Judge Tameika Carter
Fear the strong Black woman
We know political season brings out the claws, but in 2024 we see the attempts to discredit folks going to a whole new height. Case in point, at a recent candidate’s forum held by the Divine Nine in Fort Bend County, Judge Tameika Carter, the presiding judge of the 400th District Court made a comment that right-leaning outlets are using in an attempt to stoke division with racial microaggressions and reverse-racism undertones. During the forum, Carter, a Democrat, highlighted how “tough on crime” policies often disproportionately target Black and Brown individuals—a truth she witnessed firsthand as a judge. Enter the “race-baiting” accusations. GOP critics labeled Carter’s remarks as “divisive” while ignoring the systemic inequities in the justice system that she strives to address. So I guess we’re not supposed to point out inequalities within our community, for fear that it will be used as fuel to hammer the “big, bad Black boogeyman” that exists in the growing district. But this isn’t just about one candidate or one race—it’s part of a broader effort to undermine Black women in positions of power. When Judge Carter speaks about injustice, it’s labeled as “race-baiting.” When Kamala Harris advocates for the marginalized, it’s dismissed as divisive. This is the cross we bear as Black women in politics: we are expected to fight for equity without ever addressing the inequities that directly impact our communities.
This type of attack relies on the same old playbook. Instead of grappling with the tough issues our Black elected officials raise—like systemic inequality in the justice system—critics twist words into something they are not, spewing accusations that race is being used as a weapon. It’s an intentional strategy to paint Black leaders as instigators of division, while conveniently ignoring the root causes of the disparities they point out.
But here’s the thing: the voters of Fort Bend County are smarter than these tactics. They understand that conversations about criminal justice reform and equity aren’t “race-baiting”—they’re necessary for building a fairer society while electing people who will confront hard truths and fight for justice for all, not just the privileged few. (Check out more on this topic in my Fear the Strong Black Woman OpEd at DefenderNetwork.com
Sigh….anything for 15 minutes of fame
Two people were seen obstructing traffic in the middle of Highway 59. Credit: Reddit
An impromptu photoshoot in the middle of Houston’s busy U.S. 59 South during a recent evening rush hour caused a major traffic disruption, sparking outrage among drivers and prompting warnings from local authorities. A couple was seen taking photos and videos while standing in one of the highway’s southbound lanes, blocking traffic as cars piled up behind them. Frustrated drivers honked and shouted, with some capturing the scene and posting it to Reddit, where users labeled the couple’s actions as “pure narcissism” and “main character syndrome.” The couple has not yet been identified, but social media users are determined to track them down, predicting their eventual exposure if they post the photos online. A dashcam video of the incident has also circulated, with many questioning whether the pair should face legal consequences. According to Houston Police, stopping traffic on a major roadway could be classified as a misdemeanor, making the couple’s actions not only dangerous but illegal. Authorities urge drivers to remember that there’s a time and place for everything.
Is it time for Blacks to end X?
Elon Musk jumps on the stage as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
There was a time when Black people celebrated their Twitter followings as a badge of influence, with “Black Twitter” becoming a powerful cultural force covered in the media. Black Twitter made the platform a vital space for communication and news in the Black community. But then Elon Musk came along, changed the name to X, and aligned himself with Donald Trump, amplifying his rhetoric. Since Musk’s $44 billion purchase of Twitter in October 2022, the platform has seen a disturbing rise in hate speech, including a 500% spike in N-word usage. It is now flooded with right-wing conspiracies and misinformation. Liberal posts are pushed down and if you dare say anything Musk doesn’t like, you will find yourself suspended. Sure, Musk can say whatever he wants on his platform—but we can choose to leave. It may be time for us to find a better alternative.
