BBC Sounds OS Featured Maroc to Discusses Obama, Harris, and the Disconnect with Black/ Soulaan Voters

In a recent appearance on BBC Sounds OS with host Luke Jones, Maroc co-creator of Soulaan and host of the Soulaan Podcast, explored the deepening disconnect between former President Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, and a significant portion of the Black American/Soulaan community. The discussion focused on key issues surrounding the upcoming election and the lack of tangible progress in addressing the concerns of Black Americans.

 

Maroc argued that Obama’s recent appeals to Black voters, especially men, reflect a broader problem in the Democratic Party’s relationship with the Black community. He critiqued the former president for failing to deliver on promises that matter to Soulaan and foundational Black Americans, highlighting Obama’s 2013 Blue Alert law and his lack of concrete actions following the Trayvon Martin case. According to Maroc, while Obama has historically delivered stirring speeches, his policies have often fallen short in providing real protections or advancements for Black Americans. In particular, civil asset forfeiture, which disproportionately impacts Black communities, was a significant point of criticism.

 

“Obama pledged the civil asset forfeiture law that disproportionately affects Soulaan,” Maroc said, referring to the 2013 law. “He did nothing but give empty speeches after Trayvon Martin, while continuing to enforce policies that harm our communities. There has been no Black agenda or tangible protections for Foundational Black Americans or Soulaan.”

 

Maroc expressed frustration with what he views as the Democrats’ reliance on symbolic gestures rather than addressing substantive policy demands. The critique extended to Vice President Kamala Harris, who, despite having overall support among Black voters, faces skepticism from segments of the Black community. “We are tired of symbolic gestures like pandering statues and Kamala’s bathtub collard greens recipe. The Democrats are desperate for our vote but are not offering the tangible benefits we deserve,” Maroc said.

 

In his discussion, Maroc also challenged Obama’s perception of his connection with Black voters, calling it a “fantasy.” He criticized both Obama and the Democratic Party for “All Lives Mattering” initiatives aimed specifically at Black Americans, pointing out that the Freedmen’s Bureau and other historic promises for Soulaan have largely been ignored. “We are no longer allowing ourselves to be exploited as hidden figures,” Maroc asserted, emphasizing that the community is looking for concrete commitments, not rhetoric.

 

This critique comes at a critical time for the Democratic Party, as they attempt to galvanize voter turnout ahead of the upcoming election. Maroc made it clear that while Black Americans have been reliable voters for Democrats, this loyalty cannot be taken for granted without real progress and tangible benefits. “They want our vote or endorsement. Give us our tangibles,” he said.

 

As the 2024 election approaches, the Democratic Party faces the challenge of reconnecting with a key voting bloc that is increasingly voicing its demands for meaningful change over symbolic representation. Whether these issues will lead to a broader shift in voter behavior remains to be seen, but the conversation around Black Americans’ relationship with the Democratic Party is intensifying.

follow @BBCSoundsOS For the interview starts at 13:16 mark.