Author: Jabari Simama

Jabari Simama writes a regular column under heading Jabari Simama Speaks. He currently is the government and education columnist for Governing. He is a former educator and elected and public official. He is author of Civil Rights to Cyber Rights (2009). He’s also been a columnist for Creative Loafing, Southwest Atlanta Magazine, and a feature writer for Atlanta Magazine. He was born in Columbia, Missouri and lives in Atlanta, GA. He received a B.S. from the University of Bridgeport, M.A. from Atlanta University in African American Studies, and a Ph.D. from Emory University in American Studies. Contact him: jsimama@mindspring.com

it’s Racism–Stupid

Kamala Harris concedes the election for president. Kamala didn’t lose race for President because of the economy, failures of campaign or party. Americans must decide if they believe in democracy and are willing to fight for it beginning at home. It is 6:13 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, four days after Kamala Harris’ stunning defeat […]

Trump Shooting a Tragedy but not a Kumbaya Moment for Democrats

Democrats must define democracy in economic terms that appeal to middle and working class Last Saturday, a 20-year-old, registered Republican grazed the right ear of Donald Trump when he fired multiple rounds from an AR-style rifle. The shooting caused a minor injury to the ex-president, but at least one fatality. The shooter was killed on […]

Biden Blew Last Night’s Debate. What Democrats’ Next Move Should Be?

The president performed as badly as you’re going to see in modern times, but the Democrats still can win by replacing Biden with the ideal of the presidency as a symbol for Democracy June 28, 2024 The President performed poorly in the June 27, Presidential Debate in Atlanta, Ga at the CNN Studios. Valeria Ferraro […]

Tribute to Councilman John Sweet

For those of you who may have missed my poetic tribute to my mentor, the late Councilman John Sweet at his memorial service. Find my live performance, here. John Sweet Like Sugar My name is John SWEET, like sugar Not like an Embassy Not like music movements In the same key of life Sweet sugar […]

Time’s up Alisha–The Chickens Have Come Home to Roost!

Democratic Candidate Alisha Thomas Searcy for Superintendent of Education is a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing. The Queen of privatization of public education does not deserve the Democratic vote In the African American community, we have a saying: “Every brother ain’t a brother.” So, it is also true that every Democrat is not a Democrat. I […]

Does Stacey Abrams Really Have a Problem with Black Voters?

(PARTICULARLY MEN) The Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) is at it again raising questions about Stacey Abrams’ support among Black voters, particularly Black men. In the same article, the AJC presents Gov. Kemp as a candidate enjoying a heathy share of the Black vote at about 10 percent. Remember this is the same newspaper that had […]

Take Me to the Alley

The Worst Moment for Blacks in Oscar History

(L) Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Chris Rock Just as my family and I were about to turn off the 94th Academy Awards ceremony televised live on ABC, something happened that should lead to the permanent cancellation of all future shows. Will Smith walked up on stage during the live show and slapped the taste […]

C.T.: Prayer for the Living

Delivered by Jabari Simama at the Occasion of the Celebration of Life for C.T. Martin C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center May 15, 2021 Get up off your knees and open your eyes Do you see women sleeping beneath I-20 viaduct? Do you see the young men with whiskey lips on the bench in Doctors’ […]

CT Martin Joins Ancestors

The 84-year old long-serving member of the Atlanta City Council transcended this morning to join the ancestors. He was one of my best friends and always extended to me unconditional love. I will write more later about this gift to humanity and giant of a man who always spoke softly. May he RIP.