In 1964, America stood at a crossroads. Freedom Summer wasn’t just a fight for voting rights—it was a battle for the very soul of our nation. It was about defining who we are and who we aspire to be. Now, sixty years later, we stand at a similar juncture. The hard-won rights of the past are once again under threat. But just as before, a new generation is stepping up. In 2024, young Americans from across the country have launched a civic engagement campaign to honor the legacy of those who fought before us, ensuring that their sacrifices were not in vain.
The Intersection of Voting Rights, Redistricting, and the Real Estate Market in North Carolina
North Carolina is at the heart of this year’s civic engagement campaign. The state presents unique challenges—challenges that tie together voting rights, the real estate market, and political representation. Over the past decade, North Carolina has seen rapid growth, particularly in cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham, attracting new residents and reshaping the state’s demographic landscape. According to recent U.S. Census data, African Americans make up approximately 22% of North Carolina’s citizen voting age population, a significant portion of the electorate that holds substantial influence in close elections.
However, with this growth has come a new set of challenges, especially for African American communities. As North Carolina’s population has surged, so too have housing demand, home prices, and property taxes. For many long-time residents, especially in minority communities, the dream of homeownership has become increasingly out of reach. Gentrification has displaced African American families from neighborhoods that have been their homes for generations, widening the economic divide. Census migration data reveals a significant influx of new residents into urban areas, which has further intensified the pressures on housing markets and community stability. Homeownership isn’t just about having a place to live; it’s about building wealth, stability, and a future. That’s why the fight for fair and accessible voting rights is so critical.
Mobilizing a Movement
This year, young Americans didn’t just launch a campaign—they built a movement. Drawing on the energy and inspiration of the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, this campaign is about more than just casting a ballot. It’s about empowering communities to demand respect, accountability, and justice from their government. In states like North Carolina, where the real estate market and redistricting are tightly intertwined with economic and political well-being, this sense of empowerment is not just important—it’s essential.
A Call to Action
As we honor the legacy of Freedom Summer, we remember the courage and determination of those who came before us. They faced down fear and hatred to secure the rights we enjoy today. Now, it’s our turn. The 2024 civic engagement campaign is more than just a call to vote—it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that we have the power to shape the future, to protect the progress we’ve made, and to ensure that every voice in our communities is heard.
So, let’s stand together. Let’s mobilize. Let’s make sure that every single person understands what’s at stake. The fight for voting rights isn’t over, but with your help, we can make history once again—especially in states like North Carolina, where the intersection of voting rights, the real estate market, and redistricting will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our communities. #Freedom #BeThe1st #RealRealty
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Kirk Clay leads Capitol View Advisors with a vision rooted deeply in our shared values, channeling our collective creativity and strategic insight to bridge communities with the essential information and resources they need to elevate and achieve their dreams.
I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the aspirations and struggles of young Americans all across this country. And in Pennsylvania, I’ve seen those dreams turn into something far more challenging than they should ever be. The dream of owning your first home—a place you can call your own, a place where your future begins—is becoming harder to reach. The housing crisis we face today, intertwined with the ongoing fight for racial justice, is making it difficult for young people, particularly young people of color, to find a place where they can thrive.
We know that the journey to homeownership isn’t just about dollars and cents. It’s about security. It’s about finding a community where you feel you belong, where the schools are strong, where there are opportunities for your family and your future. But too often, for too many of you, these dreams are being dashed by systemic barriers that have been in place for far too long.
Consider this: 37% of Pennsylvania’s population identifies as people of color, and these communities are bearing the brunt of the housing crisis. In Philadelphia, where 42% of the voting-age population is of color, housing prices have surged by over 25% in the last decade. The same is happening in Pittsburgh, where many young people of color are finding it nearly impossible to afford a home in well-resourced neighborhoods. This isn’t just about housing—this is about justice.
The housing crisis in Pennsylvania is a reflection of broader racial inequities that have plagued this nation for generations. Communities of color have been systematically locked out of wealth-building opportunities. And let’s not kid ourselves—this didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of policies that, whether intentionally or not, have kept certain neighborhoods white and affluent. Redlining, discriminatory lending, and unequal public investment have all played a part in creating the challenges we see today.
But here’s the good news: You are not powerless. You have a voice. And in this moment, more than any other, you have the power to shape the future. The fight for a better future, one where affordable housing and racial justice go hand in hand, is happening right now. It’s being led by people like you who refuse to settle for the status quo. You have the power to demand better from your leaders, to advocate for policies that promote equity and opportunity for all.
So let’s not give in to fear or frustration. Let’s stand up, let’s speak out, and let’s fight for the future we all deserve. Your dreams matter, your voices matter, and together, we can ensure that no one is forced to settle for anything less than the best this country has to offer. #Freedom #BeThe1st #RealRealty
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Kirk Clay leads Capitol View Advisors with a vision rooted deeply in our shared values, channeling our collective creativity and strategic insight to bridge communities with the essential information and resources they need to elevate and achieve their dreams.
Try Responsibility
Imagine seeing a family struggling to carry heavy boxes up the stairs to their new home. It’s scorching hot, and they look exhausted. Do you stop and help? Does it matter if that family doesn’t look like you or holds different political beliefs?
It didn’t matter to my neighbors in Toledo. One day, as I was heading home, I noticed a family moving into a house down the street. They were clearly struggling. Without hesitation, a few of us walked over to lend a hand. We weren’t professional movers, but we knew that if we all pitched in, the job would get done faster. What mattered was that we came together as a community to help this family start their new chapter.
But this isn’t just about moving day. It’s also a reflection of broader challenges—challenges deeply rooted in our history, like redlining and segregation. These practices have left lasting scars on our communities, particularly communities of color, where opportunities have been systematically denied for generations. Redlining has created deep-seated frustrations, as families who were kept out of certain neighborhoods and denied loans are still feeling the effects today.
Despite these challenges, there’s a profound desire for change. Across the country, people are coming together to create inclusive communities where diversity is celebrated. But with this vision comes a deep fear—that communities of color will continue to be pushed into less desirable, under-resourced areas. This fear isn’t just about housing; it’s also present in our voting systems. New laws restricting early, in-person voting disenfranchise thousands, particularly Voters of Color, who rely on early voting.
We’ve seen this before. In 2000, long lines at the polls led to many voters being turned away before they could cast their ballots. Nearly a million people were affected—close to 3% of all registered voters. These are the kinds of challenges that can undermine our democracy and erode trust in our institutions.
In 2024, the stakes are even higher. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that African Americans eligible to vote will number around 33 million, Latinos around 55 million, and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) approximately 18 million. These numbers tell us that Voters of Color could make up more than 30% of the eligible electorate, playing a crucial role in shaping the future of our nation.
In Michigan, the 2024 voter registration data reflects this trend. The state has seen a significant increase in voter registration among people of color, with African Americans making up approximately 14% of the registered voters, Latinos around 5%, and AAPI voters about 3%. These numbers underscore the growing influence of Voters of Color in Michigan, a key battleground state where every vote matters.
But if laws restricting access to the ballot box persist, we risk pushing these communities out of the democratic process. That’s why our ultimate goal should be to pass laws that expand democracy to every American. We need a coalition of compassionate people—White, Latino, Black, Asian, Native American, Women, Unions, and Young Voters—working together to ensure that the American promise of liberty and justice for all is truly realized by all.
Just like we helped that family move into their new home, we need to help each other carry the weight of our democracy. By ensuring that everyone has a voice and a vote, we can build a nation where everyone has a place in our democratic home. #Freedom #BeThe1st #RealRealty
Kirk Clay leads Capitol View Advisors with a vision rooted deeply in our shared values, channeling our collective creativity and strategic insight to bridge communities with the essential information and resources they need to elevate and achieve their dreams.
Owning a home has always been a cornerstone of the American Dream, representing freedom, security, and the opportunity to build a better future. Yet, today, the path to homeownership is obstructed for too many Americans, not just by financial hurdles but by deeply entrenched injustices and discrimination.
No one should be denied the chance to own a home because of the color of their skin or the neighborhood they come from. Yet, even in 2024, many Americans face bias when applying for a mortgage. This isn’t just a financial issue; it’s a matter of justice. When a person’s ability to secure a loan is determined by their race or zip code rather than their creditworthiness, we fail to uphold the promise of equal opportunity for all.
The Situation in Washington DC
Washington DC’s diversity, with 46% of its voting-age population identifying as Black or African American and 41% as white, underscores the urgent need for equitable housing policies. When nearly half of the population belongs to groups historically discriminated against in the housing market, the need for fair practices becomes even more pressing.
We must confront these biases head-on. It’s time to ensure that every American, regardless of race or background, has a fair shot at homeownership. Allowing discrimination to persist in our housing market weakens the very fabric of our society.
The Housing Affordability Crisis
Discrimination in lending practices shuts the door on homeownership for too many hardworking families, locking them out of wealth-building opportunities and perpetuating cycles of poverty. Washington DC’s housing affordability crisis exacerbates these issues, with median home prices exceeding $600,000. High housing costs disproportionately impact minority communities, with nearly 60% of Black households in DC spending more than 30% of their income on housing, compared to 40% of white households.
This situation cannot continue. We must hold lenders accountable for fair practices, enforce anti-discrimination laws, and provide support to historically marginalized communities. When everyone has a chance to own a piece of this country, our nation grows stronger together.
Access to Mortgage Approvals
Every American deserves a fair shot at owning a home. Yet, our systems remain skewed against those who need a fair chance the most. In Washington DC, Black homebuyers are often offered higher interest rates than their white counterparts, even when they qualify for lower rates. We must fight for equal access to mortgage approvals, ensuring that everyone can walk through the door of opportunity.
A home is more than just a roof over your head; it’s the foundation of security and prosperity. We must ensure that every family has the chance to build that foundation.
Conclusion
The fight for fair housing is about justice, equality, and the American Dream. It’s about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to build a life for themselves and their families. The choices we make now will determine the kind of country we leave for future generations. Let’s build a future where everyone, regardless of race or background, has the opportunity to own a home. Together, we can create a nation where fairness, justice, and equality are not just ideals, but realities. #BeThe1st #Freedom
Kirk Clay leads Capitol View Advisors with a vision rooted deeply in our shared values, channeling our collective creativity and strategic insight to bridge communities with the essential information and resources they need to elevate and achieve their dreams.
We’re witnessing a profound shift in America’s political landscape, one that Vice President Kamala Harris embodies in a way few others can. As the first woman, the first Black person, and the first person of South Asian descent to hold the office of Vice President, Harris symbolizes the evolving face of the American electorate. These demographic changes are not just reshaping who votes, but also the issues that resonate and the values we prioritize.
Strengthening Support for Harris
Since stepping into the 2024 race, Vice President Kamala Harris has managed to energize the Democratic base in a way that Joe Biden couldn’t. Back in July, only 43% of Biden’s supporters described their backing as strong. Today, 62% of Harris’s supporters are with her strongly, on par with Trump’s 64% strong support among his base. This surge is evident across key demographic groups—women, Black, Hispanic, and Asian voters—who now express more intense support for Harris than they did for Biden.
Expanding Democracy Amid Challenges
The growing diversity of the American electorate offers both opportunities and challenges for expanding democracy. However, this progress is under threat from voter suppression efforts across the country. States like Texas and Florida have passed laws that disproportionately affect people of color, targeting alleged “voting impostors” and leading to flawed purges of voter rolls.
But these efforts are being met with resistance from a broad coalition of voters—progressive Whites, Latinos, African Americans, Asians, Native Americans, unions, and young voters. They’re determined to protect the right to vote, particularly in states like Florida and Texas, where Voters of Color represent a significant and growing portion of the electorate.
The Role of Voters of Color
Voters of Color are becoming an increasingly powerful force in American politics. In Florida, they make up 31% of the voting-age population, and in Texas, Latinos alone account for 40% of the state’s total voting-age population. Mobilizing these voters could lead to significant shifts in electoral outcomes, particularly in close races. Harris’s ability to engage these communities is crucial as the nation continues to diversify.
Conclusion
Vice President Kamala Harris’s rise to the vice presidency and her current momentum in the 2024 race are emblematic of the broader demographic shifts reshaping America. Her intersectional identity aligns with the evolving composition of the electorate, positioning her to benefit from these changes. However, the fight for a more inclusive democracy is ongoing. Harris’s success is not just about her individual capabilities; it’s about an America that is becoming more inclusive and representative. As we look ahead, ensuring that every eligible voter can participate in our democracy is more important than ever.
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Kirk Clay leads Capitol View Advisors with a vision rooted deeply in our shared values, channeling our collective creativity and strategic insight to bridge communities with the essential information and resources they need to elevate and achieve their dreams.
After seeing Vice President Harris’ pragmatic pick for Vice President, I received calls asking how this would affect the enthusiasm for the ticket. His selection does a few things: it gives anti-freedom voters permission to vote for Harris, helps her explain her evolution since being a Senator from California, and energizes young voters who are like kinetic energy, ready to accelerate.
I discussed these trends with a young friend in Missouri. She affirmed the surveys, noting that young voters are frustrated with politicians who ignore college affordability. This mirrors the 2006 midterm elections when young people were 15% of Missouri’s electorate, and the Senate race was won by just 45,000 votes.
Are young Americans looking for someone to stand up to extreme politicians? Will it take a coalition of progressive Whites, Latinos, African Americans, Asians, Native Americans, Unions, and Young Voters to get Washington back on track?
A clear majority of 18-29-year-olds feel “elected officials don’t have the same priorities I have” and believe politics have become too partisan. Many also feel elected officials are motivated by selfish reasons.
In 2008, youth voter turnout surged, driven by Latino and African American youth. For instance, 42% of young Latino women and 39% of young Latino men voted. Over 52% of African American youth aged 18-24 voted, the highest turnout rate among any youth group by race and ethnicity. Young voters comprised 21% of Missouri’s electorate, with the President losing by just 39,000 votes. This is significant, considering that VOC increased their 13% vote share to 19% in 2010.
Young African Americans and Latinos represent 15% and 18% of the total youth population, respectively. By 2024, young people of color could make up over 37% of the 18-24 age population. Kansas City, Missouri, for example, grew by 4.1% to 459,787 and is now nearly 40% POC, with many voters under 29. These voters understand the link between political engagement and democracy.
As these voters re-engage, political organizations will reinvest in them. Their clearer interests will shape their preferences. As we learned in 2008, the power of the youth vote extends beyond their interests, influencing policy for every American. That’s the essence of real political power.
St. Louis Census and Voting Age Population Data
These demographics underscore the critical need for targeted voter outreach strategies to engage and mobilize young voters of color in St. Louis and urban areas across the nation. This isn’t just a fleeting burst of enthusiasm; young voters are like kinetic energy, poised and ready to spring into action. Their momentum, once unleashed, can sustain for months, providing a vital boost to the campaign.
The Vice President’s evolution since her time as a Senator from California is key here. Serving as Vice President for three years, she now brings a broader perspective to the table. Her legislative priorities reflect the diverse and evolving needs of the entire nation. This strategic timing is precisely what this race needed, illustrating how leadership adapts and grows to meet the challenges of the moment. Timing, indeed, is everything. #BeThe1st #Freedom
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Kirk Clay leads Capitol View Advisors with a vision rooted deeply in our shared values, channeling our collective creativity and strategic insight to bridge communities with the essential information and resources they need to elevate and achieve their dreams.
You know, as I reflect on the recent abortion debate, I can’t help but think about how politicians often become a bit like a “jellyfish” during election seasons, shifting their stances as they pivot to broader audiences. Just like a jellyfish can drift aimlessly, these politicians use language that allows them to deny any disrespect when questioned. They coin terms like Bidenomics, Obamacare, and self-deportation or twist comments on international policy to ignite reactions from their base. Beneath all this, there’s a subtle manipulation of their values to rally their supporters.
What’s clear is that there was a time when one party controlled the House for 40 years. Then, in ’94, some of the most conservative elements in our country devised a strategy to gain a majority. Now, the belief that “you can’t win without demonizing the other party” has taken root, and only the American voter can break this cycle. Will politicians try to manipulate voters with sexism, fear, and hate? Will they use wedge issues to galvanize their base on Election Day?
I recall the 2006 elections when extremists launched a fierce “cultural war” to drive voter turnout, only to lose key races. The political climate today feels similar. However, evidence suggests they might lose even more seats this time around. We’ve seen a surge of new registrants, young voters, and energized voters of color (VOC) who will return to the polls in 2024.
This shifting political landscape is evident in majority-minority cities like Norfolk, where the population grew by 3.4% to 242,803. This growth adds over 83,000 “key” voters of color. Additionally, people of color make up 26% of Virginia’s Citizen Voting Age Population, having been 24% of the vote share in 2008 and about 23% in 2010. Their influence will be even greater this election cycle.
However, we must also address the issue of voter suppression, which has historically impacted African American voters in Virginia and across the nation. Recent studies have shown that measures such as strict voter ID laws, purges of voter rolls, and reductions in early voting disproportionately affect African American communities. For instance, a report by the Brennan Center for Justice found that states with a history of racial discrimination in voting are more likely to adopt restrictive voting laws.
Despite these challenges, there is hope. If a modern coalition of conscious whites, Latinos, African Americans, Asians, Native Americans, women, unions, and young voters all demand honest and trustworthy candidates, we can revitalize, expand, and save our democracy. The truth is, we all love our country and every community within it. That’s what drives most Americans to be compassionate. Hate only motivates “jellyfishy” candidates to become partisan obstructionists. In my part of town, you can’t win without love. #BeThe1st #Freedom
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Kirk Clay leads Capitol View Advisors with a vision rooted deeply in our shared values, channeling our collective creativity and strategic insight to bridge communities with the essential information and resources they need to elevate and achieve their dreams.
Let’s shift our focus from fear to faith. Expect the best, and watch your peace grow. #Optimism #InnerPeace #MindsetShift #RealRealty #BeThe1st #FreedomSummer #Infrastructure #Carry1toVote #1stOnTheBallot
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