In this episode our Hosts Dr. Rita and Diane Little welcome our guest, Michael posits that the Democratic Party is always in crises, by its inclusive nature, because it tends to fold within it, the crises of the communities it attempts to represent. We review the variety and intent of Caucuses: their history, purpose and relevance: the Black caucus, African American Caucus, Women's Caucus, Young Dem's Caucus, Rural Caucus, County caucuses, and district caucuses, etc.

We identify a breakdown in the intent and the trust in the relationship between caucuses and the Democratic party. Caucuses were born to inform the party of the issues among voters in exchange for the party's commitment to addressing these issues. Bringing issues to the party would strengthen the party because the solutions would strengthen the communities. Instead, today, it seems that identity politics has proliferated the diversity of caucuses who pull the party in multiple directions--weakening it, not strengthening it. What's missing is a building of collective will beyond the individual agendas--so the party can move beyond priority-setting to building collective will.

Today's guest is Michael Lawson. Michael is Originally from Brooklyn New York. He moved to Queens some years later. For the last 33 years Michael has lived in Charlotte NC. And has been a true leader and innovator in Charlotte Democratic politics. He has served as: The President of the Democratic Party's African American Caucus for Mecklenburg county. The 8th district Dem chairperson, a former State Executive Committee member for 10 years, and currently serves in his favorite role as the Democratic Chairman for Precinct 4 in Charlotte NC.

Michael has taught media literacy at the North West school of the
Arts for nine years and at Johnson C Smith University in Charlotte, NC. For the last 13 years, Michael has Hosted a blog Talk Radio Show called "The Last Word" (pre-dating the show on MSNBC) a weekly Political Talk Radio Show on Fridays, 3-6 pm on www.blogtalkradio.com. The show covers more than Political Talk it covers the gambit, from Politics, Education, Health Care, Sports, Music and the Movies, most any and everything.

Michael is married to Penny a wonderful lady. for 44 yrs. He has 2 daughters who have given him 3 grandsons. Michael Lawson is considered a Fierce advocate for democracy.

Resources:
Black Caucus website
African American Caucus, North Carolina Democratic Party website
Michael Lawson's podcast

Episode Originally recorded on March 19, 2024.

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