Where Blacks Live Has Taken Away Black Voting Power in San Antonio
With the upcoming elections of the Mayor, City Council, and the heavily debated Prop A alongside the controversial changes it proposes the Black vote will not be heard. Decriminalizing marijuana, abortion, and the addition of lower-level crimes to become cite and release, many would like to have their voice heard. However, our community will have the least say. 6.5% of Blacks reside within city limits but most of the Black population does not ‘technically’ reside in San Antonio for them to vote in city elections.
San Antonio has long been cited as one of the most segregated cities in the country, with high poverty rates and low education outcomes particularly prevalent in the Hispanic and Black communities. There has been economic and racial separation, a lack of resources and significant underfunding of minority communities. Since the 2000’s, the Black population in San Antonio has seldom reached above single digits. According to the 2022 U.S. Census Bureau data, 6.5% of African Americans reside in San Antonio and unlike our neighboring municipalities where most of the ‘San Antonio black community’ resides, we must acknowledge the history, statistics, and the actions in which tell us the sad truth: The black vote in San Antonio is insignificant.
Surrounding municipalities double and triple the amount of African Americans in San Antonio. Those municipalities include Converse (23.3%), Cibolo (18%), Schertz (12.2%), Live Oak (16%) and Kirby (12.6%). The historical black power the Eastside of San Antonio has is now a cavalcade of gentrification and where we still seek black representation —in all aspects—is now predominantly Hispanic and white. Our X, Y (Millennial), and Z generations of the black community have reserved their interest in living in San Antonio limits.
Many factors can explain this phenomenon of why African Americans don’t typically reside in San Antonio. Though, what has been shown in Census data, disparity studies, gentrification, and the actions of the city government for years, we have yet to realize that such will only continue until our presence is enough to directly affect the city of San Antonio in a significant manner. Whereas the presence of Hispanics (65.7%) and Whites (23.1%) are exceedingly considered in city involvement and improvement.
As the elections creep around the corner, we must acknowledge where the true black voting and economic power is located. As we should still embrace our history, referencing our future developments to the past and continuing tradition. Keep in mind that our personal decisions still affect the greater good of our society, even as little as where you live.
The May election proposes Proposition A, if you are eligible by your address to vote in the city elections we urge you to vote. Ensure your voice is heard.
