Disenfranchisement of the Ward 5 Community by the Minneapolis DFL

By Nico Woods, Chair of the African American DFL Caucus

As Chair of the African American DFL Caucus. I am releasing this statement on behalf of the Ward 5 delegates, the broader community, and the highly populated African American community that I represent as Chair.

Many people have reached out with deep concern, bringing to my attention the CBRC’s decision regarding taking away the Omar endorsement and putting the Minneapolis DFL on probation. One of the central reasons for this decision was the loss of the entire Ward 5 credentials book by the Minneapolis DFL. Despite this, the Minneapolis DFL is now appealing the ruling.

To me, this appeal suggests that the Minneapolis DFL who endorsed Senator Omar Fateh believes it is acceptable to disenfranchise a community where six African American candidates are running for City Council. These candidates worked hard to organize, bringing people into the caucus to participate in the democratic process and to become delegates for both the City Council and mayoral endorsements. The convention is meant to be the place where every community gets a fair vote in choosing candidates, yet Ward 5 has been stripped of that opportunity.

This is not just about a credentials book it is about a pattern. The African American community has long been disenfranchised when it comes to homeownership, small business opportunities, quality education, and economic equity. These barriers have led to some of the worst economic disparities in America for African Americans right here in Minnesota. History teaches us that our voices have always had to be fought for by leaders such as Maya Angelou, Shirley Chisholm, Ella Baker, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, John Lewis, Martin Luther King Jr., and President Barack Obama remind us of that legacy.

As the new Chair of the African American DFL Caucus, I see the energy of young, rising candidates and a community working tirelessly to change these realities. I believe in their vision and their work. That is why I cannot and will not stand by while this community is disenfranchised once again or treated as a political tool to be used only when convenient for others’ agendas.

Appealing the CBRC’s decision is not only wrong it is a direct act of disenfranchisement against Ward 5 residents. It sends a clear message about how some view this community and their willingness to dismiss our voices when it does not serve their interests.

We have also seen troubling language promoted by some of Senator Omar Fateh supporters, who have accused CBRC members of being racist and discriminatory simply for attempting to correct a process that excluded African American voters. Such rhetoric only deepens division and distracts from the real issue ensuring that African American voices are valued, respected, and heard in our democracy.

I want to be absolutely clear I will stand up for this community, work alongside leaders who are committed to addressing African American concerns and continue pushing for solutions around electing candidates that supports the community, homeownership, small business development, family stability, and economic justice. Our community is not disposable, and our votes are not negotiable.

 The opinions expressed in the SD59 Blog are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent a consensus of thought or position of the DFL.