)BALTIMORE – February 23, 2025) – The Mayor of Baltimore City and the Governor of Maryland, both Democrats, face criticism for potentially jeopardizing billions in federal aid due to their stance against Trump and ICE on immigration and deportation policies. This open letter is directed at Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Black elected officials (BEOs), and African American Democrats.
A Word of Caution
Mayor Scott, I stand with you, young brother, as always. But I urge caution.
We often extend our hands in solidarity, assuming others will do the same for us as African people. Yet history—and present realities—suggest otherwise. I understand politics, votes, and the larger vision of a human family. However, let’s be honest: Latinos have consistently made it clear that they advocate for Latinos. While we are both people of color, in 2025, I don’t see many Che Guevaras among fully Americanized Latinos. And truth be told, there may not be many Fred Hamptons among us either.
Still, one thing remains: We are all we got. We are all we need.
Black Democrats: Check Your Political “Bleeding Heart” Syndrome
Too often, we fight for every special interest group while neglecting our own people—especially our youth. We pour energy into causes that do not reciprocate the investment when it’s our turn to need support. The billions of federal dollars at stake? Let’s be honest—on the streets of Baltimore, we rarely feel the impact of those funds anyway. It’s not like we’re talking about reparations.
This isn’t about money; this is about mutual respect.
The Double Standard in Political Advocacy
Latino leaders boldly advocate for Latino issues without hesitation. Yet when Black leaders speak unapologetically about Black issues, even some of our own label it as “racist.” Go figure.
Black elected officials go out of their way to declare that they represent everyone, not just African Americans. But Black people already know that. The real question is: Does everyone else feel obligated to represent us?
Immigration: A Battle That’s Not Ours?
Is this immigration battle truly ours to fight? Or is this primarily a struggle between Trump, his administration, and Latino communities? Do African Americans have enough stake in this issue to justify putting it all on the line? Or are we being played—again?
Let’s be clear: Black people are not central to the immigration, ICE, or deportation debates. But we do have urgent, pressing issues that require our full attention—issues affecting Black youth, Black businesses, and Black communities.
Strategic advocacy matters. If we are to take a strong stance on immigration, it should be when Haitians or other Africans from the diaspora face deportation. That’s when we go all in.
The Pink Elephant in the Room
The hard truth is that Black and Latino communities are not the best of neighbors—yet. And that’s not hate. That’s just honesty. Mutual respect should be the foundation of any coalition. But we must prioritize our people first.
Mayor Scott, I support you—I always have. But I urge caution because people think they’re playing us. We can’t keep parroting the Democratic party line without questioning whether it truly serves us.
— A near “senior” citizen, African born and bred in Baltimore
