African American Studies Commons^™

2016 Election: Part 2: The Cycle Continues, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

From Part 1: “North Omaha voted at a poor rate. We did not vote large enough to make our collective voices heard in this election. Thus our preferences were defeated. For good or bad, our non-voting contributed to the victory of Trump and the defeats of Ashford and restoration of the Nebraska death penalty…. Beginning immediately there needs to be, A New Attitude; Demands for accountability from our leadership and outside forces to develop with the community new avenues for inclusion of wealth into north Omaha. Not grants, gifts etc., but job development, small business development and supporting services. …

2016 Election: Time For New Attitudes, New Agendas And New Actions, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

The initial numbers from the 2016 national elections are in and the results are our new realities. Many of us along with the Black Votes Matter initiative have been calling for a strong and forceful vote to provide additional leverage to our advocacy for our community’s best interest. Our voting power assists us when arguing our case to the public and private sectors. We need our community’s leadership to demand respect and demand economic inclusions measures necessary for us to build an economically healthy and developing community for our youth, our businesses and our culture. Ultimately, our community’s welfare needs …

Voting: What Do Our Kids Say?, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

This fall Black Votes Matter, my UNO “Black Politics” class and a Benson High School class of 25 embarked on a civic education project, which revealed something wonderful. Those reading this column and have read my book Economic Cataracts (Love, 2015) are aware that one of my major concerns is that our youth are not receiving an adequate amount of civic education. As such I have led efforts to improve the situation. We led in 2015 the effort for 700 of our youth to see the movie SELMA. We are partnering with the League of votes to insert civic lessons …

The 2016 Ballot, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

By now many of you have received your ballots and in fact already have voted. The forecast from the election commission is that over 40% of our voters will vote early. This issue of the Omaha Star will surface to its readers October 22nd. By now the deadline for voter registration will have passed, except in person at the Election Commission. (225 N 115th). By now there is only one week left until a request for an early ballot can be received (October 28th).

My message is directed to those of you who still have not voted, those of you …

Presidential Politics And The Black Vote, Part 3 Of 3, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

From part 2: In that hotel, that day we struggled and argued the pro and cons and finally he made the decision. At that moment he decided to run for President of the United States

November 3, 1983, Rev Jesse L. Jackson announced that he was running to be the President of United States. The room was filled to the brim with blacks and white, leaders and followers, Secret Service and two hecklers who were escorted out of the room. American and African American history was made that day and the following months. During the exploratory period, Jackson was awarded …

Presidential Politics And The Black Vote, Part 2 Of 3, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

From part 1. “No consensus decision was ever formally made (of what black leader would run for President in 1984) but Rev Jackson decided to test the waters and received the blessing of most of the leaders.

RUN, JESSE RUN!
Rev Jackson launched a southern voter registration tour, hired me as his only staff (I took a leave of absence from the City of Atlanta). “ During the summer of 1983 Rev. Jackson and I traveled at first during the weekends and later full time, into the historic southern states Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky. Rev Jackson …

Presidential Politics And The Black Vote, Part 1 Of 3, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

With the advent of the 2016 Presidential contest, I reflect on the impact and importance of the black Vote during presidential elections. There have been significant events that must be acknowledged prior to any discussion of the presidential black vote. We must establish the importance of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. We must be reminded of the importance of the civil rights struggle and movement culminating in the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the events of Selma. These historic events laid the ground work for the explosion of black registration and voting.

Back To School, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

We are less than 90 days until the 2016 Presidential Election and it’s time for us all to go back to election school. Your assignment is to study the following 10 points, share with others, and take action on those that call for it. Reminder of three important homework assignments you should be up on, if you have been reading this column. 1. Black Votes Matter, 2. Our community has a lot at stake in this 2016 election, 3. Don’t let Trump change your life.

It’S Time For Black Votes To Matter, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

My beloved, we have arrived at the time where the voting “rubber meets the roads”. The 2016 general election is upon us. We are at the classic fork in the roads. Our community has so many needs that can be addressed by responsive elected officials, from top to bottom. From the President to our congressman, our State Senators and county and local office holders. We must vote those who have our self interest in focus, then do our job and demand that they be responsive and accountable, we must handle our business this year. Hopefully, we are beginning to realize …

The Republican Convention, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

This commentary will focus on the politics of this summer, of the year we have a November election. Every four years we elect the President of the United States, that’s now. For the record Members of the US House of Representatives must run every two years, members of the US Senate run every six years. Members of the US Supreme court are appointed for life.

National Crisis, Local Crisis, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

I have lived for 75 years. That means I have observed and experienced many cycles of America and its black citizens. Growing up in wonderful, but segregated North Omaha, blacks were poor but comforted by the love within our community for each other, our neighbors, classmates, our community and our family. We were not allowed to go downtown and freely go to the movies, but we had our own, the Ritz Theater. We were not allowed to go to inside, sit and enjoy Joe Tess Fish, so we got take out. We were not allowed to swim in the wonderful …

Nebraska Democrats Elect New Leadership, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

During the 2016 State Convention, In Kearney Nebraska, Nebraska Democrats voted in several highly contested races, they voted for new leadership top to bottom.
State Chairperson: Jane Kleep
State 1st Associate Chair: Frank LaMere
State 2nd Associate Chair: Tom Tilden
National Committeeman: Ron Kaminski
National Committeewoman: Patty Zieg
Black Caucus Chair: Chelsey Gentry-Tipton
Black Caucus Vice Chair: Maurice J Jones
Black Caucus Treasurer: Cornelius Williams
Black Caucus Secretary: Fionia Matthews
Black Caucus CD2 Director: Michael Hudges
LD13 NDP Central Committee: Preston Love Jr.

The Black Vote: Ignored Or Taken For Granted?, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

As of this writing it appears that the lineup for the 2016 Presidential race is set. Republican Donald Trump will be running against Democrat Hillary Clinton. Election to be November 8, 2016. What does mean to the African American community. What does it mean to the North Omaha’s African American community and what should be our posture.

Let’S Keep The Victory!, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

Once again let’s celebrate the North Omaha voting victory from the 2016 Primary. My beloved collectively; leadership, voters, Black Votes Matter, League of Women Voters, IMA, Activate85 and others, for the first time in over 20 years, we voted our own interest. Never in recent history has North Omaha voted at the same percentage as did the entire Douglas county voters. That’s significant and that’s victory for all. Take the victory, talk to your circles about it and let’s get ready to make a difference and break records in the General Election. Turnout for Douglas County was 21% for the …

Superb North Omaha Vote In The Primary: Black Votes Mattered, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

For the first time in decades north Omaha can be proud of its voting. The turnout for north Omaha equaled the turnout for all Douglas County voters, that’s very good news. For years I and other voter participation advocates have been bemoaning the low turnout in North Omaha. I have written a book (Economic Cataracts), this column and the Black Votes Matter initiative all have been directed toward increasing the awareness and education needed for our community to get its voting house in order. The problem has been twofold: the raw low number of votes cast and maybe more important, …

It Is Time To Vote North Omaha, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

Voting activity in North Omaha.

From The National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis, Tennessee, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

I am writing my column for this issue from historic Memphis, Tennessee. On April 3rd, 1968 Martin Luther King came to Memphis at the invitation of my old friend Rev. Billy Kyles. King was in Memphis to support the strike and conduct a March for the African American sanitation workers who were working under dangerous conditions, discrimination, the death of two black workers and attempts to unionize. King was returning because a month before, a protest March was suspended after violence broke out. He was assassinated by James Earl Ray, the next day, April 4th, while standing on the balcony …

Needed An Investment In Our Youth: Civic Education, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

I have longed thought that slowly but surely the educational curriculum for our youth has gravitated away from, physical exercise, technical skills training and the subject of this article Civic education. After years of direct working with our community’s voters and non-voters at all ages I have learned how little we know about civics, the voting processes, governmental structures (at all levels), when to vote and how to vote. The problem is very serious with our youth, very serious. Elementary, secondary school children have little civic education and knowledge. There are exceptions, when there are sensitive teachers, but systematically we …

2016 North Omaha Voter: “Oops I Should Have Voted”, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

When the 2016 election becomes history, after the November election for President, the vote on Nebraska’s death penalty, US congressman and many other important offices, I hope I don’t have to hear residents of my community say to me, “Oops I should have voted”.

To my beloved community I say. “The next four to eight years could be the worse we will faced in decades”. This a potential reality if we do not go to the polls. But to the credit of north Omaha I am feeling the surge of our community, recognizing that we must get out and vote …

Omaha Star Exclusive Report: 2016 Nebraska Caucus (North Omaha), Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

The 2016 Presidential race came to Nebraska this past week. Recently Chelsea Clinton visited Big Mama’s Kitchen, Bill Clinton was in Benson and north Omaha’s own and Candidate Bernie Sanders’ National press Secretary, Symone Sanders also made a stop at Big Mama’s. Not since 1968 has North Omaha had such visits from the presidential campaign big hitters. It was about time that the community that gave President Obama historical split electoral Vote (2008) get the respect we deserve. Our community has needs and views on key issues and we need to be heard.

Breaking News: Its Official, The 2016 Nebraska Election Cycle Has Begun, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

Black Votes Matter Initiative:
The initiative has been launched. To raise community consciousness and directed to increased voter turnout. The North Omaha Voter Project will place 1000 free Black Votes Matter yard signs in North Omaha. There will informational meetings, voter registration, ride to the polls, early voting assistance, community forums and Get Out The Vote (GOTV) door knocking and phone calls as well as numerous speaking engagements on voting. We will join with many partners in our efforts; Neighborhood associations, Social and civic organizations, Clergy and north Omaha leadership. We are supportive and partner with the league of …

Black Votes Matter 2016 Initiative Launched!!, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

Saturday, January 23rd at a full house kickoff meeting, attended by over 100, the Black Votes Matter 2016 initiative was launched. Members from the community, neighborhoods, Clergy and leadership were joined by candidates Jake Seaman, Jill Brown and Dr. Larry Bradley who are running for the State Senate seat currently held by Senator Tonya Cook. Justin Wayne also may run. Senator Cook cannot run because of term limit laws. Also attendees were treated to presentations from all three Democratic Presidential candidates. Nebraska representatives for Clinton, Sanders and O’Malley made pitches and sought volunteers.
Attendees also were briefed on the upcoming …

2016 Nebraska Democratic Caucus: Everything You Wanted To Know About The Caucus But Were Afraid To Ask, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

The process of becoming the President of the United States is complex and lengthy. It begins with each of the major political parties deciding who will get the party’s nomination and become the Democratic or Republican Party’s candidate to become the President. It is important to note that the first step is entirely within each party separately. The Democrats do their thing as do the Republican. In a later column I will dissect the anatomy of a presidential campaign. This article will focus on primary/caucus season, which begins February 1st in Iowa.

Leadership Bankrupt Of Unity Is Bankrupting Our Community, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

In a community of great needs, we cannot afford to have dis-unity among our leadership. We have many assets, but North Omaha has many liabilities or needs; Economic Development, sustainable Jobs, small business ownership and growth. We need accountable leadership who see the value of unity for the good of the community, above all personal agendas.

The Changing “Face” Of North Omaha, Part 2, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

In my last and most recent column entitled THE CHANGING “FACE” OF NORTH OMAHA”, I discuss the advent of a steady migration into North Omaha from a worldwide immigrant and refugee population. I listed: Sudanese, Somalian, Vietnamese, Laotian, El Salvadorian, Guatemalan, refugee, immigrant, Afghanistan. Mexican, Iranian, Burmese to name a few. All great people and cultures in their own right. But my focus was and is on the resulting dynamics. My focus is narrowed to North Omaha Only. I suggest you read part1 for understanding of my thrust. In summary I declare that these new communities by in large bring …

Black Lives, Black Poverty And Black Votes Matter, Preston Love Jr.

Black Studies Faculty Publications

North Omaha it is time for our community to “straighten up and fly right”. That’s an old black phase and a line in an old song translated means let’s get our act together. Once again we have a major election year, 2016, facing us. Once again we have a lot at stake. Once again we have an opportunity to make a difference for our community by voting in our own interest. Once again I am pleading to our community to not again squander our power and our leverage by not voting. My beloved here is too much at stake.