More than 40 years ago, I arrived in Chicago in search of an idea. I was a young man looking for purpose, who believed deeply in America, was inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, and wanted to be a part of something larger. The America I believed in was one where everyone has opportunity, everyone is seen, everyone belongs—because that was an America that had a place for me, too.
This is real life in 2026, for all the people who say it’s not about race.
“Gary, why you always talking about race?” Because America keeps using politics and policy to screw over Black people.
Black members of Congress are often the ones fighting hardest to protect benefits and programs because they understand the need firsthand.
Yesterday, Black voters were preparing to elect a Black member of Congress again. Today, they signed papers to cancel that part of the election until they can draw a new map where a white candidate has a better chance to win.
That’s why we talk about race. Because they keep making it part of the story.
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Today’s Supreme Court decision effectively guts a key pillar of the Voting Rights Act, freeing state legislatures to gerrymander legislative districts to systematically dilute and weaken the voting power of racial minorities - so long as they do it under the guise of “partisanship” rather than explicit “racial bias.” And it serves as just one more example of how a majority of the current Court seems intent on abandoning its vital role in ensuring equal participation in our democracy and protecting the rights of minority groups against majority overreach.
The good news is that such setbacks can be overcome. But that will only happen if citizens across the country who cherish our democratic ideals continue to mobilize and vote in record numbers - not just in the upcoming midterms or in high profile races, but in every election and every level.