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THE URGENCY OF INTERRACIAL SOLIDARITY IN A DIVIDED NATION  
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Brenda Victoria Castillo and Marc H. Morial
January 18, 2025
Common Dreams
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_ By pitting Black and Brown communities against each other, shadow
actors promote the false notion that democracy and equality are in
competition with each other, rather than shared objectives. _

, Chris Gazaleh, Trust Your Struggle

 

In this polarized moment in America, where disinformation fuels
division and mistrust, the stakes for our communities could not be
higher. Systemic inequalities continue to affect Black and Brown
populations disproportionately, yet harmful narratives often pit our
growing communities against one another, diverting attention from
shared struggles.

The need for unity is not new, but today it is especially urgent.
Politicians and pundits have long exploited tensions between Black and
Brown communities, often framing them as competitors in a zero-sum
game for resources, jobs, and political influence. During the 2024
election cycle, it became nearly impossible to turn on the television
or scroll through social media without encountering rampant
information fraud. Led by the far right and bolstered by political
allies, shadow actors, and extremist groups, this movement gained
national momentum with the “birther” conspiracy targeting former
U.S. President Barack Obama. That was only the beginning.

Over time, the lies grew more bizarre and targeted—accusing Haitian
immigrants of eating pets
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even infiltrating weather reports, with claims that the government
was creating hurricanes to target Republican voters
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These lies were not only absurd but also devastatingly effective in
fostering a culture of division, racism, and violent rhetoric that
harmed marginalized communities across the country.

In response to the ongoing threat of information fraud and a lack of
information education, our organizations have called on Black and
Brown communities to embrace intersectionality and cross-racial
solidarity as tools to combat deception.

Black and Brown communities are particularly vulnerable to targeted
information fraud campaigns, especially on social media. Despite being
factually unfounded and blatantly racist, these tactics have shown
their effectiveness. Recent polls indicate that extremist ideologies
gained traction among Black and Latino voters
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By pitting these groups against each other, shadow actors promote the
false notion that democracy and equality are in competition with each
other, rather than shared objectives.

The high stakes for failing to unite are as much political as they are
cultural. Both Black and Latino communities are growing forces in
American politics, with immense potential to shape elections, policy,
and public discourse. In recent years, we have seen how both groups
mobilize to demand justice—from the Black Lives Matter
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advocacy for comprehensive immigration reform. Yet without solidarity,
the potential for meaningful change is significantly diminished.

Consider the fight for voting rights. Restrictions on voting access
disproportionately impact both Black Americans and Latinos
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yet efforts to combat these injustices often occur in silos.
Similarly, debates over resources for schools, affordable housing, or
healthcare too often devolve into blame games rather than coordinated
demands for systemic reform. The far-right has skillfully exploited
these fissures, promoting narratives that suggest Black and Brown
communities are at odds over issues like affirmative action, policing,
or economic opportunities.

Now, in a post-election United States, we know building stronger
coalitions requires a commitment to equity, truth, and intentional
dialogue. We must create spaces to address historic grievances, foster
mutual understanding, and work toward collective goals.

To get there, we need to understand that the media also plays a
critical role. Too often, stories about Black and Latino communities
focus on conflict rather than collaboration. These skewed narratives
reinforce stereotypes and undermine efforts at solidarity.
Highlighting shared struggles and successes instead of conflicts can
help bridge divides and foster unity.

Solidarity does not come easy. Centuries of systemic oppression and
cultural erasure have left deep scars that cannot be healed overnight.
But solidarity does not require erasing differences; it requires
acknowledging them and finding common ground in the pursuit of
justice.

In response to the ongoing threat of information fraud and a lack of
information education, our organizations have called on Black and
Brown communities to embrace intersectionality and cross-racial
solidarity as tools to combat deception.

Solidarity, collaboration, and diversity are at the heart of every
successful social justice movement. Like a New Orleans gumbo or a
Mexican pozole, collaborative efforts are stronger and more innovative
than the sum of their parts. By rallying around a shared message that
rejects deception at its source, we can safeguard both the integrity
of our democracy and the future of our country.

_Brenda Victoria Castillo is the president and CEO of the National
Hispanic Media Coalition._

_Marc H. Morial is the president and CEO of the National Urban League.
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_Common Dreams is a reader-supported independent news outlet created
in 1997 as a new media model. Our nonprofit newsroom covers the most
important news stories of the moment. Common Dreams free online
journalism keeps our millions of readers well-informed, inspired, and
engaged. We are optimists. We believe real change is possible. But
only if enough well-informed, well-intentioned—and just plain fed up
and fired-up—people demand it. We believe that together we can
attain our common dreams_

* Intersectionality
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* Solidarity
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