Where Are the Black Protesters?” Oh, They’re Everywhere—Just Not Where You’re Looking

Where Are the Black Protesters?” Oh, They’re Everywhere—Just Not Where You’re Looking

Some folks have been asking, “Why aren’t Black people protesting?” or “Where were the Black folks during Hands Off?” And it’s time for a quick reality check—three points, fast and clear:

1. Black people don’t need white permission slips to organize.

The reason you didn’t see the work is because you weren’t looking.

Black organizers launched a 24-hour counterprogram to Trump’s State of the Union—with over a million viewers.

Black communities are boycotting Target for caving on DEI.

One Black town is even arming up to defend its children from pro-Trump intimidation.

So no, Black folks aren’t absent. They’re just not performing in your spaces for your approval.

2. Street protests are powerful—but power at the polls hits harder.

2020 taught everyone something: marching is only step one.

So instead, Black organizers in Louisiana knocked doors and organized voters—defeating a constitutional amendment that would’ve made it easier to throw kids into adult prisons for longer sentences.

That wasn’t a hashtag. That was real power—and yes, Black-led.

3. Maybe the real issue is that Black people stopped showing up… for you.

The work hasn’t stopped. It’s just not always shaped like a march you can livestream or a slogan you can steal.

Maybe it’s time to stop asking “Where are Black people?” and start asking,

“Why do we only notice them when they’re marching for us?”

Black folks aren’t missing.

They’re leading.

And they’re done waiting for recognition.