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Voices of NYC Commentary by Conrad Bennette Tillard
The following Voices of NYC commentary was written by Brooklyn community member, Conrad Bennette Tillard, in response to the Democratic primary elections held on Tuesday, June 23, in Brooklyn. The author reflects on several closely watched races, including Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman's defeat in the 56th Assembly District, Marlon Rice's wide-margin loss to State Senator Jabari Brisport in the Democratic primary for the 25th Senate District, and the defeat of longtime District Leader Henry L. Butler. The commentary expresses the author's personal views on the election results, Black political leadership, party unity, and the growing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in Central Brooklyn.
We need to stop talking about Republican voter suppression efforts and start having honest internal conversations about our people's mentality. Thousands came out Saturday for Marlon Rice's party. Where were those people on Tuesday?
Black politics has one play: "Republicans and racists are trying to stop us." What about the injury we inflict on ourselves through apathy, ignorance, and disunity? The DSA runs Bed-Stuy now!
Salute to Stefani Zinerman and Marlon Rice. Salute to our fallen District Leaders, Henry L. Butler and Kenesha Traynham-Cooper (hopefully she can pull it out).
Block Party in Bed Stuy
Conrad Bennette Tillard
Block Party in Bed Stuy - photo by Conrad Bennette Tillard
Block Party in Bed Stuy
Conrad Bennette Tillard
Block Party in Bed Stuy - photo by Conrad Bennette Tillard
We needed a unity ticket in Central Brooklyn, vigorously led by our Congressman. The DSA has a target on the back of every Black and Brown elected official who will not bow down at the altar of Socialism and who is authentically committed to the community. No one is going to be exempt.
It started with Eric. People who stood next to Mamdani eight months ago were rewarded by him running candidates against them, and they were defeated or nearly defeated by the DSA last night.
We will either work together and thrive or be divided and perish! The political noose just tightened on the neck of Congressman Jeffries last night!
The good news is this passing fancy will run its course, but we need to stop fighting the Civil Rights Movement in 2026 and realize we are in a different type of battle!
Editor's Note: Voices of NYC is a community commentary platform that provides New Yorkers with an opportunity to share their opinions, perspectives, and ideas on issues affecting their communities. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NYC Newswire, NYC News Network, or their affiliated publications.
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