Roundtable: Analyzing the 2018 Midterm Elections: The Intersections of Black and Progressive Politics

Abstract

This panel will discuss and analyze how the recent candidacies of Stacey Abrams, Andrew Gillum, and Ben Jealous have shaped our understanding of contemporary Black politics. Although these candidates were unsuccessful in their campaigns, these races demonstrate that Black candidates can be competitive in statewide races in the South. We will explore the questions of the Black political agenda, Black liberation, voter suppression, Blacks’ collective emotional experiences in politics, and whether or not progressive politics can bring about changes in American politics that will directly impact the plight of Black people.