They Are Erasing Black Gains In Real Time. Voting Isn’t Enough. Power Must Be Built

The speakers assert that the current administration is actively engaged in a 'war on Black folks,' systematically dismantling progress. This includes executive orders eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in federal policy, hiring, and contracts, which previously provided avenues for Black businesses and professionals. Colleges and universities were directed to end DEI programs, threatening federal funding, leading to the abolition or alteration of over 400 programs, including Black student unions and Black studies courses. Additionally, efforts are underway to remove historical evidence of Black existence, such as exhibits on slavery in museums.

Executive orders eliminating DEI in federal policy and education; over 400 university DEI programs abolished/altered; removal of slavery exhibits (e.g., Pennsylvania); Black unemployment skyrocketing from historic lows under Biden to 7.2-8.3% (twice white unemployment); 300,000 Black women losing jobs; rising inflation exacerbated by 'ignorant tariffs' deemed unconstitutional.

The regime is actively stifling Black political power and access to healthcare. This includes an executive order requiring proof of citizenship to vote, reminiscent of Jim Crow-era poll taxes, and ongoing Supreme Court attacks on the Voting Rights Act (e.g., Shelby v. Holder, Section 2, and the pending Cala Louisiana case which could eliminate 19 Black congressional seats). Concurrently, there are significant cuts to healthcare support, including Obamacare and Medicaid, while billions are given in tax cuts to billionaires, disproportionately harming Black communities facing increased health threats like measles outbreaks due to anti-vaccination rhetoric.

Executive order requiring 'show your papers' to vote (2025); Supreme Court attacks on Voting Rights Act (Shelby v. Holder, Section 2); pending Cala Louisiana case; attacks on Obamacare and Medicaid; billions in tax cuts for billionaires; increased measles outbreaks (2,200 cases last year, nearly 1,000 this year by February).

While acknowledging the critical importance of voting, the speakers argue it cannot be the sole tool for resistance. They propose a '5 Ds' framework: Disruption (protests, interfering with machinery), Defection (exploiting divisions among opponents), Delegitimization (using legal challenges, humor to diminish authoritarian figures), Develop (creating new societal models), and Defend (protecting communities from immediate harm like police violence). This comprehensive approach leverages both traditional and non-traditional methods.

Historical examples of emancipation and civil rights movements occurring during larger turmoils; the '5 Ds' framework for resisting authoritarianism; examples of disruption include the Target boycott (50% stock price drop), Minnesota 'general strike' of absence, and DC's successful resistance against federal budget interference.

The ultimate goal is not merely to resist or revert to a previous state (e.g., Obama or Biden eras) but to fundamentally transform the nation. Drawing on Dr. King's call to be 'reborn' and the Declaration of Independence's right to 'alter or abolish' government, the Alrights advocate for 'nation-building.' This involves developing a new constitution that enshrines fundamental rights like voting, education, healthcare, housing, and a guaranteed income, prioritizing people over property and honoring the earth, potentially exploring new economic models beyond capitalism or socialism, such as a 'care economy.'

Dr. King's 1968 'Where Do We Go From Here' speech advocating for rebirth; Declaration of Independence clause on altering/abolishing government; current constitution's lack of fundamental rights for voting, education, healthcare, housing, and income; the idea of an economy based on care.