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New Research Reveals Diversity Within Black Electorate, Challenging Monolithic View
September 5, 2024
Columbus, OH - A groundbreaking national survey conducted by Sojourn Strategies and HIT Strategies has uncovered five distinct value clusters within the Black electorate, challenging the long-held notion of a monolithic Black voting bloc. Building Freedom Ohio is at the forefront of applying these insights to engage and empower Black voters, particularly those who have been historically overlooked
Key findings include:
The Black electorate is complex and diverse, with varying issues, values, and identities driving civic engagement.
Nearly half of the Black electorate have a low or only moderate likelihood to vote.
A significant segment, dubbed "Rightful Cynics," lacks trust in politicians and institutions due to past failures.
Fred Ward, State Director of Building Freedom Ohio, explains: "A lot of people are functioning in crisis and survival mode. They don't see politicians and elected officials as aligned with their values. There's a lot of disbelief in them. When people are in doubt and they've suffered trauma, it can render them incapacitated.
Building Freedom Ohio specializes in motivating and engaging these rightfully cynical voters. Ward continues, "What changes for people is when they meet others like them. When people find out they're not alone in their aspirations for a decent neighborhood, a good school, and a nice life, that's where the magic happens."
The organization's approach focuses on creating a sense of community and shared power among voters. "We can feel our power to change things in the world together," Ward emphasizes. “I've seen hundreds of people cross the bridge from a state of powerlessness to one that's healthy and engaged."
Building Freedom Ohio's work is particularly crucial in light of the research findings. By providing a political home for those who have felt disconnected from the political process, they are increasing the chances that Rightful Cynics will choose to vote and participate in democracy.
This research and Building Freedom Ohio's efforts come at a critical time as the 2024 election approaches. Their work demonstrates that cynicism is not necessarily a barrier to civic engagement when people are invited into a community where they can make sense of politics and progress on issues they care about.
Building Freedom Ohio's work demonstrates that cynicism is not necessarily a barrier to civic engagement when people are invited into a community where they can make sense of politics and progress on issues they care about.
To further this mission, Building Freedom Ohio is hosting a series of Vote Fest Events to engage and empower voters, particularly those who have felt disconnected from the political process. These Vote Fest Events provide an opportunity for community members to connect, learn about the political process, and discover how their participation can make a difference. By creating these spaces for engagement, Building Freedom Ohio continues to bridge the gap between rightfully cynical voters and the democratic process, putting into practice the insights gained from the national survey on Black voter engagement.
Cleveland Vote Fest
Date: September 28, 2024
Location: Khnemu Foundation 966 E. 105 St. Cleveland, OH
Time: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Cleveland Vote Fest
Date: October 5, 2024
Location: Mega Church, 3170 Scranton Rd. Cleveland, OH 44109
Time: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.