MichMash: Is the Michigan Democratic Party doing enough to attract Black voters?

May 24, 2024

“MichMash” host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer’s Alethia Kasben sat down with Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley to discuss how Michigan Democrats are exciting voters.

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley joined "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer's Alethia Kasben to discuss how Michigan Democrats are exciting voters.

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley joined "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer's Alethia Kasben to discuss how Michigan Democrats are exciting voters.

As a major battleground state, presidential candidates President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have been making visits to the Mitten State to drum up support. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben sat down with Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley to see if the Michigan Democratic Party is doing all that they can to excite voters.

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In this episode:
  • Ten-year update since the Flint Water Crisis
  • The Michigan Democratic Party and inclusivity in representation
  • Flint voter turnout in the 2024 presidential election
Mayor Sheldon Neeley filed then withdrew his bid for the U.S. Congress in Michigan’s 8th District. Afterword he stated that the party had a preferred candidate.   “We have to be able to say that we [the Democratic Party] are a party of inclusion, versus exclusion,” Neeley said. “When we have qualified individuals that can engage in a space to be able to obtain, to be able to serve, we need to be able to look at that with an open eye and not, select before we have the opportunity to elect.” The Democratic Party as a whole could be doing a better job attracting voters, especially the Black voter, Neeley says. He pointed to President Biden’s trip to Michigan for an NAACP event. There the President spoke about issues regarding the Black community. Neeley called his visit “a positive sign.” “If it’s a start and if it’s a cue to get others on board, but it’s not something that we should be talking about. Only in election season,” said Neeley.   The mayor stressed the power of dialogue with voters and removing impediments that get them to the ballot box.   More from WDET:

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Author

  • WDET reporter and producer Hernz Laguerre Jr.
    Hernz Laguerre Jr. is a Multimedia Journalist at 101.9 WDET. He is one of the co-host for "Detroit Evening Report," one of the weekend anchors for "Weekend Edition," the producer for our political podcast, "MichMash," and reports on arts, culture and politics.

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