In this week's episode of "Black in the Bluegrass," hosts Stacy Brooks and Phillip M. Bailey sat down with Dr. Deonte Hollowell, professor of African American Studies at Spalding University, for an insightful discussion on Black political participation.
The impetus for the conversation was the October 2, 2023 announcement by Louisville Metro Councilman Jecorey Arthur that he will not seek re-election. Arthur was elected in 2020 amid the swell of Black Lives Matter protests, becoming one of the few activists propelled to office in that moment. His departure prompted the hosts to reflect more broadly on the experience of Black elected officials, especially those hailing from more grassroots activist backgrounds.
A central question threaded throughout the discussion was why there seems to be a lack of unapologetically Black male elected representatives engaging in protest politics to advocate boldly for the African American community. Dr. Hollowell drew from his own experience as the first independent and grassroots-focused council member appointed from the West End.
The guests explored reasons why the political structure often stifles those with more communal mindsets who want to provide direct resources and services to their constituents. Issues like adhering to formal rules and processes for allocating funds, abiding by unwritten cultural expectations for elected officials, and contending with other politicians who don't share their priorities were cited as recurring frustrations.
However, the speakers ended on a note of hope, emphasizing the importance of grassroots leaders sticking to their principles and surrounding themselves with the right people, rather than chasing titles or worrying about climbing the political ladder. As Dr. Hollowell put it, "the bus is gonna keep on rolling" with or without those focused solely on their own advancement.
This thought-provoking dialogue helps contextualize barriers to transformative Black politics in Louisville while offering inspiration to keep struggling toward justice despite the formidable challenges. Be sure to listen to the full conversation and share your reactions!
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