student for preparatory programs, those students could be eligible for four-year full tuition scholarships at $44,000 per student. Upon completion, the new teachers could receive further monetary incentives to return to their home communities to teach. According to Jones, no final contract is not ready to come before the board.
    The board acted on the following personnel items recommended by the superintendent.
    * Approved superintendent’s recommendation to non-renew Reginald Coats contract.
    * Approved Victoria Moore, as STEAM Leader for Greene County High School.
    * Retroactively approved Michelle Williams, full-time custodian, Greene County Career Center, with a start date of Monday, April 17, 2023.
    * Approved Zarquashia Taylor, as School Nurse for Greene County Schools.
    * Approved Project Grow Participants: Brittany Harris, Administrator; Marilyn Knott, Counselor; Pamela Pasteur, Reading Interventionist.
    Project Grow Committee: Greene County High School -Andrea Perry; Janice Jeams-Askew Tamika Thompson; Victoria Moore; Tura Edwards.
    Project Grow Committee, Robert Brown Middle School: Dr. Rosalyn Robinson; Felecia Smith;Vanessa Bryant; Raven Bryant.
    The board acted on the following administrative items recommended by the superintendent.
    * Payment of all bills, claims, and Payroll.
    * Bank reconciliations as submitted by Ms. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
    * Approval of Greene County Board Indirect Cost Proposal FY24 Organizational Chart 2022.
    Approval of Administrative Staff to Attend the 2023 Model School Conference, Orlando Florida June 25 – 28, 2023. Attendees include: Teresa Atkins; Rebecca Coleman; Brittany Harris; Dr Corey Jones; Charlayne Jordan; Marshae Pelt; LaMonica Little; Andrea Perry.
    Memorandum of Understanding between Greene County Board and Young Teen Asthma & Wellness Camp,
    Approval of Disposal of used panels.
    Approval of University of West Alabama Stem Institute Project.
    Approval of fixed Asset On-site Physical Inventory.
    Approval of SAAVAS envision Math, Professional Development.
    Approval of ARIS-Language Builder, Academic Readiness Intervention system.
    Approval of Project Grow Summer Leadership Professional Development.
    Service agreement between Greene County board and edconnect.
    Contractual Agreement between Greene County Board and Denise Horton, Behavior Aide. For 2023-2024 School Term.
    Approval of ESSER II Amendment – 4296.
    Retro-active approval of Wanda Blakley to travel to New Orleans.
    Contract between Greene County Board and Conserv Pest & Wildlife Services.
    Approval of Ambit Solution, IP Intercom System Replacement.
    Approval of Greene County District Recovery Plan 2023.
    Approval of Bid Proposal Between Greene County Board and Security Providers, LLC.
    Approval of Garry Rice to attend SREB School Improvement Conference.
    Memorandum of Agreement between Greene County Board and Community Services Program of West Alabama Head Start.
    Approval of Proposal, Kids First Education.
    Approval CNP Supervisor Shirley Stewart to travel to Denver Colorado, CNP Conference.
    Approval of Discontinuing ROTC Program.
    The Financial SnapShot, as of March 31, 2023, presented by CSFO Marquita Lennon, included the following: Operating Reserve – $5.08 combined general fund reserver; $2.96 cash reserve. All bank accounts have been reconciled. The General Fund Bank Balance – $3,547,514.14 (reconciles to the summary Cash Report); Accounts Payable Check Register – $458,486.56; Payroll Register – $926,704.13; Combined Ending Fund Balance – $6,135,726.13;
    Total Local Revenue – $222,699.

  • Federation of Southern Cooperatives holds Co-op Symposium at Rural Training Center

    Terence Courtney, the Federation’s Director of Cooperative Development makes presentation at Co-op Symposium.

    The Federation of Southern Cooperatives held its annual Co-op Symposium at the Rural Training and Research Center (RTRC), near Epes, Alabama last week on April 21. 2023.

    The symposium was attended by fifty co-op members in person and another fifty virtually online. This allowed for more discussions, questions to be answered and greater understanding of cooperative concepts by those in attendance.

    The main topic of the symposium was a new Uniform Limited Cooperative Associations Act which has been proposed by the state uniform laws commission and adopted by ten states mostly in the mid-West. This law would provide more ease and uniformity for cooperative development of all kinds: agricultural, consumers, workers, housing and others, across the nation.

    Terence Courtney, the Federation’s Director of Cooperative Development and Special Projects pointed out that the uniform law allows for voting membership by both participants and investors. Courtney said the provisions, “could dilute and endanger the democratic nature and quality of cooperatives, embodied in the cooperative principle of one member-one vote.”

    Currently investors can participate in cooperative development by purchasing non-voting preferred stock with a set rate of return or other types of investment shares. These investors are not entitled to a vote in the affairs and decision making of the cooperative.

    There was a lively discussion at the symposium of the potential impacts of this uniform legislation on future cooperative development supported and assisted by the Federation.

    Several Federation state associations were represented at the meeting and gave reports on the status of cooperative development in their states and areas.

    Previously this month, the Mississippi Association of Cooperatives and the Alabama State Association of Cooperatives had a training at the RTRC for members of the board of directors on their roles and responsibilities in implementing cooperative development and progress. This training for directors was well received and beneficial to the Federation’s membership.

     

     

  • Newswire: Amnesty International warns of catastrophe as deadly weapons flood into Sudan

    Map of Sudan

    Apr. 21, 2023 (GIN) – Meddling by foreign powers is said to have kept an intractable fire burning for years between an Arab-led government in Khartoum and an independent Republic of Sudan in the South. 
     
    But it is inarguable that arms sales from western countries have kept Sudan flush with weapons for years.
     
    Now, in a new report, Amnesty International has revealed how a shell company in the heart of London’s West End enabled huge prospective arms deals to war-torn South Sudan and other countries, thanks to regulatory gaps which are making the UK a hotspot for companies involved in illicit arms transfers. 
     
    “South Sudan is awash with weapons that have been used to kill and maim thousands of civilians, causing Africa’s biggest refugee crisis,’’ said Amnesty International’s Head of Arms Control and Human Rights. “The UK government has been a vocal proponent of a UN arms embargo on South Sudan, yet is turning a blind eye to illegal deals taking place right under its nose.”
    “Right now the UK provides the perfect conditions to become a hotspot for the kind of irresponsible arms transfers that have devastated South Sudan.”
     
    “These arms deliveries must be halted if they have not already reached South Sudan. In the meantime we continue to call for a comprehensive UN arms embargo on South Sudan that includes any financial or logistical activities that would facilitate these kinds of arms transfers. Without an embargo, weapons will continue to flow into South Sudan, and the consequences for civilians will continue to be catastrophic.”
     
    “Ukraine and its state-owned arms exporter, Ukrinmash, must also cease supplying arms to South Sudan,” Amnesty Int’l warned, “and uphold the object and purpose of the Arms Trade Treaty which includes reducing human suffering and establishing the highest possible common international standards for regulating the international trade in conventional arms.”
     
    United Nations envoy to Sudan, Volker Perthes, said that gunmen have been targeting and destroying offices of U.N. aid agencies, including the World Food Program, Unicef, and the United Nations Development Program ––making it nearly impossible for agencies to carry out relief operations.
    “What happens in Sudan will not stay in Sudan, ”warned Alan Boswell of the International Crisis Group. “Chad and South Sudan look most immediately at risk of potential spillover. But the longer (the fighting) drags on the more likely it is we see major external intervention.”
     
    Days of fighting between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the country’s paramilitary group, and the Sudanese Army, have left more than 5 million people in the northeast African country stranded at home without water or electricity, while hospitals struggle with mounting casualties.
     
    The European Union’s ambassador to Sudan this week was assaulted in his home in Khartoum, according to Joseph Borrell, the bloc’s top diplomat. He called the attack a “gross violation of the Vienna Convention”.
     
    “Security of diplomatic premises and staff is an obligation under international law,” he wrote.
     
    Finally, South Sudan’s immediate neighbors are also listed as the main conduits, and sometimes sponsors, of weapon supplies to all sides in the conflict.
     
    These cross-border supplies have in some cases included weapons, ammunition, and aircraft lawfully exported to South Sudan’s neighbors from China, the European Union, and the United States.
     

  • Newswire: Entertainment icon and Human Rights Activist Harry Belafonte dies at 96

     Harry Belafonte speaking with African refugees


    By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

    Renowned singer, actor, producer, and legendary civil rights trailblazer, Harry Belafonte has died at the age of 96.
    His publicist confirmed that the beloved icon died of congestive heart failure at his home in New York.
    In addition to his children Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer, Shari Belafonte, Gina Belafonte, David Belafonte and two stepchildren Sarah Frank and Lindsey Frank, Belafonte leaves behind eight grandchildren: Rachel Blue Biesemeyer, Brian Biesemeyer, Maria Belafonte McCray, Sarafina Belafonte, Amadeus Belafonte, Mateo Frank, Olive Scanga, and Zoe Frank.
    Known globally for both for his artistic ingenuity and humanitarian ideals, Belafonte became an early, vocal supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, a confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and financial backer of countless historic political and social causes and events, including the anti-Apartheid Movement, equal rights for women, juvenile justice, climate change and the decolonization of Africa.
    He was one of the organizers of the 1963 March on Washington and led a delegation of Hollywood luminaries including his best friend Sidney Poitier, as well as Paul Newman, Sammy Davis, Jr, Marlon Brando, Rita Moreno, Tony Curtis, James Baldwin, Burt Lancaster, Joanne Woodward, Diahann Carrol, Bob Dylan, Mahalia Jackson, Peter, Paul and Mary and Joan Baez, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis and Tony Curtis.
    The following is from Belafonte’s bio on the HistoryMakers:
    Born to immigrant parents in Harlem on March 1, 1927, Harry Belafonte spent much of his youth in his mother’s home country of Jamaica.
    Though difficult, life in Jamaica was full of rich cultural experiences that influenced Belafonte’s art.
    At the beginning of World War II, Belafonte returned to Harlem with his mother and brother. He had trouble integrating into the new environment and later dropped out of high school to join the U.S. Navy.
    After Belafonte was honorably discharged, he went back to New York, where he worked odd jobs until two free tickets to the American Negro Theatre (A.N.T.) changed his life.
    Belafonte auditioned for the A.N.T. and earned his first leading role in Juno and the Paycock. In 1953, he made his film debut opposite Dorothy Dandridge in Bright Road. He won a Tony in 1954 for his performance in Almanac.
    At the same time, Belafonte developed his singing talents, having parlayed a series of nightclub performances into a record contract. His third album, Calypso, topped the charts for thirty-one consecutive weeks and was the first record to sell more than 1 million copies.
    Belafonte also secured a television outlet with his hour-long special, Tonight with Belafonte, which won him an Emmy. He became the first African American TV producer and his company, HarBel, went on to produce one Emmy nominee after another.
    In the early 1950s, Belafonte developed a strong relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Belafonte worked tirelessly to mobilize artists in support of the civil rights movement.
    In 1985, he again rallied the global artistic community to raise awareness of the famines, wars and droughts plaguing many African nations.
    USA for Africa raised more than $60 million for this cause with “We Are the World” and Hands Across America.
    A longtime anti-apartheid activist, Belafonte hosted former South African President Nelson Mandela on his triumphant visit to the United States.
    Belafonte maintained his commitment to service as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.
    “The lifelong commitment, courage, global leadership, and legacy of The Honorable Harry Belafonte will always be cherished and remembered by billions of people throughout the world,” said NNPA President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. “Belafonte was a gifted, talented and transformative freedom fighter for all of humanity. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) salutes the memory of Harry Belafonte and recommits to the struggle for freedom, justice and equality that Belafonte so boldly epitomized and embodied.”

  • Newswire: Fort Lee, Virginia, named for a Confederate general, will be renamed to honor Black Army pioneers

    Army Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg and Army Lt. Col. Charity Adams

    By Emma Sánchez, NBC News

    Fort Lee in Virginia will be officially renamed Fort Gregg-Adams on Thursday after two Black officers who made significant contributions to the U.S. Army. 
    The post is one of nine Army bases that will be renamed as part of the process of  redesignating bases named after Confederate leaders, in this case Robert E. Lee, according to an Army statement.
    “We are deeply honored to have Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams as the new namesakes for our installation,” Maj. Gen. Mark Simerly, commander of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command and senior commander of Fort Lee, said in the statement.
    At 94, Gregg will be the only living person in modern Army history to have an installation named after him, according to the Army. Gregg’s military logistics career spanned nearly 36 years, and he experienced the challenges of desegregating the armed forces, which began shortly after he enlisted in 1946.  After completing officer candidate school in 1949, his first assignment was at Fort Lee in 1950, and when he retired in 1981, he was the highest ranking Black officer in the U.S. military.
    In 1942, Adams served in the newly created Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, where she was later selected to command the first and only unit of predominantly Black women to serve overseas during World War II. She led the 6888th ​​Central Postal Directory Battalion, which was crucial to disseminating 17 million pieces of mail and correspondence for soldiers across England and France during the height of the war. Adams was eventually promoted to lieutenant colonel, one of the highest ranks attainable for women during the war, according to the Army.
    Two other bases in Virginia — Fort A.P. Hill and Fort Pickett — were also scheduled to be renamed by the congressional Naming Commission. The commission was established in January 2021 to remove names, signs and other items associated with the Confederacy and Confederate soldiers who waged the Civil War, largely to protect and expand the slave trade.
    The Naming Commission sought new names that are historically relevant and inclusive, and chose Gregg and Adams for their inspiring leadership, Simerly said.
    “Their tremendous accomplishments — from World War II through the Cold War — speak to the important history of this installation and to the courage, dignity, and devotion to duty that we strive to instill in every Soldier training here at the home of the Army Sustainment,” Simerly said.
    The redesignation ceremony will be live-streamed on Facebook and from locations including the Army Women’s Museum, which is at Fort Lee.

  • Newswire: Biden’s re-election announcement to test resolve of Black voters

    Voter holding Black Voters Matter sign


     

    By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

    The news that President Joe Biden will seek re-election has many curious about how well he will perform among African American voters.
According to the results of a recent poll conducted by TheGrio and KFF, Black people had a positive opinion of both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
There remains some debate among Black Americans about whether or not they will support Biden for president in 2024.
According to the results of the poll of one thousand Black voters who were contacted between August 24, 2022, and September 5, 2022, 69% of respondents were pleased with Biden’s performance.
When asked whether the Democrats should select someone other than Biden in the next presidential election, 58% of Black voters answered that they would rather see another candidate run than Biden.
Additionally, the results of the survey suggested that an astounding seventy percent of Black voters would cast their ballots for Harris if she were to run for president, revealing the possibility that African Americans would offer more support to Harris than Biden.
Further, there remains a greater degree of disagreement among Black voters who identify as Democrats or who lean toward the party.
The poll reveals a consensus among respondents (49%) that the party ought to put forward Biden as its candidate for another term.
The remaining half of voters have indicated that they would want the Democrats to select a different candidate for president in 2024.
Even among Black voters, there’s a wide range of viewpoints about the question of whether Biden should be the nominee.
Those under the age of 50 and those who lean Democratic are more likely to seek a different candidate than those over the age of 50 who want Biden to run for a second term.
This is especially true of Black Democrats. Fifty-seven percent of Black Democrats and Democrats-at-heart aged 50 and over want Biden as the nominee, however only 42% of all Democrats and Democrats-at-heart want the party to choose someone else.
Meanwhile, the Republican Party has struggled to win Black voters, and the poll shows that this pattern hasn’t changed.
The anger and obstruction that Republicans have shown toward Barack Obama throughout the years, in addition to their resistance to a voting rights law in Congress, make gaining the Black vote an uphill battle for the GOP.
By identifying themselves with Christian nationalists and organizations with roots to white supremacy, some Republicans have made it impossible to gain the support of Black voters.
The track record that Biden has on racial issues has also been debated in the Black community.
His efforts to pass a comprehensive voting rights package and reduce gun violence have been unsuccessful, but he has honored campaign vows to select a Black woman as his vice president and appoint one to the Supreme Court.
Biden also must overcome the problems caused by some of his supporters privately and publicly bashing Harris, an issue that has alienated some Black voters.
Four years after announcing his campaign for the 2020 election that finally resulted in the defeat of the criminally indicted and twice-impeached Donald Trump, Biden again seeks to beat back a run by the MAGA leader.
Reportedly, Biden’s most prominent supporters have been invited to a financial summit in Washington, D.C, in the days running up to his planned announcement, which has kicked off a wild race to stock the president’s war chest.
The meeting, planned for Friday, is viewed as an important first step in a campaign that is going to try its best to fly under the radar for at least one year.
After that, Biden expects to start the process of hiring a team that will be able to function independently of the White House.
The team will include a campaign manager, communication assistants, state campaign directors, pollsters, finance managers, volunteers, and others.
According to reports, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, a top White House adviser and the granddaughter of the late American labor leader Cesar Chavez, is in the running to oversee the re-election campaign. Chavez counted as a prominent figure in the labor movement in the United States.