Meet Bernie Sanders: Where the Black Voter Fits Into His Ambitious Plan
Meet Bernie Sanders: Where the Black Voter Fits Into His Ambitious Plan
It's safe to say that most Black people aren't all that familiar with Sen. Bernie Sanders. On the surface, he looks like a concerned 74-year old grandfather who has spent most of his political career serving the people of a state that is 95 percent White. But go a little deeper and you will find that there is much more to the man who some believe has what it takes to pulverize the political machine that powers Hillary Clinton.
Sanders grew up in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, NY. In his 20s, as a recent graduate from the University of Chicago he was arrested at a civil rights demonstration, igniting what would become a lifelong propensity of social activism. He's been fashioned as the guy who fights for the underdog, supported marriage equality before it became popular to do so, while at the same time remaining an ardent advocate for veterans' rights.
Even as these details about his past come to light, Sanders knows that he's fighting an uphill battle to be truly seen and heard. It won't be easy introducing himself, his plans or his politics to the African American community, especially when his opponent has a familiarity that spans being First Lady as well as Secretary of State. But he isn't a quitter. The Sanders campaign is mobilizing and it shows. His message is starting to seep through and Americans are responding with increasing poll numbers, volunteers and contributions. He's eager for the Black community to be a part of what seemed improbable given Clinton's early popularity. EBONY.com spoke to Sen. Sanders about his political record, where he stands on the Black Lives Matter movement, and what he plans to do with your vote.
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