Stop Playing “Where’s Waldo” With Candidates — Ask the Questions That Matter to Black People
Every election cycle, Black voters are asked to show up, turn out, and trust the process.
But too often, what we’re actually doing is playing “Where’s Waldo” with candidates — scanning social media posts, photos, sound bites, and endorsements, trying to figure out where they really stand on issues that directly affect Black people.
That’s not engagement. That’s guesswork. And guesswork has never produced justice, equity, or accountability for our communities.
Social Media Visibility Is Not a Plan
A candidate appearing at a Black church. A photo with Black leaders. A well-timed quote during Black History Month.
None of that tells us:
What they understand about the Black experience
Whose interests they prioritize once elected
What policies they will actually fight for
How they will be held accountable after the election
Visibility without substance is performance. And Black voters deserve more than performances.
Real Power Comes From Asking Real Questions
If candidates want Black votes, they should be prepared to answer Black questions — clearly, specifically, and without deflection.
Here are examples of the kinds of questions that matter:
What is your demonstrated understanding of issues facing Black communities — and where did that understanding come from?
What specific policies will you support to close the racial wealth gap?
How will you ensure Black neighborhoods benefit from economic development instead of being displaced by it?
What is your plan to address disparities in education, healthcare, and mental health access?
How will you expand access to capital, contracts, and opportunities for Black-owned businesses?
What accountability mechanisms should Black constituents use to evaluate your performance once elected?
These questions aren’t radical. They’re responsible.
Advocacy Is Not Aggression
Too many Black voters hesitate to ask tough questions out of fear of being labeled “divisive,” “difficult,” or “single-issue.”
Let’s be clear:
Advocating for Black people is not inappropriate. It is necessary.
Every other group organizes, advocates, and negotiates in its own interest — unapologetically. When Black voters do the same, it is not extremism; it is civic responsibility.
If a candidate cannot articulate how their platform improves Black lives in measurable ways, that is information Black voters need before Election Day — not after.
If You’re Not Sure What to Ask, Start Here
No one is expected to be a policy expert. But everyone can be informed.
If you need guidance on what questions to ask, what issues to prioritize, or how to frame advocacy conversations, review this document before engaging with candidates:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rXnmwRDSK63a4WMe8J7v1DSLVRbXA8OI/view?usp=drivesdk
Use it as a reference. Highlight it. Bring it to candidate forums, town halls, and meetings.
This is not about confrontation — it’s about clarity.
Stop Searching. Start Demanding.
Black voters do not need to hunt for meaning hidden between posts, photos, and platitudes.
We need:
Clear answers
Defined plans
Measurable commitments
Accountability beyond Election Day
This election season, stop playing “Where’s Waldo” with candidates.
Ask the questions. Demand the answers. Advocate without apology.
Because Black people deserve leadership that is intentional, informed, and accountable — not leadership we have to guess at.