As historically “Black” districts in Central Brooklyn evolve, encompass various neighborhoods, and/or gentrify, Black candidates for elected office use tactics, voter targeting and coded messaging to appeal to different sub constituencies that cut across race, class and a variety of identity lines. This week in Third Rail we examine electoral politics in a gentrifying Central Brooklyn with guests Anthonine Pierre, Deputy Director of the Brooklyn Movement Center and New Kings Democrats co-founder and BMC member Theo Moore.
Segment One: Together we review the Central Brooklyn races to watch in this political season.
Segment Two: We use the recent near-upset of newcomer Adem Bunkeddeko over veteran Congress person Yvette Clarke as a jump-off point to explore how Black candidates increasingly use divisions within gentrification, white progressivism and Black identity to build their base of voters.
Segment Three: “Tell ‘Em Why You Mad”
Intro and Outro theme Music: “City Survival” by MC K-Swift featuring TreZure Empire.
Episode Music: “Wide Eyes” by Chad Crouch.
With additional editing and production by Siad “Gypsy” Reid.