Bernie Sanders supporters making republican mistakes when it comes to attracting black voters

Bernie Sanders supporters are passionate in their support of their candidate, and there is nothing wrong with that. As a matter of fact it’s great that so many young voters are energized and excited about presidential politics.

What’s not exciting is that they knowingly or not have taken to using Republican tactics to attract black voters. Instead of working to make sure black voters know Bernie Sanders civil rights record and what his platform is as it pertains to African Americans, they are busy attacking Hillary Clinton.

Much like the Republican strategy has been used against President Obama they are letting us know what they are against but not what they are for. Talking badly about someone black voters like and respect does not help your cause at all. It hasn’t helped Republicans attract black votes, and it didn’t work too well in 2008 or 2012.

We are reminded ad nauseam about Hillary Clinton being First Lady during Bill Clinton’s criminal justice reforms, her super predator comments, and her treatment of #BlackLivesMatter. I can remember all of those attacks, but you know what I can’t remember? Bernie Sanders stance on issues that affect African Americans.

Whatever you think of Hillary Clinton she has put the work in with many in the African American community to earn their support. None of her supporters are going to change their minds because of a negative post on Facebook or a negative tweet on Twitter. Since many are older voters, they will ignore those type of post because they have better things to do than deal with negativity.

Try posting, tweeting, and talking about the positives for the candidate you support. If you want people to listen about Bernie Sanders talk to them and not at them, you just might get people to listen.

In short, stop acting like Republicans.

George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.com georgelcookiii@gmail.com

In the interest of full disclosure Mr. Cook is a Hillary Clinton supporter but a Democrat first.

The Hartford Sponsors Smithsonian National Museum Of African American History And Culture

The Hartford announced its founding sponsorship of the Smithsonian’s newest museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, NMAAHC. The company made a $1 million contribution over five years to support the design and construction of the building, scheduled to open Sept. 24 in Washington D.C.

“The Hartford has been a part of American history for more than 200 years, growing, thriving and changing along with our nation,” said Susan Johnson, head of diversity and inclusion at The Hartford. “We are proud to be a founding sponsor of the National Museum of African American History and Culture and celebrate the important contributions of African Americans to the American Dream.”

Virginia Sen. Donald McEachin files papers to run for Congress

Virginia Sen. A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) has filed paperwork to run for Congress.

“As I said all along I’m very interested in the fourth congressional seat, but right now I’m busy doing the people’s business here at the General Assembly,” McEachin said through a spokeswoman. “I will have a lot more to say about Congress right after we adjourn.”

Chris Rock opening monologue at 2016 Academy Awards

Here is Chris Rock's full opening monologue at the 2016 Academy Awards. Rock addresses the topics of race, Hollywood and a boycott on the Academy Awards during the opening of Sunday evening's Oscar Awards in his own comedic way.

What to do since you are not watching the Academy Awards.

By George L. Cook III, AfricanAmericanReports.com georgelcookiii@gmail.com.

Author’s Note: I might suggest at least tuning in to see the beginning of the show and to hear Chris Rock’s monologue and see how he addresses the #OscarsSoWhite issue.

Many African Americans have planned not to watch tonight’s Academy Awards show in response to the #OscarsSoWhite controversy.

Now there are a good number who had no plans to watch the show anyway, but there are some who normally do if for no other reason than to post negative tweets about it.

Now for those few who had actually planned to watch it, but have chosen instead to support the #Blackout movement I have a few suggestions as to what you might do tonight.

* Watch the All Def Movie Awards show on Fusion TV, which is airing the same time as the Academy Awards. You will have to search for the channel though and then hope that you are subscribed to it.

* Watch The Black Panthers: Vanguard of a Revolution here: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/videos/the-black-panthers-vanguard-of-the-revolution/

* Read a book. I don’t care which one, just read a damned book and educate yourself. It can’t hurt.

* Watch tonight’s episode of The Walking Dead. Yes, I know they have a habit of killing off black people, but the show has more black characters than most “black” shows to begin with. In the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit I’m a huge TWD fan, so I may be biased here.

* Sit down and talk to those people called your family. Those are the people that live in the same house, normally have the same last name, and you may have occasionally seen them at the dinner table, you may even have spoken to them before.

* Go see the Jesse Owens biopic RACE, I think it’s still in 10 or 12 theaters nationwide.

* Go to sleep. A little extra rest before the start of the work week never hurt anyone.