How Black Culture Drives Politics

“The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it.” — John Lewis

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Election Day is here! After endless campaign ads and debates, today we can finally silence the noise. Whether voting or watching, remember to breathe and celebrate the power of choice. Let's stay grounded, enjoy a snack, and know our voices have been heard!

In today’s email:

• From Culture to the Polls: The Impact of Black Influence on Voting Power

• OpenAI Takes on Google: The New AI Rivalry in Search Begins

• Don’t Miss the Poll at the End: We need your opinion!

Stay Updated: The Allies trailer premieres on November 8th—get ready for a gripping look into Steve’s final case as a federal agent. Don’t miss it!

MAIN STORY

How Black Culture Shapes the Ballot Box

Black culture has always been a driving force in shaping political views and sparking civic involvement. Through music, social media, and their presence in movies and TV, Black cultural icons have raised awareness, empowered their communities, and motivated people to vote in impactful ways. On November 1, Vice President Kamala Harris hosted the When We Vote We Win rally in Milwaukee, featuring performances by Cardi B, GloRilla, The Isley Brothers, and others. Cardi shared her thoughts at the event, while GloRilla and more artists lit up the stage with their performances. As Election Day draws near, the impact of these cultural influences is more significant than ever.

• In 2020, 30% of Black men who were born outside the U.S. supported Donald Trump, while only 11% of Black men born in the U.S. and 10% of second-generation Black men did.

• While most Black men still lean toward Kamala Harris, a notable demographic shift shows growing support for Trump.

• According to the Pew Research Center, the number of Black immigrants in the U.S. grew from 800,000 in 1980 to 4.6 million in 2019. This group makes up 19% of the 20 million increase in the Black population.

Hip-hop and rap have long been champions of social and political change, giving a powerful voice to young Black Americans. Artists such as Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole use their music to shine a light on issues like systemic racism, police violence, and economic disparity—topics that hit home for many of their listeners. By sharing stories that mirror the real-life experiences of Black communities, these musicians motivate a new generation to become politically engaged and proactive. The emotional and relatable nature of their music often leads to higher voter participation, particularly among young people eager for change.

This presidential election season hasn't seen a standout political anthem like Young Jeezy's "My President is Black" or YG's "F Donald Trump," but Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" has certainly made waves in the 2024 race. Democratic leaders, including Vice President Kamala Harris, have embraced the song as a symbolic critique of former President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Harris has even incorporated the song’s chorus into her campaign messages to highlight the perceived differences between the parties. Additionally, "Not Like Us" was featured at the Democratic National Convention, cementing its influence on the current political scene.

Social Media and Cultural Icons

Social media enables Black cultural icons to connect directly with followers, bypassing traditional media. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok allow figures like Beyoncé, LeBron James, and Cardi B to advocate for voter participation and inform audiences about political involvement. Their endorsements reach millions, raising awareness of critical issues affecting Black communities and motivating fans to act.

Swing States on the Line

This article from TIME highlights Kamala Harris' dedicated mission to energize Black male voters, aiming to tackle voter apathy instead of trying to sway Trump supporters. With support from allies like Senator Raphael Warnock, Harris' campaign is focusing on increasing voter turnout in crucial cities like Detroit, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee. They're doing this through special events, celebrity endorsements, and grassroots outreach. The campaign sees Black male voters as essential for winning swing states and is making strong efforts to boost their participation. As Election Day approaches, Harris' team is working hard to close the enthusiasm gap, understanding that turnout among Black men could be the deciding factor in the election.

TRENDING

THE FLIP SIDE

OpenAI Enters the Search Game, Setting Up an AI Showdown with Google

OpenAI has officially launched “ChatGPT Search,” an AI-powered search tool that aims to challenge Google’s longstanding dominance in the search engine market. Here’s a breakdown of what this means and what the new tool offers:

• Real-Time AI-Powered Search: ChatGPT Search offers up-to-date information, similar to Google’s, covering topics from restaurant reviews to stock prices. It provides summaries with cited sources for easier access to reliable content.

• Media Partnerships: OpenAI has secured agreements with The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, and Vox to feature their content, ensuring high-quality results.

• Powered by Bing: ChatGPT Search uses Bing and other engines for backend support, indicating a strategic shift between OpenAI and Microsoft.

• Slow but Notable Growth: ChatGPT has seen a slight increase in preference, with 8% of surveyed users choosing it over Google in September.

A Shift in the Search Landscape

As the industry looks ahead, ChatGPT Search’s launch marks a significant moment in AI’s role in information retrieval. How AI-powered search will diverge from traditional models remains to be seen, but the growing interest signals a possible shift toward a more interactive and efficient search experience.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Allies Trailer

Get ready for a thrilling ride with a new web series that’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! Follow Steve, a seasoned federal agent tackling his last big case, as he navigates the dark and dangerous criminal underworld. This series is packed with gripping storytelling and intense drama, diving deep into themes of loyalty, power, and the fine line between right and wrong. Don’t miss the much-awaited trailer release this Friday, November 8th—it’s your first glimpse into a world that’s sure to captivate you!