Exploring Political Actions and Historical Context in Modern Society With The Relaunched Echo's Featured Columnist, Author James Jerome Hankins
- James Jerome Hankin
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
April 18, 2025
Analyst & Information
Hi everyone,
I'm James Jerome Hankins, the author of What We Blacks Need to Do, Part 2. Today, I want to share my thoughts on some significant political actions in our contemporary society, particularly through the lens of Senator Cory Booker's recent historic speech.
Recently, Senator Booker delivered an extraordinary speech, lasting 25 hours and 4 minutes, in protest against the punitive measures enforced by corporate leaders, especially those linked to the administrations of Elon Musk and Donald Trump since January 20. As an educator with 34 years of experience, I can't help but assign grades to these political figures. Senator Booker undoubtedly earns an A+ for his steadfast commitment to Civil Rights, while I would give Trump an F- for his regressive policies. On the other hand, Musk seems detached from any educational dialogue, making it difficult for me to include him in my evaluation. I encourage all of you as taxpayers to think about the grades you assign to these influential figures.
In my book, particularly in Lesson #11, I discuss the upcoming 2026 mid-term elections, focusing on the term "perpetual," which symbolizes an endless state. I often reflect on President John F. Kennedy's legacy, which was honored by the attendance of 92 foreign dignitaries at his state funeral. His approach, aligned with the principles laid out in 1 Corinthians 13:13, affirms the dignity of every person. This starkly contrasts Trump's philosophy, particularly in relation to Project 2025, which threatens the societal progress brought forth by pivotal legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 during Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency. Kennedy's advocacy for social equity is immortalized by the eternal flame at his gravesite, representing his enduring spirit.
I also draw attention to the term "antithetical," highlighting the conflicting ideologies between Trump and Kennedy. Trump's policies perpetuate systemic inequalities, pushing individuals of color into socio-economic marginalization, marked by discriminatory hiring practices and legal biases. As part of their homework assignment, I challenge my readers to investigate the historical implications of the Central Park Five case. We must reject sycophantic political figures, such as North Carolina Congressman David Rouzer and Senator Thom Tillis, advocating instead for Trump's impeachment and accountability following the mid-term elections.
Then, in Lesson #10 of my book, I discuss the proactive steps we can take as we prepare for voter registration and participation in the upcoming mid-terms. The keyword here is "boycott." Historically, even with limited financial means, my family supported businesses that offered us honest employment opportunities. While individual financial choices may seem insignificant, collectively, we can wield substantial economic power against corporations. For instance, Elon Musk's Tesla has faced losses exceeding $100 billion due to its contentious employment practices, while Target's regression on racial equality has cost them over $13 billion.
As part of the middle and lower economic strata, making informed purchasing decisions that encourage ethical employment practices in businesses is essential. For our next homework assignment, I suggest researching the 382-day Montgomery Bus Boycott led by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Understanding this history is crucial as we fight against systemic inequity. I remember Romans 12:17: "Do not repay evil with evil, but give thought to doing what is honorable in everyone's sight."
About Jerome:
I'm a journalist, Realtor®, Army veteran, former local NAACP president, and a proud alumnus of North Carolina A&T State University class of 1971. Thank you for taking the time to engage in this critical dialogue.
Happy Easter from the relaunched Echo.
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