OPINION: Because it is so Black, Mississippi can be turned blue

Several years ago, we wrote an article stating the fact that Mississippi is the reddest state in America because it is so Black. The point is that out of concerns rooted in racism – white desires to control all things and their fear of Blacks becoming the dominant group – more white people vote for the more oppressive measures and for candidates that are the most racially conservative than anywhere else. While not disavowing the earlier argument, we are here suggesting that because Mississippi has such a heavily Black population, with just a little support from non-Blacks, it can become a blue state.

A first step in turning it blue is having Kamala Harris and Tim Walz carry the state for president and vice president, and Ty Pinkins for the senate. That idea must be on the tongue and in the ears of every supporter of pluralistic democracy. 

In order to transform the state, we make the case to the NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY, seeking more resources for those presidential, vice presidential, and senatorial candidates. We also appeal more forcefully to MODERATE and LIBERAL WHITE VOTERS, on the basis of democracy and human rights, to assist in recruiting and turning their friends and neighbors to support Harris, Walz, and Pinkins.

Beyond that, we appeal to the brothers and sisters in the Jackson metropolitan area, the second congressional district, and in the areas where Black voters are in the minority. To those in the JACKSON AREA, we inform or remind you that in the last several statewide elections, the problem was turn-out. The margin of victory for the Republican winners was smaller than the number of Black voters who stayed home. As leaders and organizations, we must find the ways and means to dramatically increase voter turn-out.

To the BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN DISTRICT TWO, the MISSISSIPPI DELTA, we remind you that you are the major key to Mississippi political power. If you turn-out as you should, you determine who wins the presidency, the vice presidency, and the senator. This ought to be not only a source of pride, but an organizing principle for leaders in the area. In that regard, the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus can and should lead such an organizing effort, with help from other statewide groups, such as One Voice. 

To the BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN MINORITY BLACK AREAS, we would remind you that the offices of president, vice president, and senator depend upon the total statewide vote, meaning that your vote counts just as much as voters in the other areas, adding to the total state vote. You, like voters in the other areas, need to vigilant before, during, and after the voting, need to monitor closely and assure that voter suppression does not take place and that the counting is accurate. This is also an area where federal and national Democratic officials could play a key role.

With these kinds of efforts, Mississippi can surely become blue. It is often written-off by the media and even national Democratic officials based upon past political performances. Nevertheless, with greater encouragement, different kinds of advice and more resources, Mississippi can become a blue state.

Democrats everywhere ought to be encouraged. Turn-out is a key and that can be shored-up. 

For the nay-sayers who say it can’t be done, the writer has a saying which applies here – “They killed ole can’t in World War One and whipped ole couldn’t until he could.” Even if the transformation does not happen during this election cycle, it can rattle the Republicans enough until they will pull resources from other states, making it easier to increase the Democratic numbers in the senate and in the house in those states, which is also an improved outcome. What is more, it will also put Mississippi on the map as a swing state that has to be paid attention rather than taken for granted by the Republicans, as if Black Mississippians do not matter. No matter what, we are on the way.