Bridging the Divide: Recognizing and Supporting Southern Activism
When you think about political perspectives in the South, what do you think? The stronghold of the historic and modern Confederacy, stereotypes about bigoted “rednecks” that are fundamentally opposed to a progressive agenda?
In the world of American politics, battle ground presidential politics often take center stage, wielding considerable influence and shaping national conversations on progressive policies. However, in this process, progressives sometimes overlook the vibrant and essential activism occurring in the Southern states.
Dismissing the South is both a strategic and moral mistake.
The Power of Southern Activism
Starting from abolition through the Civil Rights Movement, the South has always played an important role in driving national progressive policies through regional activism. Although many in the Democratic and progressive establishment treat the South as a lost cause and a conservative stronghold, in reality, many of the most progressive organizations and campaigns operate out of the South.
One of the key reasons for the power of Southern activism is that higher rates of conservatism in the South means that activists are often on the frontlines of hard fights, engaging in direct action. Southerners have been tirelessly working to address these disparities, mobilizing for change, and inspiring a new generation of activists.
Some hallmarks of activism and how they play out in the South include:
Grassroots Activism: Southern activists are not waiting for national leaders to come to their aid. They are building local movements that address pressing issues such as voter suppression, affordable healthcare, and workers' rights. By targeting these critical concerns at the community level, they're making a tangible impact on the lives of Southerners. For example, Southerners On New Ground (SONG), an LGBTQ+ advocacy and development organization, builds coalitions that are regionally specific and community-focused. Their Free From Fear campaign focuses on ending money bail and pre-trial detention and stopping ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in the South, calling for an end to profiling and state violence against people of color and LGBTQ+ folks.
Youth-Led Movements: Young activists across the South are organizing and demanding change, such as NoCap, an NC-based youth-led organization that seeks to empower Black and brown students and communities to mobilize for social justice. Another example of a youth-led movement you may have heard of is the Parkland Activists, a group of young activist leaders calling for gun violence prevention in the wake of a tragic shooting at their high school. Whether it's pushing for climate action, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, or addressing gun control, Southern youth are at the forefront of important movements that could shape the nation's future.
Intersectionality: Southern activists understand the importance of intersectionality – the interconnectedness of social issues. Not only does the South have the highest concentration of Black voters (by far - 56% of the Black population in the country), the region also has the most LGBTQ+ identifying adults in the US. These demographics force activists to recognize that progress requires addressing multiple forms of oppression simultaneously.
4 Reasons Why Southern Activism Matters
Progressive coalitions need to recognize and actively support Southern activism for several critical reasons:
Expanding the Base: By engaging with Southern activists, progressive candidates can help broaden and connect the base of support for liberal policies. Building connections and demonstrating commitment to the South can sway voters and mobilize communities that have historically been left behind.
Diverse Perspectives: The South is an entire region of richness and cultural history that offers a diversity of perspectives and experiences that enrich the progressive agenda. Incorporating these viewpoints can lead to more inclusive and effective policies that address the needs of a broader range of Americans.
National Impact: Changes made in the South have a ripple effect on the nation. For instance, victories in the fight against voter suppression in Georgia can pave the way for fairer elections across the country. By supporting Southern activists, progressive candidates can catalyze national change.
Strategic Advantage: What would happen if a state like Texas flipped blue? Or Tennessee and Louisiana? The entirety of American politics would shift to a progressive tilt, and it would decimate Republican political power. While this may seem like a pipe dream, in actuality, most Southern states are not as staunchly red as you may think. If we want a progressive America, we cannot ignore the strategic political power of the South.
Confront your assumptions
It's time for the progressive and Democratic infrastructure to recognize the essential role of Southern activism in shaping a more equitable and just America. While liberals in states like New York or California undoubtedly have a significant influence, the South is not (and was never) a conservative stronghold, but a breeding ground for progressive movements. Engaging with Southern activists, listening to their concerns, and supporting their initiatives is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also a strategic move to build a broader and more inclusive progressive coalition that can drive transformative change.
The South is not Red, it’s oppressed.
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