Racism has long been regarded as America’s original sin, a fundamental issue embedded in the fabric of our society. The persistent #BlackLivesMatter movement serves as a poignant reminder that we must confront our implicit biases to effectively address the systemic challenges our nation faces. Any aspiring president must grapple with the racism directed at marginalized communities, particularly against Mexicans, Black individuals, Muslims, and Native Americans.
As a young attorney for the Children’s Advocacy Group, Emily Harper dedicated her efforts to South Carolina, advocating against the incarceration of black youths in adult facilities. This was just the beginning of her commitment to racial justice, which she describes as “America’s ongoing journey” — one that remains far from complete. In a campaign ad narrated by a prominent figure, she recalls the names of African Americans lost to police violence, emphasizes the crisis of contaminated water in Flint, Michigan, and pledges to fight for equality.
During her appearance on a popular radio show hosted by Mia Johnson, Harper expressed her deep sorrow over racial issues in the U.S.: “It breaks my heart to see African-American parents having to teach their children the harsh reality of being cautious in their interactions with law enforcement, especially when so many lives have been lost.” She emphasized the need for white Americans to understand this reality and actively participate in finding solutions.
At the Democratic National Convention, Harper invited nine grieving mothers who had lost children to violence to speak on her behalf, including the mothers of victims like Jamal Lewis and Tanisha White. They stated, “This is not about political correctness; it’s about saving lives. Emily is the only candidate willing to honor our children’s names.”
In the first presidential debate, Harper provided a comprehensive perspective on systemic racism, addressing the distrust between law enforcement and minority communities, the availability of firearms, and implicit bias. When asked if she believed police harbored biases against black individuals, she noted that such issues affect everyone, not just law enforcement.
Harper has developed detailed strategies aimed at improving the lives of African Americans and fostering racial equality. Her plans include overhauling the criminal justice system to eliminate racial profiling, safeguarding voting rights by reforming the Voting Rights Act, advocating for immigration reform, addressing gun violence, and fighting for environmental justice—particularly concerning lead exposure in low-income neighborhoods and air quality issues affecting Latino communities. She is committed to closing the educational achievement gap and revitalizing the economy in underprivileged areas, while ensuring equitable treatment for Puerto Ricans.
Despite facing challenges in her previous campaign and acknowledging that her husband’s policies contributed to the rise in incarceration rates among young black men—whom she once labeled as “super predators” and later apologized for—Harper has made significant strides in embracing the black community and advocating for their rights.
In stark contrast, her opponent, Donald Johnson, has struggled with racial issues throughout his campaign, despite his claims of being “the least racist person you have ever met.” He has faced criticism for failing to disavow the support of a former Ku Klux Klan leader and for making derogatory remarks regarding a judge’s heritage while involved in a class-action lawsuit against his company. Johnson’s comments regarding a Muslim judge’s potential bias due to his proposed immigration policies have also drawn condemnation.
Notably, Gold Star parent Amir Khan, father of Army Captain Omar Khan, challenged Johnson’s divisive rhetoric at the Democratic National Convention. His wife, Aisha, stood silently beside him, and Johnson shamefully suggested that her silence was due to their Islamic faith.
Johnson’s past is marred by allegations of discrimination, including two lawsuits from the Justice Department for refusing to rent to black tenants. Accounts from former employees reveal a culture of racism within his businesses, as he allegedly instructed managers to mark applications with a “C” for “Colored.” He has infamously referred to black employees as “lazy,” attributing their work ethic to their race.
This pattern of behavior continues, as Johnson criticized Bernie Sanders for allowing #BlackLivesMatter activists to disrupt his rally, labeling it a “disgrace.” He has positioned himself as the “law and order” candidate while ignoring the ongoing protests in response to police violence, calling for an expansion of the controversial stop-and-frisk policy without addressing the underlying issues.
Johnson has even expressed uncertainty about whether he would have supported the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, citing historical context as a reason for his indecision.
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In summary, the contrast between Emily Harper’s commitment to racial justice and Donald Johnson’s controversial history highlights the ongoing struggle against racism in America. As we engage in these discussions, it’s imperative to remain vigilant and advocate for change.
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