Today In Black History: Governor Tim Walz
Meet our soon-to-be Vice President of the United States
Issue #709 Today In Black History, Thursday, August 22, 2024
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Today’s Black History WOW!
Today is Day Four of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, the finale of one of the best conventions I have ever seen.
Yesterday, Day Three, included speakers from the OG Democratic Party, another rap-like takedown on TFG (The Former Guy) from our soon-to-be Speaker of the House, Hakeem Jeffries, and a rousing speech from the Queen herself, Oprah, reminding people that she is a registered independent and calling all independents like her to vote for Harris/Walz.
Oprah said that with Harris and Walz, “YOU get freedom! YOU get freedom! YOU get freedom!” IYKYK…
And…last night, everyone met Kamala’s running mate, Governor Tim Walz, who reminded everyone that having a teacher and a coach as VP is just what America needs.
When his son Gus stood up crying and laughing and telling everyone, “That’s my Dad!” I got all the feels.
When Governor Walz becomes Vice President Walz, he will be repeating what his predecessor, Vice President Joe Biden, did: give up his inherent white male privilege to play second fiddle to a Black president. In Joe’s famous words: This is a BFD!!!!
Here’s more about Coach Walz and his historical and current significance, especially to Black America.
Governor Tim Walz, born on April 6, 1964, in West Point, Nebraska, has led a life deeply rooted in public service and community engagement. He has a Bachelor’s degree from Chadron State College in Nebraska and a Master’s degree from Minnesota State University.
Before venturing into politics, Walz spent over two decades as a high school geography teacher and football coach.
Tim Walz served 24 years in the Army National Guard, retiring as a command sergeant major, furthering his appreciation for the contributions of Black service members and the importance of advocating for their rights and recognition.
Walz was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006, representing Minnesota's 1st Congressional District. During his six terms in Congress, he earned a reputation for bipartisanship and dedication to veterans' issues, agriculture, and education.
In 2018, Tim Walz was elected governor of Minnesota. Walz has actively sought to address the disparities that affect Black Minnesotans and other marginalized communities. One of his significant efforts includes establishing the Council on Inclusion and Equity.
Governor Walz has been an outspoken advocate for criminal justice reform, particularly in the wake of the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in May 2020.
Walz worked closely with Black community leaders, activists, and legislators to push for meaningful changes in policing practices and accountability.
Governor Walz has also focused on economic disparities that disproportionately affect Black communities. His administration has supported initiatives to increase access to affordable housing, quality education, and healthcare.
Walz has prioritized educational reforms. He has advocated for increased funding for schools in underserved areas and has supported programs designed to close the achievement gap between white students and students of color.
Tim Walz’s broad experience as an educator, veteran, and politician who has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion aligns well with Kamala Harris' commitment to these values. His tenure as Governor of Minnesota, marked by social justice initiatives and bipartisan cooperation, makes him an appealing vice presidential choice.
Walz's background in the National Guard and as an educator bolsters the Harris campaign's appeal to two crucial voter demographics: veterans and families prioritizing education reform.
While Kamala Harris hails from the West Coast (California), choosing Tim Walz, who is from the Midwest (Minnesota), helps balance the ticket regionally and appeal to voters in key swing states in the Midwest.
Governor Walz’s executive experience as governor adds weight to the ticket, showcasing effective leadership and governance, which will strengthen the campaign’s credibility.
Today In Black History
In 1791, the Haitian slave revolt began.
In 1867, HBCU Fisk University was founded in Nashville, Tennessee.
In 1950, Althea Gibson became the first Black competitor in a U.S. national tennis competition.
In 1964, civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer spoke at the Democratic National Convention about her terrifying experiences with voter registration as a Black woman in Mississippi.
In 1972, Rhodesia was expelled by the International Olympic Committee for its racist policies.
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