Tuesday, October 14, 2025
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A View From the Ground
News and information about politics, government, civic participation and engagement from URL Media's network of Black and Brown publishers.
Good evening. Today, learn how to build a bench of solid political candidates. Plus, as always, we’re bringing you the latest updates at url-media.com.
Credit: Pexels / Mikhail Nilov
The fine art of building a political bench
The party investing most in young leaders controls the future. Republicans spent decades building their political bench through training programs like Young Americans for Freedom, creating today's conservative leadership class. Democrats are finally catching up with initiatives like Emerge America and Run for Something.
There are many options for a political party seeking to strengthen its future. Campaign schools teach practical skills from voter analysis to fundraising while creating networking pipelines where future managers meet future candidates. Mentorship programs like Emily's List connect rising stars with experienced politicians. And it's OK to start from the bottom; AOC started as an intern. Stacey Abrams began as a speechwriter. Entry-level roles in government and campaigns become launchpads.
The most successful careers span multiple roles, communities and cultures. Your political career starts with your first volunteer shift, not your first candidacy. Every phone bank and door knock builds skills that compound. The leaders your community needs are being developed right now.
Quote of the Week
"The contrast is clear: James is standing up against tyranny and risking her life and liberty, while many of our other elected officials are prioritizing money and political convenience.” – writes Reginald Richardson in an op-ed for BK Reader about why Americans must protect New York Attorney General Letitia “Tish” James against federal prosecution from the Trump administration at all costs.
Source: Pexels / Brett Jordan
Ways to get involved
Learn
- CAIR
- ACLU
Source: AsAm News / Wikimedia Creative Commons / Irbsas
Government surveillance, where Mamdani gained ground, Black women organizers pivot and more
Government surveillance is bigger than ever: The Trump administration is using IRS tax records and medical enrollment data to track down and deport immigrants who filed in good faith. ICE has scanned driver's license photos of 1 in 3 American adults and tracks 3 out of 4 through utility records. The government is collecting DNA from immigrants to predict future crimes and adding it to federal databases. Border agents are searching phones and demanding social media passwords from anyone entering the country, including citizens. Companies are making millions selling surveillance tech to the government. Your data in federal systems can now be shared across agencies without your consent, and there's almost nothing you can do to stop it once it's collected. Read at AsAm News.
Data show Mamdani won where Trump gained: Zohran Mamdani won the majority of first-round votes in immigrant neighborhoods during June's Democratic mayoral primary, beating Cuomo by nearly 7 points in areas where over half the population was born abroad. He dominated South Asian enclaves like Jackson Heights by over 60 points and won East Asian communities in Flushing and Sunset Park. Surprisingly, Mamdani captured neighborhoods that swung hard right for Trump in 2024, suggesting immigrant voters chose progressive over moderate despite last year's rightward shift. Read at Documented.
Black women organizers pivot strategy: Black women have led every major resistance movement in America but the 2024 election broke something. Exit polls showed 92% voted for Harris while other groups wavered around 50%. After years of being beaten at protests, met with twice the police force as right-wing rallies, and watching allies fail to show up, Black women organizers are stepping back from marches. The 92% Movement isn't about quitting but pivoting to hyperlocal work, economic education, and community building instead of public demonstrations that put them in danger. Read at Black Girl Times.
Kansas City chooses contractor with checkered reputation to build jail: Kansas City wants to hire a company co-owned by KBR to build a World Cup jail facility. KBR built Guantanamo Bay, allegedly locked a gang-rape victim in a shipping container, and poisoned over 100,000 troops with burn pits. The company rebranded to distance itself from its history but maintains the same ownership and control. Read at Kansas City Defender.
Other recommended reading
- Word in Black
Missouri Supreme Court refuses to review $600 million judgment in Roundup cancer lawsuit - Missouri Independent
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