Political movements are multifaceted and constantly evolving, forming certain beliefs and ideas about how a political campaign and its work should be realized. The phenomenon of the rainbow coalition is part of political activism because it has an explicit purpose and combines multiple cultural experiences. The Rainbow Coalition may be possible in the United States, but it requires a change in leadership structure and a strengthening of cross-cultural relationships.
The Idea of the Rainbow Coalition
The Rainbow Coalition idea now refers to multiracial and anti-racist alliances that choose to work toward equality as their agenda. The phenomenon was named in 1969 when Fred Hampton founded the union to counter social factors such as poverty, racism, cruelty, and corruption (Middlebrook, 2019). The coalition’s goal was to change society and transition to a socialist democratic order in which white supremacy would end (The first Rainbow Coalition, 2020). The Rainbow Coalition sought to convey the radical socialist ideas preached by people of color, but the public did not receive this (Middlebrook, 2019). Despite the success of negotiations to end violence in several conflicts, we cannot speak of the coalition’s success (The first Rainbow Coalition, 2020). Jesse Louis Jackson is now effectively using rainbow coalition ideas as part of another Rainbow/PUSH alliance. The legacy of the coalition continues to live on, expressed through numerous unions and civic, non-profit organizations seeking racial equality and reducing violence among people of color.
Rainbow Coalition Today
The anti-racist agenda continues to be actively promoted in film, culture, and media. The political arena never ceases to be a battleground in which racial conflict remains a hot-button issue, especially in the context of pronounced racist tendencies by some figures. Even though the U.S. is a multi-ethnic country with ethnically complex race relations due to white supremacy and a history of slavery, the level of racism and violence remains high. Rainbow coalitions are needed now more than ever in America if the country is to succeed in proving its status as the most accessible country.
For rainbow coalition movements to emerge in the U.S., the conditions must be in place to work effectively. Above all, a horizontal space in which attention is given equally to all participants in the movement is required. This will ensure that the organization can create many strong leaders who will play a role in the implementation of political activities. In addition, an important aspect is the involvement of state authorities (police or administration) in its work, even through cooperation. It is important to note that this process is voluntary and a two-way beneficial relationship based on trust and commonality of ideas, not corruption. The Rainbow Coalition is a U.S. opportunity to manage poverty and violence in neighborhoods dominated by people of color. Disadvantaged neighborhoods continue to exist, and the government must take responsibility for controlling the situation. Integrating the Rainbow Coalition into the Senate would greatly ease the U.S. burden of managing racial disadvantage and eliminate or reduce the adverse effects of demographics on quality of life.
Conclusion
Thus, the Rainbow Coalition is a set of political ideas expressed in a movement against racism and violence against people of color. Coalition supporters speak out against poverty, corruption, and arbitrariness undermining public safety and quality of life. A rainbow coalition is now possible in the United States if there is horizontal leadership, governance, and state support. Introducing the coalition and its ideas into the Senate could make life much easier for people of color.
References
Middlebrook, J. A. (2019). Organizing a rainbow coalition of revolutionary solidarity. Journal of African American Studies, 23, 405-434. Web.
The first Rainbow Coalition. (2020). Independent Lens: PBS.