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Will Identity Politics Define the Next Election?
As the United States approaches its next major election cycle, the question of whether identity politics will play a defining role looms large. Identity politics, which refers to political positions based on the shared experiences of specific social groups, has been a significant factor in recent elections and shows no signs of fading from the political landscape.
The complex nature of identity politics makes it a potent force in shaping voter behavior and campaign strategies. Voters often evaluate issues through the lens of their association with particular groups, whether based on race, gender, religion, or other characteristics. This can lead to strong affiliations with political parties or candidates who are perceived to champion the interests of these groups.
In recent years, identity politics has become increasingly prominent in American elections. The 2016 presidential election saw a heightened focus on issues related to race, gender, and immigration, with both major parties appealing to specific identity groups. This trend continued in subsequent elections, with candidates and parties tailoring their messages to resonate with particular demographic segments.
Looking ahead to the next election, several factors suggest that identity politics will continue to play a significant role:
1. Demographic shifts: The electorate is becoming increasingly diverse, with growing numbers of minority voters and younger generations entering the political arena.
2. Social media influence: Platforms like Twitter and Instagram amplify identity-based narratives and can accelerate the spread of political messages targeted at specific groups.
3. Polarization: The ongoing political divide in the country often aligns with identity-based issues, potentially reinforcing the importance of group affiliations in voting decisions.
4. Party strategies: Both major political parties are likely to continue using identity-based appeals to mobilize their base and attract new voters.
However, it’s important to note that identity politics is not a monolithic force. Voters are complex individuals with multiple, intersecting identities that can influence their political choices in nuanced ways. For example, while some expected women to uniformly support female candidates in recent elections, voting patterns revealed significant variations based on factors such as race, education, and economic status.
Critics argue that an overemphasis on identity politics can obscure important policy issues and potentially exacerbate social divisions. They call for a greater focus on broader economic concerns or a unifying national identity. Supporters, on the other hand, contend that identity politics is crucial for addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring representation for marginalized groups.
As the next election approaches, candidates and parties will need to navigate the complex terrain of identity politics carefully. Success may lie in finding a balance between addressing the specific concerns of various identity groups and articulating a vision that can unite diverse constituencies around common goals.
Ultimately, while identity politics is likely to be a significant factor in the next election, it is unlikely to be the sole defining element. The outcome will likely depend on a combination of identity-based appeals, policy proposals, economic conditions, and unforeseen events that may shape the political landscape in the months leading up to the vote.
As voters prepare to cast their ballots, they would do well to consider not only their group identities but also the broader implications of their choices for the nation as a whole. The challenge for both politicians and the electorate will be to engage with identity politics in a way that promotes understanding and progress rather than division and discord.
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Published by Bolanle Media | June 2025
Los Angeles is at the center of a national storm after President Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard troops into the city to support federal immigration raids—igniting protests, legal debates, and fear among immigrant communities. The deployment, made without state approval, has sparked outrage from California leaders, raising questions about federal overreach and the future of sanctuary cities.
A Federal Show of Force in a Defiant State
Using Title 10 of the U.S. Code, the president bypassed California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, deploying troops into a city that has historically resisted cooperation with ICE. In response, Newsom issued a strong rebuke, calling it “an authoritarian overstep that violates California’s constitutional authority.”
ICE Raids, Rubber Bullets, and Public Uprising
According to a New York Post report, more than 100 undocumented immigrants were detained in aggressive ICE operations concentrated in East L.A., Boyle Heights, and Paramount. Within hours, thousands of protesters filled the streets, chanting “We will not comply” while facing off with federal agents using tear gas and flash grenades.
Witnesses describe the presence of military vehicles, surveillance drones, and heavily armed officers—turning major city intersections into what some have called a “war zone.”
A Global Lens: Sanctuary Cities vs. Federal Power
Los Angeles isn’t alone in its sanctuary stance. Globally, cities like Toronto, Barcelona, and Amsterdam have defied national immigration enforcement in favor of local humanitarian protections.
The current crackdown raises an essential question: Can local governments uphold moral and civic responsibilities when federal directives threaten those values?
Civil Liberties and the Future of Federalism
The ACLU and Southern Poverty Law Center have warned that the deployment could signal a dangerous shift toward militarized suppression of civil protest. Some legal scholars argue that challenging federal authority in sanctuary cities could end up before the U.S. Supreme Court, especially as immigration becomes a defining issue in the upcoming 2026 election cycle.
The situation mirrors global examples, such as France’s Yellow Vest movement or Hungary’s democratic backsliding, where central governments have clashed with local rights advocates.
Los Angeles as a Test Case for Democracy
For millions of Angelenos, especially first-generation immigrants, this is more than politics—it’s personal. One local activist told the L.A. Times, “This isn’t about left or right. It’s about whether we have a voice in the city we built.”
This escalating confrontation is now seen as a test of American democracy itself—and whether states and cities can truly serve as laboratories of resistance in the face of federal pressure.
What Comes Next?
Whether the federal-state standoff escalates to courtrooms or further unrest, one thing is clear: what’s unfolding in Los Angeles may set a precedent for how future conflicts over immigration, protest, and federalism are resolved in the U.S. and abroad.
The high-profile trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs has entered its fourth week in a New York federal court, drawing intense media scrutiny and unveiling disturbing allegations that reach deep into the music industry’s past and present. The case, centered on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, has seen a parade of witnesses, explosive testimony, and even commentary from legendary hip-hop rival Suge Knight.
Key Developments in the Trial
- Combs faces five criminal charges, including two counts of sex trafficking, which he has vehemently denied.
- Testimony has focused on both Combs’ personal conduct and the alleged actions of his employees, painting a picture of a coordinated enterprise that prosecutors argue facilitated criminal behavior.
- The trial has featured testimony from former assistants, hotel staff, and forensic experts, each adding new layers to the prosecution’s case.
Explosive Witness Testimonies
Former Assistants Speak Out
- A former assistant, using the pseudonym Mia, described being sexually assaulted by Combs during his 40th birthday celebration. She testified that after being served vodka, Combs allegedly tried to kiss her and moved his hand up her dress without consent, leaving her “in shock and completely frozen”.
- Another former assistant, Capricorn Clark, recounted a chilling first day on the job when Combs allegedly threatened her life after learning of her previous work with Suge Knight.
Hotel Staff and Cassie Ventura Incident
- The InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles has become a focal point, with supervisor Eddy Garcia testifying that Combs and his associates desperately sought to obtain and destroy security footage of an alleged assault on his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in 2016.
- Garcia revealed he was paid $100,000—delivered in cash—to sign a nondisclosure agreement and ensure the footage was destroyed. He admitted to being so anxious about the NDA that he did not read it fully before signing.
Other Allegations and Evidence
- Hotel footage, previously aired by CNN, reportedly shows Combs confronting Ventura, with additional testimony describing Combs grabbing, throwing, and dragging her.
- Witnesses have described a climate of fear and control, with some suggesting that career repercussions awaited those who tried to leave or report misconduct.
Suge Knight’s Surprising Intervention
From his prison cell in California, Suge Knight, the founder of Death Row Records and Combs’ longtime rival, has weighed in on the trial. Knight described Combs’ sexual behavior as an “open secret” in the industry since the 1990s, adding, “Everybody knew that Puffy didn’t just pop in the industry and say, ‘Hey, I want to have sex with everybody.’” Despite their notorious rivalry, Knight expressed sympathy for Combs, stating, “I don’t feel that they should take Puffy and lock him up and throw away the key. I think he can do so much good right now, him telling the truth about the industry”.
Prosecution’s Strategy and Defense Response
- Prosecutors have been more successful than expected in presenting evidence of racketeering and sex trafficking, with multiple witnesses describing how Combs’ employees allegedly assisted in his criminal enterprise.
- The defense has sought to undermine the credibility of witnesses, highlighting inconsistencies and questioning why some accusers did not report incidents sooner or continued to write positively about Combs after the alleged events.
- The trial is expected to continue with testimony from additional alleged victims and forensic experts, with the prosecution aiming to solidify claims of a coordinated criminal enterprise.
What’s Next?
As the trial progresses, the court will hear from more witnesses, including a critical ex-girlfriend expected to testify about her experiences. The outcome may hinge on whether the prosecution can prove each specific crime—from arson to extortion—beyond reasonable doubt, and whether the jury is persuaded by the accounts of those who say they were silenced or intimidated by Combs and his associates.
This trial is not just about one man’s alleged actions, but about the culture and power structures within the music industry that may have enabled them. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining both Combs’ fate and the broader implications for accountability in entertainment.
Key Points to Watch:
- The impact of further witness testimony, especially from alleged victims.
- The role of destroyed or suppressed evidence, such as hotel surveillance footage.
- The broader cultural reckoning for the music industry, as more insiders break their silence.
Houston is home to one of the most vibrant Black entrepreneurial communities in the nation, with Black-owned businesses now accounting for up to 4.7% of all local businesses—well above both the Texas and national averages. From 2017 to 2020 alone, the number of Black-owned businesses in Texas surged by an impressive 13.6%, and these firms generated over $141 billion in revenue in 2020, providing employment to more than 1.3 million Texans. The city consistently ranks among the top metros for minority-owned startups, with nearly 5,600 minority-owned startups—about 30% of all new companies—calling Houston home.
But behind this success story lies a critical question: Are these businesses truly built to last?
Despite this remarkable growth, over 70% of Black-owned businesses in Houston lack a formal succession or legacy plan. Without these crucial plans, businesses are at risk of closure or costly legal battles if the owner becomes incapacitated or passes away, threatening to erase years of hard work and generational progress. Only 1 in 5 Black families in Houston pre-plan for funerals or final expenses, compounding the risk of financial hardship for families and communities.
Systemic barriers such as limited access to capital, lower rates of financial planning, and a lack of generational wealth continue to challenge Black entrepreneurs in Houston.While the entrepreneurial spirit is strong, the infrastructure to ensure these businesses endure for generations is still being built.
That’s why Doing Far More LLC, led by Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne, is hosting the Spring Formal—a pivotal event dedicated to empowering Houston’s Black entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to secure their business legacy. As part of the Black Entrepreneur Tour, the event will be held at 23161 Morton Ranch Rd, Katy, TX 77449 and will feature influential voices like Marcus Bowers (CEO of She’s Happy Hair and Cinema Anywhere Houston), Martel Matthews (co-owner of Black Wall Street), Brittany Hall (owner of La Lutte Empire and La Lutte Bartending), and event sponsor YetundeO (founder and creative director of The UpperRoomEvents).
The evening will also include special experiences: Flume TV and Eyeconic Television will be covering the event alongside Bolanle Media, Chef Shay will present an elegant spread table, and La Lutte Bartending will offer a signature mimosa bar drink crafted especially for Doing Far More.
If you’re an entrepreneur in Houston, this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss. Don’t let your business become a statistic. Secure your spot at the Spring Formal and join a community committed to building generational wealth and lasting legacies. For more information or to RSVP, contact Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne at 832.745.1114 or email info@doingfarmore.com
Let’s ensure Houston’s Black-owned businesses don’t just thrive today, but are truly built to last for generations to come.
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