Young Black Americans attending the Roots Picnic music festival in Philadelphia spoke out against President Biden and expressed discontent with both major presidential candidates.
According to a report by The Washington Post, around thirty young Black voters shared their views on the current political landscape during the weekend festival hosted by hip-hop group The Roots.
Most interviewees indicated a lack of support for President Trump but also expressed dissatisfaction with President Biden. William Carter, a 21-year-old resident from Rochester, New York, highlighted the difficulty in voting, citing Biden’s age and Trump’s perceived racism as significant concerns.
Traditionally a stronghold for the Democratic Party, recent polls have shown a shift in Black voter support. CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten noted a doubling of Trump’s support among Black voters since the 2020 election, potentially impacting the outcome of the 2024 presidential race.
While some Black celebrities, such as rapper 50 Cent, have acknowledged a growing affinity for Trump among African American men, The Post’s survey at the Roots Picnic primarily highlighted discontent with Biden rather than support for Trump.
Interviewees criticized both candidates, with many expressing disillusionment and describing them as “liars” and “dirty.” Some, like 25-year-old Brianna Jerome, expressed tentative support for Trump due to his perceived honesty, while others, like Ty Thompson from New York, rejected Trump entirely.
Shanaya from Minneapolis condemned both Biden and Trump for deceiving the Black community, emphasizing the importance of exercising the right to vote despite uncertainty about candidate choices.
Overall, the sentiments expressed by attendees at the Roots Picnic underscore a broader dissatisfaction with the current political landscape and a search for alternative options, such as considering third-party candidates like Robert Kennedy Jr., as highlighted by HR worker Iyana Galloway.