North Egypt News

Ziegler activist Bryan Howell says Gov. J.B. Pritzker has misused the term “racist” when his actions have left out the Black business community. 

Howell’s comments come as several high-profile leaders in the Black community have endorsed Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) over Pritzker. 

“Racism is one of the most abused topics throughout the political spectrum,” Howell told North Egypt News. “In fact, I would go as far [as] to say that politics has done more to perpetuate racism than any other aspect of American society. Even the simple act of voting in an election is an almost totally segregated proposition. We can see this process in action during most high-profile campaigns. Politicians spend an extraordinary amount of time and effort keeping prospective voters separated into neatly packaged blocs; the most common of which is race. Behind the scenes, however, conversations such as the ones between Pritzker and (former Gov.) Blagojevich provide undeniable proof that race is just another political tool that is manipulated to maintain a balance of power. To most politicians race only matters if it helps them get elected or pass a certain piece of legislation.” 

Howell warns the Black community not to believe politicians and be very discerning about what's happening in the community.

“Racism, as it pertains to employment and business ownership, is very difficult to prove," he said. "The disparities encountered in employment and business ownership can, more accurately, be accounted for by the difference in educational opportunities and simple living standards. Most substandard neighborhoods in the U.S., are populated, predominantly, by non-white races. It's no secret that the educational institutions, available jobs, and established businesses in these neighborhoods are substandard as well. Now, call me crazy, but from my vantage point, it would seem as if politicians are perfectly at ease with maintaining this status quo. Building a new low-income high-rise in a poor neighborhood might put a roof over your head but it isn't going to improve your education, provide you with a high-paying job, or end your dependence on social welfare programs. Why not build more low-income housing units in wealthier neighborhoods and put opportunity right outside your front door? The answer, of course, is politics. Don't be lied to. Politicians profile every single one of us every single day of the year and that is exactly why substandard neighborhoods persist in remaining substandard.”  

Howell is urging people of any race to recognize what is holding them back if they "feel or know you are being held back for whatever reason."

"In Illinois, particularly, the Democrat party has been in firm control for over 30 years. Every year they promise you a better life and every year you vote them into office with no significant difference in your quality of life. The main objective of life in the United States used to be independence. Now it's acceptable to be completely dependent on government regardless of how capable you know you are. No it isn't! The people you are electing are doing everything in their power to keep you dependent on them. If the people you vote for are, obviously, doing their best to keep you dependent on welfare then why on Earth would you keep voting for them? The big lie in politics is that all Republicans hate anyone who isn't white.”  

The activist added that the way to achieve real freedom and independence is a "rocky road," and noted that "There is no single formula that can guarantee you the life you've always dreamed of." But the "Illinois Democrat Party isn't even giving you the chance to begin walking down that path," while "Republicans are not going to let you die in poverty no matter what your favorite Democrat politician says." Howell delineated liberalism and conservatism saying that "Liberalism does everything it can to keep that Link Card in your wallet while conservatism wants to give you, at the very least, the opportunity to walk that path that creates millionaires." But individuals "are the main part of the equation." 

He said that he "can totally understand that some people, in these days, are forced to a life of crime in order to survive but does not support it and he never will. Howell reminded voters that they must realize what party was in control when crime over education was chosen. He stressed that "The Democrat Party in Illinois is not working for the poor. They've had 30 years to make a difference and you are still poor. So, tell me, what possible difference could be made if you voted Republican this year? Sadly, you will never know until you do it.” 

Howell said it all boils down to voters understanding that there are two people who control their life: "They are you and the person you voted for." If someone's life isn't quite going in the direction the person has always dreamed of, then, there are only "two people you can possibly blame." He further warned people: "You can be a voter or you can be a statistic. Trust me when I say this, being a statistic will not work in your favor. If you want to fight for something that will make a difference then fight for your access to education and jobs. The Democrats have failed you and Illinois for 30 years. Your next fight occurs on Nov. 8. You can maintain the status quo that has given you nothing or you can change it. It's your choice.”

Former ABC 7 reporter Charles Thomas said Democrats have been disrespecting the Black community for years by providing awful public services and passing over local politicians and businessmen. Thomas, a paid spokesman with the People Who Play By the Rules PAC which opposes Gov. J.B. Pritzker, criticized those who voted for Pritzker solely because he is a Democrat. 

Thomas said the Black community has been left out when it came to the distribution of licenses to sell legalized cannabis. “(Pritzker) out of whole cloth created a brand new industry, this cannabis industry, and he said there would be equity. Those are his words, equity. In other words, we were going to get 15 to 20 percent of all this business, which is a multibillion-dollar business, now. We got nothing,” Thomas said on The Brunch Bunch On 1390.

According to Prairie State Wire, Beverly Miles, who ran against Pritzker in the Democratic primary, also faulted Pritzker for the distribution of marijuana licenses. She said despite the toll the war on drugs took on the Black community, Pritzker gave recreational marijuana licenses in those communities to “rich white people,” disregarding the Black community and creating animosity.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) has also made an issues of the cannabis licenses.

“Gov. Pritzker for four years, 'equity, equity, equity,'" Bailey said at the Oct. 18 candidates' debate. "And he finally had his opportunity with the recreational marijuana dispensaries and he failed again. I'm out in the Black community – you probably saw me on Facebook a few weeks ago since you saw everything else – when I was walking with the Black community up and down the streets of Chicago and they were screaming foul because they can't get the licenses.”  

The comment came after WGN news anchor Tahman Bradley asked Pritzker why the Black community had been left out of the process. “Let's talk about equity and recreational use cannabis. The state's program went online in 2020. The first predominantly Black-owned craft grow house recently opened in the state. But Governor, since 2020, more than 340 licenses have been given out and only one has been given to a minority owner. Governor, when will you make good on your promise to diversify the lucrative cannabis industry?” Bradley asked.

In 2008, Pritzker was caught on tape by the FBI discussing with former Gov. Rod Blagojevich which Black candidates were “least offensive” to replace then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, before deciding on then-Secretary of State Jesse White, WTTW reported. The two also joked about former president Barack Obama’s mixed-race background. "You can argue he's, you know, he's got a lot in common with Obama, he's black and white. Ha. How stupid is that?" Blagojevich said. Pritzker can be heard chuckling on the audio. "That's good," Pritzker said, praising Blagojevich for the racial joke. "That's good.” He also is heard reassuring Blagojevich, “You don’t have to put an African-American in that spot” if he were to appoint Jesse White. 

Blagojevich was later sentenced to 14 years in prison for trying to monetize the selection.