ESSENCE Poll: What Do You Believe the Black Community Needs the Most?

Following the Ferguson grand jury’s decision, there’s been lots of talk about the ways the Black community can “do better” to move our community forward.

Should we be putting be putting more time going to the polls to vote for elected officials, some asked? St. Louis county prosecuting attorney Robert McCulloch—who announced Monday’s verdict—has been in office since 1991 and was recently reelected this month.

McCulloch has a long history of siding with the police, reports Newseek.

“His sympathies for the cops run deep. His father was a St. Louis policeman killed in the line of duty by a black man when McCulloch was 12. His brother, nephew and cousin all served with the St. Louis police. His mother worked as a clerk for the force for 20 years. McCulloch would have joined the force too, but he lost a leg in high school due to cancer. “I couldn’t become a policeman, so being county prosecutor is the next best thing,” he once said.” 

And yet, despite his history, McCulloch has run largely unopposed. He was re-elected for four more years earlier this month, gaining 96% of the vote.

Over at The Grio, Demetria Irwin suggests that instead of the #BlackOutFriday call-out spurred by the verdict, African-Americans should be turning out for voter Tuesdays. She writes: “While you’re not shopping on Friday, do a little research into your local politicians. Find out who has been acting in your best interests, work towards issues that matter to you and of course, get to the polls for the next election.”

What do you believe should be the most pressing issue in our community? Share your thoughts below.

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