Real Change Comes Through Policy, Not Protest
Phillip Singleton |
TEDxJacksonville
• October 2019
Throughout American history, our state and federal laws have controlled the physical, ideological and socioeconomic conditions of black lives in America. For generations, they have determined how blacks could marry, where they could live, if they were able to get a quality education and if it was illegal for them to know how to read. Those laws were implemented because there was no black voice at the table.
As a political strategist working at the highest levels of state government, Phillip Singleton knows these historical issues underpin much of what he advocates for in terms of positive change for black lives in America. But it’s his familiarity with the political system that has taught him how to work within its constraints to push the needle forward. He believes real change only comes through negotiating policy decisions, not protesting a perceived injustice. His talk will focus on how the black community—without sacrificing its unique identity and perspective—can become fluent in the rules and language of state politics and effect positive change.