Former President Donald Trump recently made a campaign stop in the Bronx, trying to demonstrate his strength after receiving just 16% of the vote in the Crotona Park area four years ago. The event turned out to be as awkward as expected, filled with unusual attempts to win over Black voters.
During his visit, Trump brought rappers Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow on stage, despite both facing murder conspiracy charges. In a bizarre moment, Trump admired Sheff G’s grills, saying, “I gotta get my teeth like that. I want that to happen to me.”
Trump, who has been held liable for rape and faces 88 charges across four separate indictments, seems to believe his legal troubles help him connect with African-American voters. He claimed, “I got indicted a second time and a third time and a fourth time, and a lot of people said that’s why Black people like me because they have been hurt so badly and discriminated against.”
Despite his controversial policies, such as deporting millions of immigrants and denying trans people basic rights, Trump continues to make overt appeals to BIPOC voters. He recently launched his signature high-tops with American flag logos, hoping to attract Black male voters.
Trump’s infamous 2016 Cinco de Mayo tweet, featuring a taco bowl and the caption “I love Hispanics,” remains a notable example of his clumsy outreach efforts.
While some polls suggest Trump might sway voters in key Democratic areas, the 2024 election remains highly unpredictable.
Teachers Take It on the Chin in Michigan
Michigan used to be a great place for teachers, boasting some of the highest average salaries from 1969 to 1999. However, economic downturns and political decisions over the past decades have significantly impacted teacher pay.
A recent study from Michigan State University’s Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC) shows that if teacher salaries had kept pace with inflation since 1999, the average salary in 2021-2022 would be $81,703.
Instead, the average was $64,884, a gap of $16,819. New teachers in Michigan fare even worse, with an average starting salary of $38,963 in the 2021-22 school year, placing Michigan 39th out of 50 states and Washington, D.C.
The situation is also dire for early childhood educators. The average childcare worker in Michigan earns just $11.13 per hour, and preschool teachers make $14.89 per hour, according to a study from the University of California-Berkeley’s Center for the Study of Child Care Employment.
Despite the frequent rhetoric about children being our future, the continued low pay for those who educate and care for our kids is a significant issue. Teachers and caregivers deserve better compensation, especially given the challenges they’ve faced in recent years.
Blue & Gold NLR Team is a dedicated journalist at blueandgoldnlr.com, where he provides insightful and up-to-date news coverage. With a passion for uncovering the truth and a commitment to delivering accurate information, Blue & Gold NLR Team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. His work ensures readers stay informed about the latest events and developments.